Let me start by saying, these gothic cake toppers are a game-changer for themed parties. I used them on a dark chocolate cake for my best friend's 'moody vintage' birthday, and wow—they transformed a simple dessert into a centerpiece.

The purple roses have this velvety richness that catches light beautifully, while the black ones add depth. What surprised me most was how sturdy they were—no wilting or bending even next to flickering candles. The butterflies stayed put at jaunty angles, like they'd just landed.

Pro tip: I dipped the white sticks in edible gold dust instead of painting them. When the cake was sliced, the toppers lifted out cleanly with no residue—huge plus for food safety.

Yes, they're lightweight (not flimsy—there's a difference), which actually helped balance the cake's structure. For under $15, these delivered drama way beyond their price tag. My only wish? Maybe one extra large statement rose in the set.

Final verdict: If your aesthetic leans dark romantic or vintage goth, these are worth their weight in black fondant. Just store them flat—those butterfly wings like to tangle!