I'd like to use real ribbon on my cake as I've seen in so many beautiful cc photos. Borders, toppers.
A few questions though...

what kind of ribbon do I use/avoid?
how do I adhere it to the cake? I usually use a glue of water/disolved gumpaste.
any other advice?

Thanks in advance!

Jen

I like to coat my ribbon with shortening before putting on the cake. If you don't do this, sometimes the grease from the cake leaks into the ribbon in spots making it look splotchy. Ew.
Then I just adhere to cake with a few dots of icing. When you coat with shortening, just be warned that it may turn your ribbon a little darker in shade.

I have used wax paper and applied heat with an iron.

I like the ideas I'm seeing regarding attaching the ribbon. However, I do have to say that I prefer using wired ribbon because the bows always look so nice. Previously, I've just tucked the ribbon under the cake a bit and then put my border around the circumference and that continues to hold it as well. I guess it depends on the total look you're going for. In any event, I LOVE real ribbon v. fondant or gum paste.

hmm... thanks for the tips.... good to know.

Do you coat both sides of ribbon w/ shortening or just the side next to the cake?

And I have no clue how I would use wax paper and an iron.... can you explain further to this newbie!

Thanks again!

I coat both sides of the ribbon. Basically I just put shortening on my fingers and run the ribbon through it until it is coated.

If you let the cake crust well you can just put the ribbon on. I do it all the time. Never had a problem with spots on the ribbon. Have used all different kinds of ribbon. Whatever the bride brings me to match her colors.