I am putting ribbon around the wedding cake and then those fake string pearls, ok I know, I HEAR EVERYONE GOING OMG.... shreek from the peanut gallery, but we do what we asked.... she was very specific about wanting every pearl perfectly sized, that was our option.... so forward we march... do I use piping gel or what??? any tips?

oh and it is being covered it white chocopan fondant

I'd just use a little bit of buttercream frosting with a #2 tip, I doubt it would take much to keep the pearls in place and using a small amount of frosting won't show up.

Piping gel may work, too, but I've never tried that.

Maybe this would help? http://www.earlenescakes.com/store/pearls.html
I think the Bead Maker mold might work for your purposes?
I think clear piping gel would work fine, I've used it for dragees on fondant.

Hope this helps!
~Yvette

what about RI? would the BC get grease on the ribbon?

I would think a small dab of BC, or royal icing , or possibly piping gel. I have done fondant pearls and was suprised at how well they stuck with either BC or a small piece of fondant melted with a small amount of water. I attatch ribbon to my cakes by some type of large headed pin.

Shelly

I always use piping gel, but it can get "goopy" if you use too much. HTH

piping gel

thanks for your help everyone, piping gel it was and it went well.. the cake was a leaner, but it was great learning a new tirck as always!