I think that it depends on the type of flower as to whether they would wilt. I always have the florist prepare the flowers then I stick them in a posey pick and insert the pick into the cake.
Most flowers are toxic and shouldn't be placed directly on a cake (not to mention the pesticides that are sprayed on flowers). Flowers should also never be inserted directly into a cake. Yes they will probably wilt without some type of water source. I believe Wilton makes water picks for flowers.
Most florists are used to making toppers for cakes so all you have to do is put it on. Or if you are the one that needs to place the flowers on the cake, they will provide the flowers and usually have them in water so they are fresh before you place them. You can put them in those water picks florists have if they need to be put in the cake. It's something you can discuss with the brides florist or she can.
Have the florist do it. I did a wedding last year and I refused to put real flowers on the cake due to the risk of pesticides and chemicals that come with real flowers. Told the bride I dont use real flowers and she had the florist put them on. They stuck the stems in the cake and let it go at that. I still don't think that is a good idea, too much of a risk.
Most flowers aren't 'toxic'. Some are, but you have to eat them to get sick...of course I really haven't seen a lot of people chowing down on poison posies at many wedding receptions.
Also, Florists don't use flowers that are drenched in pesticides-- they don't have bugs on them either. Even if they did...you stand a better chance of getting run down by the wedding limo than getting sick from a piece of cake that a florist's rose has been resting on. Those little vials that hold water will keep them fresh if you must put them in the cake...and (whew) the cake won't be exposed to the stems!
People have been putting flowers on and in wedding cakes since wedding cakes were invented! I'm pretty sure if someone at the reception is leery of flowers they won't eat the cake.
If a bride wants flowers on her cake then she should have flowers on her cake. As a cake designer I would want to be the one to place the flowers on the cake...not the florist, though they should provide them.
I find it interesting that people are so concerned about this issue, yet won't think twice when a bride wants her cake outside for hours where wind, bugs, birds and who-knows-what can infiltrate it. I mean goodness...even a flower could fall on it! 
Thanks everyone.... I was thinking of wrapping the stems with some floral wire and floral tape, so that the actual stem wasn't exposed inside the cake, but I just spoke with the bride and she was planning on getting the flowers from Ace Hardware and just cutting them off the plant! She wants Hydrangeas, which are definitely poisonous if eaten so I'm going to try to convince her to use silk flowers, since you know the flowers will be COVERED in pesticides! Not to mention the bugs that will be hiding in all of those little petals! The last thing I'd want as a guest is to get a piece of cake with a bug making his new home in it!!!! AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
I agree...never ever heard of anyone getting sick form cake period....
Wedding cake related poisonings:
http://www.jstor.org/pss/3865791
http://www.suite101.com/content/spring-outbreak-of-cyclospora-in-sarnia-ontario-2010-a244817
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/360628?date=2011-04-15
http://www.noroblog.com/norovirus-watch/mystery-illness-sickens-guests-at-second-wedding/
http://www.startacateringbusiness.co.uk/accused-food-poisoning-wedding-guests-case-study.html
HTH
CC non-toxic fresh flowers article:
http://cakecentral.com/articles/78/list-of-non-toxic-flowers-for-garnishing-your-cake
Previous thread on using fresh flowers:
http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-392933.html
HTH
"Most flowers aren't 'toxic'. Some are, but you have to eat them to get sick...of course I really haven't seen a lot of people chowing down on poison posies at many wedding receptions."
The only thing I am saying is that yes we have done it for years, but people also used to wash kids mouths out with soap. With ALL the newly man made chemicals in things, I choose not to add to a bride's day. I understand people don't eat the flowers and it is just a preference. You shouldn't be chastized for giving your opinion on a subject.
Have you ever put real lilies on a cake? Let me tell you that the pollen that comes off the flowers do not come off of fondant and makes a mess. Just a preference...that's all.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%
