Creating A Stunning Dummy Wedding Cake

Dummy cakes are a great way to save money and still have a beautiful cake as a centrepiece for your wedding. Dummy cakes are made from Styrofoam blocks cut into the shape of a cake, usually round or square, and can be decorated with buttercream, fondant, or fresh flowers. Dummy cakes are often used for small weddings where a large tiered cake would be excessive, or for display purposes in bakeries and businesses. They can be stacked to create height and decorated with icing and flowers to look like a real cake. Making a dummy wedding cake yourself can be a fun and creative project that saves you money on your big day.

Cake dummies: Styrofoam blocks cut into cake shapes

Cake dummies are Styrofoam blocks cut into cake shapes, usually in round or square shapes, but other shapes are also available. The most common heights are 3 and 4 inches.

The main intention of styrofoam cake dummies is to replace a real cake. This is often the case for small weddings or other special occasions where the bride wants a large tiered cake but does not have enough guests to eat it all.

Using cake dummies can also be useful for cake entries in competitions, as it may take days to decorate an elaborate cake, and real cakes can spoil or be wasted. Dummy cakes are also used for display pieces in bakeries and businesses.

Using cake dummies can reduce the overall cost of the cake, as the cost of the dummy is usually less than that of a real cake. Cake dummies are generally inexpensive and can be purchased from local cake decorating supply shops or online.

When preparing cake dummies for frosting, you can cover them with buttercream, royal icing, or ganache in the same way as you would a normal cake. If you are using fondant, you may need to do some prep work to smooth out any tiny holes or lines on the styrofoam, as these can show through the fondant. You can use royal icing to fill in any dents or lines, letting it dry before covering the dummy with fondant.

If you are creating a double-barrel cake or a tiered dummy cake, you can stack two blocks of styrofoam together using hot glue. When smoothing the edges of the dummies before covering with fondant, you can use a rolling pin to rub the edges and make them rounded.

When assembling a tiered dummy cake, the real cake underneath will require dowelling or support, but the dummy cake on top does not need any internal structure as it is hard.

You can store undecorated cake dummies anywhere that is clean, but decorated dummy cakes may need to be covered to protect them, especially if you live in an environment with pests.

To reuse a dummy block, simply scrape off all the icing and wash it thoroughly. Let it air dry completely before storing it for future use.

Frosting: Buttercream, fondant, or royal icing

Frosting is an important part of any cake, and there are several options to choose from. Here is a detailed look at three of the most popular types of frosting: buttercream, fondant, and royal icing.

Buttercream

Buttercream is a combination of butter and sugar whipped together to create a smooth and spreadable texture. It is a popular choice for wedding cakes as it is stable, great for filling and layering, and keeps well at room temperature. It also has a smooth finish and holds its form and shape when piped. Additionally, it contains 50% less sugar than normal buttercream and fondant. Buttercream is a good option if you want a softer, more relaxed look for your cake. It provides a silky backdrop to other decorations and is easy to mix and blend different colours. It is also a good choice if you want to add flavours to complement your cake, as it can take on a variety of flavours, such as light citrus or tangy cream cheese. Buttercream has a much lighter texture than fondant, making it easier to cut or bite through. However, it doesn't have the same structural properties as fondant, so it may not be suitable for more complex cake designs.

Fondant

Fondant is made by combining powdered sugar, water, and glycerine to create a paste that can be rolled thinly. It is a popular choice for wedding cakes, especially for those seeking a traditional look. Fondant can be a brilliant white, but it is also versatile and can be used for modelling, making it ideal for vibrant novelty cakes. Fondant has a rubbery/leathery texture and can maintain its appearance if handled and stored correctly. However, it can be affected by heat and moisture, so it is important to store fondant-covered cakes in a cool, dry place. Fondant is also quite heavy, so it is important to consider the type of cake underneath. A denser cake, like madeira sponge, is ideal for fondant as it can support the weight. Fondant also takes bright colours well and can be mixed to create different shades. However, it is difficult to work with and requires experience to achieve a neat and intentional look.

Royal Icing

Royal icing is made with egg whites and sugar and quickly dries and hardens. It can be used to create a variety of decorations for cakes, cookies, etc. While it is not commonly used to cover cakes in the US, it is often used in the UK. Royal icing can be smoothed with sandpaper to create a very smooth finish. It can also be flavoured, such as with clear vanilla extract or almond extract. However, it is important to note that royal icing is very hard and may be difficult to cut or bite through.

Design: Flowers, ribbon, and other decorations

Flowers, ribbon, and other decorations can be used to create a stunning and elegant design for your dummy wedding cake. Here are some tips and ideas to enhance the overall aesthetic of your cake:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used to add a touch of elegance and colour to your cake. You can choose flowers that complement your wedding theme or colour scheme. For a more natural look, opt for fresh flowers, while silk flowers are a great alternative if you want to create your cake ahead of time.
• Ribbon: Ribbon can be used to wrap around each layer of the cake, adding a touch of sophistication. Choose a ribbon colour that matches your wedding theme, or go for a classic option like ivory or white. You can also add a bit of sparkle with a rhinestone-embellished ribbon.
• Other Decorations: There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating your dummy wedding cake. You can use gum paste flowers, which come in a variety of colours and can be airbrushed or cut apart to create custom clusters. You can also create loops with coloured ribbons and glue them behind the flowers to add depth and separation from the cake. For a unique look, consider using fabric to cover the bottom layer of your cake, tricking the eye into thinking the remaining layers are real cake.
• Colour: Painting your cake layers with soft colours like pink, blue, or white can create a subtle and elegant effect. You can also mix paint with pearl to add a subtle shine.
• Texture: Adding texture to your cake can create a unique and modern design. You can use a disposable pastry bag and tips to add ruffles, swags, or other decorative elements, just like you would on a real cake.
• Cake Toppers: Top your cake with a personalised wedding cake topper, such as a monogram, a couple's names, or a rustic wooden topper with the couple's names and wedding date.

Assembly: Stacking and attaching tiers

The assembly of a dummy wedding cake involves stacking and attaching the tiers to create a stable and visually appealing structure. Here are some detailed instructions for this process:

• Prepare your workspace: Ensure you have a clean and spacious area to work on. Gather all the necessary tools and supplies, including your cake dummies, icing, decorations, and any other materials needed.
• Base icing: Apply the base icing to the cake dummies that require it. This will create a smooth and uniform surface for the rest of the decorations. You can use a spatula to spread the icing evenly.
• Stacking the tiers: Start with the largest tier as your base and gradually stack the smaller tiers on top. You can use pillars or separators between the tiers for added height and stability. Ensure that each tier is centred and level before proceeding.
• Attaching the tiers: There are several methods to attach the tiers together securely. You can use royal icing, hot glue, or dowel rods/bubble tea straws. If using icing or glue, apply a generous amount between each tier and hold them together until they are firmly attached. If using dowel rods or straws, insert them through the centre of the cake for added support.
• Decorating the cake: Once the tiers are stacked and attached, you can begin decorating the cake. You can use flowers (fresh or artificial), ribbons, fondant, or any other embellishments of your choice. Get creative and use a combination of these elements to create a stunning design.
• Final touches: After the cake is decorated, you may want to add any final touches, such as a cake topper or additional embellishments. Ensure that all the decorations are securely attached, and your dummy wedding cake is ready for display!

Finishing touches: Adding a cake topper

Now that you have your faux wedding cake, it's time to add some final touches to make it truly stunning. Here are some ideas for cake toppers that will give your cake that extra wow factor:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used to add a touch of elegance and colour to your cake. You can choose flowers that match your wedding theme or colour palette.
• Ribbons: Wrapping a ribbon around the base of each layer or using it to create a bow on the top tier can add a delicate and romantic touch to your cake.
• Rhinestones: A rhinestone sheet with a faceted surface and a metallic foil back can be cut and glued to your cake, giving it a glamorous and sparkling effect.
• Personalised Cake Toppers: You can find a wide variety of personalised cake toppers on Etsy, such as monogram cake toppers, custom couple cake toppers, or rustic wedding cake toppers. These can add a unique and special touch to your cake.
• Greenery: Small greenery sprigs or leaves can add a natural and whimsical touch to your cake. You can combine them with flowers or other decorations for a beautiful effect.
• Gold Accents: Using gold cake toppers, such as a gold monogram or a gold-accented floral topper, can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your cake.
• Artificial Fruit: Artificial strawberries, cherries, or other fruits can be used as cake toppers, adding a touch of colour and a playful element to your cake.
• Cake Stands: Using a unique cake stand can enhance the overall presentation of your faux wedding cake. You can find various styles, such as round, square, or tiered cake stands, to complement your cake design.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to cake toppers. You can mix and match different elements or create something entirely unique to you. Get creative and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions