Creating A Faux Wedding Cake

A fake wedding cake, also known as a dummy cake, is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your decor while also being used as a prop for photography or events. They are usually made from styrofoam discs, which are decorated with materials like fondant, spackling, and joint compound to resemble a real cake. Faux cakes are becoming an increasingly popular option for weddings, as they are a fraction of the cost of a real cake, and can be made to last forever. This DIY project is perfect for those who want to save money on their special day without sacrificing elegance and creativity.

Using styrofoam discs as a base

Styrofoam discs are a great base for a fake wedding cake as they are lightweight and easy to assemble. You can buy styrofoam rounds of varying sizes and cut them to your desired shape and height. For a three-tiered cake, you will need three different-sized discs.

Once you have your styrofoam discs, you can begin to assemble your cake. Start by placing a couple of swipes of store-bought frosting on the cake board to act as glue for the base layer. Place the largest styrofoam disc on the board and press firmly to secure it in place. You can use parchment paper underneath the base cake to keep the board clean.

Next, frost the base layer and the remaining styrofoam layers individually with store-bought frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula and add texture as desired. You can also use a disposable pastry bag to add decorative swirls to your cake design. Once you are done frosting, set the layers aside to dry in a warm area for 24-48 hours.

After the frosting has dried, you can begin to decorate your cake. You can use a variety of materials to decorate your cake, such as fondant, spackling, joint compound, or embellishments like flowers, ribbons, or stickers. Get creative and choose decorations that fit the theme of your wedding.

If you want to add flowers to your cake, simply remove the stems and use the nubs to punch through the styrofoam. You can also use hot glue to secure the flowers in place. For a more elegant look, consider adding different colours of spackle to create the layers of a cake or using food colouring to tint the spackle.

With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can create a beautiful and elegant fake wedding cake using styrofoam discs as a base.

Decorating with fondant, spackling, and joint compound

Decorating a fake wedding cake is a fun and creative process. Here are some tips for using fondant, spackling, and joint compound to achieve a beautiful and realistic finish.

Fondant

Fondant is a sugar paste that is commonly used to cover and decorate cakes. It creates a smooth and elegant finish. While fondant is typically used on real cakes, it can also be used on fake cakes made from materials such as styrofoam. This adds a touch of authenticity to your faux creation. Fondant is available in various colours, or you can colour it yourself using food colouring. You can also use fondant tools, such as cutters and moulds, to create intricate designs and shapes.

Spackling and Joint Compound

Spackling and joint compound are versatile materials that can be used to create the look of cake icing. They are typically available at hardware stores and come in lightweight, paintable formulas. Spackling and joint compound can be tinted with acrylic paint to achieve the desired colour for your cake. Using a palette knife or spatula, apply the mixture to your cake form, mimicking the thickness and texture of real cake icing. You can create smooth or textured finishes, and even add decorative swirls and peaks. Allow the spackling or joint compound to dry completely before handling or adding further decorations.

Combining Materials

You can also combine fondant, spackling, and joint compound to achieve unique effects. For example, use fondant as a base layer to cover your cake form, and then add textured spackling on top to create a realistic icing effect. You can also use fondant to create intricate details, such as flowers or ribbons, and attach them to your cake using spackling as an edible "glue". Get creative and experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired look for your fake wedding cake.

Using a cake stand for staging

Choose a cake stand that complements your cake and overall wedding theme. Consider the size, colour, and style of the stand to ensure it enhances the visual appeal of your cake. You can opt for a simple, elegant stand or something more ornate and decorative, depending on your preference.

Think about the height of the cake stand. A taller stand can add drama and impact to your display, especially if you have a multi-tiered cake. It will also make it easier for guests to admire your beautiful creation from a distance.

Consider adding decorations to your cake stand. You can surround the base of the stand with flowers, greenery, or other decorative elements that tie in with your wedding colour palette and theme. Just ensure that any added decorations don't overwhelm the cake itself.

If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate the cake stand to match your cake. For example, you could use the same type of frosting or icing on the stand as you used on the cake, creating a cohesive and visually appealing display.

When positioning your cake on the stand, consider the overall balance and composition of the display. Ensure the cake is centred and secure on the stand, and pay attention to the negative space around it. You don't want the cake to appear too crowded or lost on the stand.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicality of using a cake stand. Ensure it is sturdy and stable enough to support your cake, especially if you're transporting the display to your wedding venue. A wobbly or unstable stand could lead to a disaster!

Painting with acrylics

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used to create a variety of effects and designs on your fake wedding cake. Here are some tips and instructions for using acrylics to achieve the best results:

• Choose the right type of acrylic paint: There are different types of acrylic paint available, such as high-flow, heavy body, and soft body. For painting a fake wedding cake, a soft body or heavy body acrylic is recommended as they are thicker and easier to work with.
• Prepare your work area: Acrylic paint can be messy, so cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including paintbrushes, water for rinsing, and paper towels for wiping.
• Colour selection: Decide on the colour scheme for your cake. Acrylic paints come in a wide range of colours, and you can also mix your own custom colours. If you want a pastel colour, add a small amount of white paint to your desired colour and mix well.
• Painting techniques: Start with a base coat and allow it to dry completely before adding any details or designs. You can use different brush strokes to create textures and patterns. For example, use a dry brush technique for a rustic look or thin the paint with water for a watercolour effect.
• Adding details: Once the base coat is dry, you can add intricate details such as flowers, swirls, or stripes. Use a small detail brush for precision. You can also mix acrylic paint with a piping medium to create icing-like decorations.
• Layering and highlighting: To create depth and dimension, use layering techniques. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next. You can also use a lighter shade to highlight certain areas and create a 3D effect.
• Protection and durability: After you have finished painting your cake, you may want to protect it with a sealant or varnish. This will help preserve your artwork and make it more durable. Choose a sealant that is suitable for use with acrylic paint and follow the instructions for application.

By following these steps and using your creativity, you can transform your fake wedding cake into a stunning display with acrylic paint. Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired look for your special day!

Adding flowers and other decorations

Flowers:

Flowers are a beautiful and popular choice for decorating your fake wedding cake. You can use fresh or silk flowers, depending on your preference and the overall look you want to achieve. When choosing flowers, consider varying the scale and texture to add interest and dimension to your cake. For example, you can use larger blooms as a focal point and then add smaller filler flowers and greenery to create a stunning floral arrangement.

Other Decorations:

In addition to flowers, there are numerous other decorations you can use to enhance your fake wedding cake:

• Ribbon: Wrap colourful or metallic ribbon around the base of each layer, adding a touch of glamour and elegance.
• Rhinestones: Adhesive rhinestone sheets can be cut and applied to the cake layers, creating a sparkling, faceted effect.
• Fabric: Covering the bottom layer of your cake with textured fabric can be an unexpected and unique design choice, adding both visual and tactile interest.
• Trim: Metal or paper trim can be glued around the edges of the cake layers for a sophisticated finish.
• Wallpaper: Using textured or dimensional wallpaper is a creative way to add pattern and depth to your cake design. Simply cut and apply it to the cake layers, and consider spraying it with metallic paint for an extra touch of glamour.
• Stickers: Decorative stickers, such as leaf stickers for a fall-themed cake, can be used to fill in blank areas and enhance the overall theme of your cake.

Placement of Decorations:

When adding flowers and other decorations to your fake wedding cake, consider placing them in the following areas:

• Between layers: Adding flowers or other decorations between the layers of your cake can help to cover any seams and create a cohesive look between the fake layers and the edible top layer.
• Top of the cake: The top of the cake is a perfect spot for a more substantial floral arrangement or other statement decorations, such as a cake topper.
• Sides of the cake: Decorations like flowers, greenery, or acorns can be glued or inserted into the sides of the cake, adding visual interest and a pop of colour.

Remember to use hot glue or toothpicks to secure your flowers and decorations to the cake, and always plan and test your floral and decoration choices before the wedding day to ensure they complement your cake design.

Frequently asked questions