Charging For Fake Wedding Cakes: A Pricing Guide

Fake wedding cakes are a great way to save money on your special day. They are usually made from Styrofoam covered in fondant or Perma-icing and can be customised to your preferences. While the top tier is usually real, the rest of the cake is wheeled away after the couple's slice and guests are served sheet cake. Fake cakes are significantly cheaper than real cakes, costing $300 or less compared to $300-$1500 for a real cake. However, they still take time and skill to decorate, so how much should you charge for a fake wedding cake?

Dummy cakes are cheaper because there's less prep time involved

Dummy cakes are cheaper because there is less preparation time involved. Dummy cakes are round Styrofoam moulds covered with fondant or Perma-icing. They do not need to be baked, so there is no baking time, no use of electricity or water, and no need for baking pans. Dummy cakes do not need to be torted (split into extra layers) or filled, which saves on the cost of the filling and the time it takes to make it. Dummy cakes also do not require internal supports, which saves on the cost of the materials and the time it takes to install them.

While the cost of the Styrofoam is similar to the cost of ingredients for a real cake, there is still time saved in not having to prepare, mix, bake, and level a real cake. Dummy cakes can be made earlier and do not need to be refrigerated, so there is more flexibility in the preparation timeline. Dummy cakes are also lighter, so they are easier to transport and set up.

Dummy cakes are often used as the top tiers of a wedding cake, which are traditionally saved for the couple to share and enjoy on their first anniversary. The dummy cake is removed, and guests are served sheet cakes. This way, the couple can still have the wow factor of a large, tiered cake without the cost and waste of a real cake of that size.

The general rule for pricing a dummy cake is to charge 75-80% of the full price of a real cake. However, some bakers choose to charge the same price for a dummy cake as they would for a real cake, as the cost of materials and the time spent decorating are similar. It is up to the individual business to decide how to price dummy cakes.

Dummy cakes are not torted or filled

The absence of filling and torting in dummy cakes also means that there is no need for internal support structures, which can be costly and time-consuming to install. Dummy cakes are often used as a cost-saving measure when customers want the appearance of a large tiered cake but do not need enough servings for their guests. While the decoration time and cost remain the same, the overall time and cost are reduced by the absence of torting and filling.

Dummy cakes don't need internal support

Dummy cakes, also known as cake dummies or fake cakes, are a great way to add height to a wedding cake without increasing the cost. They are made of Styrofoam and are shaped like a cake tier. Dummy cakes are often used when customers want the look of a large tiered cake but do not need as many servings for their guests.

One of the main benefits of using dummy cakes is that they do not need internal support. Unlike real cake tiers, dummy cakes do not need to be torted (split into extra layers) or filled, saving time and money. The absence of internal support also means that dummy cakes are more stable and sturdy than real cakes, making them ideal for adding extra tiers to a wedding cake.

When charging for a dummy cake, there is no standard pricing, and it is up to the individual business to decide on the cost. Some bakers charge the same price for a dummy cake as they would for a real cake, especially considering that the time and effort required to decorate a dummy cake are similar to those for a real cake. However, others choose to offer a discount, usually around 20-25% off the cost of a real cake, as there are some cost and time savings associated with dummy cakes. These savings include the absence of baking, filling, doweling, and cake boards, as well as reduced clean-up time.

Ultimately, the pricing of a dummy cake depends on various factors, such as the size, complexity of decoration, and the baker's skill and experience. It is important to consider the time and effort required to create and decorate the dummy cake, as well as the cost of materials, when determining the final price.

Dummy cakes are not baked, so there's no use of electricity or water

Dummy cakes, or fake cakes, are a great way to have a large, impressive wedding cake without the large cost. Dummy cakes are often made from Styrofoam and covered in fondant or icing. They can be custom-designed and are often used for the top tiers of a wedding cake, with sheet cakes served to guests.

Additionally, dummy cakes don't need to be torted or split into extra layers, and they don't need filling. This saves on the cost of ingredients and the time it would take to make and fill the cake layers.

While the decoration time and cost for a dummy cake may be similar to that of a real cake, the overall preparation time and costs are reduced. This is something to consider when pricing a dummy cake.

Some bakers choose to charge the same price for a dummy cake as they would for a real cake, especially if the dummy cake is custom-designed and decorated. However, others may offer a discount, usually around 20-25% off the full price, to reflect the reduced costs and preparation time. Ultimately, it is up to the individual baker to decide how to price their dummy cakes, taking into account the time and materials required.

Dummy cakes are often rented out, rather than sold

Dummy cakes, or fake cakes, are often rented out rather than sold. This is because they can be reused, whereas a sold cake would be a one-time purchase. Renting a cake is also a more affordable option for couples who want an extravagant-looking cake without the high price tag.

There are several cake-rental businesses online, where couples can select their desired cake, pay a deposit, and ship it back after their wedding. The cost of renting a cake depends on its size, weight, and design, typically ranging from $150 to $400. For example, a basic 2-tier cake rental starts at $50, with each additional tier costing $50. Custom orders can increase the price by at least $100.

While renting a cake can be a more cost-effective option, it's important to note that there may be hidden costs. For instance, couples will still need to purchase a small, real cake to cut and serve to their guests, as well as any sheet cakes to ensure there is enough for everyone.

Some bakers may also offer dummy cakes for sale, but this is less common. Bakers who do sell dummy cakes often charge around 80% of the price of a real cake, as there is still a significant time and material cost involved in creating and decorating them.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a dummy cake depends on the couple's preferences and budget. Renting can be a more affordable and convenient option, while buying provides the couple with a keepsake from their special day.

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