Full disclosure before you watch. This video was my first ever appearance on live TV. It was also the first cake I had ever iced in my life. Both at once. If you want the full dramatic series of events that led to this unfortunate moment, it's all on our Instagram.
I got through it. Just about. But you're a professional so I'd put money on you making this look a lot better than I did. Watch it for the technique, not for my nerves!
HOW A FLOWERING TIER CAN GROW YOUR CAKE BUSINESS
Here's the good news. Nothing about your process changes.
The Made With Flower BLOOMBase behaves exactly like a dummy tier would - no need for dowel support, same icing process, same finish but no plastic. And of course, a beautiful planet-supporting story for after the cake is cut.
That's the whole upsell, right there. You're adding a story your couples will remember, (and a reason to charge more for it thatn you would a polystyrene dummy).
WHAT YOU NEED
HOW TO DECORATE THE FLOWERING CAKE TIER
- I've used the panelling fondant method as I found it easier for beginners but all methods work here. The BLOOMBase is already smooth and primed but a layer of trex, piping gel or edible glue will help the fondant stick to the base. I used piping gel in this video, just because it was the hottest day of the year and I didn't fancy storing Trex in the car to the studio
- If you prefer to secure the dummy to your cake turntable - treat it like you would a polystyrene tier. Many cake professionals secure it with masking tape, double side tape - or in this video, a Prop Options Cake Compass. Use a pen to mark the holes, and pierce with a sharp implement. In the video, I'm using a gimlet and a chopstick to make the perfect size holes
- Roll fondant to your usual thickness and apply to the tier, smoothing our air pockets the same way you would on a sponge tier. (This is the bit that took me multiple attempts on camera. You'll manage it in one.)
- Trim and seal Trim excess at the base, smooth the seam, and polish with your smoother as usual.
- Finish and decorate Add your sugar flowers, hand-painting, texture work, or any decoration exactly as you would on any other tier.
- Each BLOOMbase comes with a pre-drilled central dowel hole to stack as normal. It does not require internal dowels for support, only for alignment.
WHAT TO TELL YOUR COUPLES
See our post on how cake designers can position premium wedding cakes and attract higher-value clients.
This is the sell moment, the part that helps you stand out in a crowd - not an afterthought. Each BLOOMbase comes with full planting and care instructions - clients also get directed to the Made With Flower Care page where we'll also be posting additional planting content and support.
For the special touch - we'd recommend providing a 6 inch cake box with a small Congratulations note, for the couple to take home. Don't forget to add your Instagram handle so that couples can share their results with you, on the day and for months to come as the flowers bloom!
