Can somebody please tell me if it is ok to put wires straight into your cake or do they have to go through straws or something?

I have the proper cake wires.

No, they shouldn't go directly into the cake. Inserting them into coffee stirrers or straws is a great idea.
Rae

Yah, what she ^^ said

See http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-632290.html

Thank you all for the help, didnt think it would be very hygienic but wasnt sure. Am learning so much from everyone on this site

Thankyou Shanter for the link