I have to set up a cake this afternoon, and the bride has left fresh flowers to go on top of the cake. Top tier is too small for any sort of floral foam, and she just wants the flowers set on top. So, can I do this at 3:30, if the party is at 5:00, or will they be wilted by then???

What kind are they?

I would think they would last that long. I would put parchment or something on top of the cake so the moisture from the flowers doesn't get on the cake.

Thanks! I believe she is using tiger lillies, here is the pic of what she gave me:

This is what you need.

http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E312C10-475A-BAC0-5D34A3D6D0BDDF27

Awesome! I have those! I guess I put 1 stem into each?

If it's a 6 inch top you should have plenty of room. I agree with using flower spikes if you have them or can get them quickly, but if the flowers are safe, you should be able to wash the stems well and poke them in the cake for stability. You might want to wrap the stems in white or green floral tape first. This will prevent the stem from coming in direct contact with the cake.

Thanks Everyone! Much appreciated!

Watch out for the stamens - I went to a wedding once where the girls all carried tiger lilly's and the color came off the stamens, it was on their dresses, hair and their noses from smelling the flowers!!!

Yes, I was going to mention the stamens too... most florists cut them off for weddings.. but make sure if they havn't... that you do.. because that pollen can drop on the cake too, and spoil the white of the fondant!!!

<...if the flowers are safe, you should be able to wash the stems well and poke them in the cake for stability...>

Flowers should *never* be poked into a cake!
I know by now you have already finished w/this set up for for any future knowledge what one can do is dampen a paper towel (or 1/2 of one OR use cotton) and wrap it around the stem, covering it w/plastic wrap. It will keep the flower 'watered/fresh' and keep any sap in the stem from getting on the cake.
No part of the flower should ever touch the cake.
Put wax or parchment paper down for the flower to rest on.

Ok, so here it is, and Thank-you to all who helped me with this! It wasn't as big a deal as I expected, just because of the flowers that had been chosen. I ended up wrapping the stems with floral tape, and placing them on a piece of wax paper.
So glad that is over with!!

beautiful job! We learn something with every project

Good job and congrats on your finished product.

Where in ON are you?

Thanks! I'm near Brockville.