Fresh flowers are less expensive than sugar, but may depend upon seasonal availibility. Quality may also be variable. There are limits to what may be suitable for cake decoration; Flowers that do well in larger arrangements, for example, may not be suited to smaller ones where stems need to be cut short and wired rather than immersed in water or oasis, and many flowers are toxic and therefore should not be used for cake decoration at all. A knowledgable florist will be able to advise you, and it is best to find out at the earliest possible stage to avoid disappointment.

Sugar flowers are relatively expensive because they are very time-intensive to make. They are also extremely fragile, which is part of their charm. You are not limited by season or colour, and flowers can be realistic or entirely fanciful. For something extra special, a spray or arrangement of handmade sugar flowers can add a timeless quality to your cake.

Chocolate flowers on chocolate-coated cake is probably the height of decadence. The paste is made with Belgian couverture chocolate and then can be moulded into exquisite flowers, such as roses.. certainly not the cheapest choice, but arguably the tastiest!