Just wondering if the shortening will absorb on the ribbon? If so
how do you pervent it from happening.

It will if you use a fabric ribbon. You could use a fondant ribbon instead. Or put clear contact paper on the back side. I read of one person greasing the whole ribbon beforehand. That will change the color slightly, but it will be even rather than splotchy.

Well it depends on the ribbon. Usually yes, it will get absorbed and look greasy. Some people line the back of the ribbon with packaging tape and just like mentioned above, some soak the ribbon in shortening--that way it will be even.

You really should use fondant ribbon any way. Food safety and all.

What is fondant ribbon? Can it be bought or do you just make it out of fondant. My customer wants ribbon on the cake in the middle of the cake with a bow tied. I just don't want the ribbon to soak up the shortening and look greasy. It is a wedding cake.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Just roll out some fondant and cut it in a ribbon-shaped strip. As for the bow, that can be made from fondant too. I'm sure there's a tutorial somewhere.

I strongly agree with Leahs. Fondant ribbon is basically a strip of fondant.