Creating A Faux Styrofoam Wedding Cake

Styrofoam wedding cakes are a great way to save money on your big day. They can be decorated to look like real cakes, and no one will know the difference! You can even have a small real cake for the happy couple to cut and eat, while the rest of the cake is styrofoam. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a beautiful, elegant styrofoam wedding cake that will fool your guests and save you money.

Sourcing the styrofoam

Styrofoam is a key material for making a fake wedding cake. It forms the structure of the cake and can be decorated to create the desired look. Here are some tips and options for sourcing the styrofoam for your project:

Specialty Kitchen or Craft Stores:

If you have specialty kitchen or craft stores in your area, they may be a good place to start your search for styrofoam cake forms. These stores often cater to niche needs and can offer a variety of sizes and shapes. However, their selection might be limited, so calling ahead to check their inventory is a good idea.

Online Retailers:

If you're unable to find what you need locally or prefer the convenience of online shopping, websites like Amazon and Etsy are excellent sources for styrofoam cake dummies. Amazon offers a wide range of options in different sizes, shapes, and tiers, making it easy to find what you need. Etsy, on the other hand, provides a more personalised experience with custom-made cake dummies and unique designs.

Local Suppliers:

Depending on your location, you might be able to find local suppliers or manufacturers who specialise in styrofoam products. They may offer cake dummies or custom-cut styrofoam to your desired specifications. This option is worth exploring if you require a large quantity or have specific needs.

Art and Craft Stores:

For smaller projects or single-tier cakes, you can also check art and craft stores. While they may not carry specialised cake dummies, they often have sheets or blocks of styrofoam that can be cut and shaped to your desired size. This option provides more flexibility but will require additional work to cut and shape the styrofoam yourself.

When sourcing styrofoam, consider the size, shape, and number of tiers you need for your fake wedding cake. It's always a good idea to measure twice and confirm the dimensions before purchasing to ensure your cake has the desired look and proportions.

Preparing the base

To begin constructing your fake styrofoam wedding cake, you'll need to start with a sturdy base. The base will support the weight of the cake and ensure it stands securely. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the base:

Purchase a cake drum or cakeboard:

The base of your fake wedding cake will be a cake drum or cakeboard. This will be the visible foundation of your cake. You can opt for a 14" white drum for a more formal presentation, as recommended by The Faux Martha. Alternatively, a cakeboard, which is essentially cardboard, can also be used. These can usually be found at specialty kitchen or craft stores, or online.

Prepare the base for stability:

Before attaching the styrofoam layers, you'll want to ensure the base is stable and secure. The Faux Martha suggests placing a couple of swipes of store-bought frosting on the cake drum or board. This will act as a "glue" to help adhere the styrofoam layers. You can also use styrofoam glue or hot glue for extra stability.

Attach the largest styrofoam layer:

Once the base is prepared, it's time to attach the largest styrofoam layer, which will serve as the bottom tier of your cake. Center this layer on the board and press firmly to secure it in place. You can also use tape to hold it in place while the "glue" dries.

Add parchment paper:

To keep the base clean while you work, The Faux Martha recommends adding strips of parchment paper underneath the base cake. This will help catch any excess frosting or decorations that may fall.

Frost the base layer:

Using store-bought frosting, begin to frost the base layer. Smooth the frosting using a spatula and add texture as desired. You can create a rustic finish by pulling a spoon horizontally around the cake, which will also help to hide any imperfections. Carefully remove the parchment paper scraps once you're finished.

With these steps, you'll have a sturdy and secure base for your fake styrofoam wedding cake. Now you're ready to start adding the additional tiers and decorations to bring your cake to life!

Assembling the layers

To assemble the layers of your fake styrofoam wedding cake, you'll need to start with the base layer. Place a couple of swipes of store-bought frosting on the cake drum or board to act as glue for the base layer. Take the largest styrofoam layer and press it firmly onto the board. You can use parchment paper underneath the base cake to keep the board clean.

Next, frost the base layer using store-bought frosting, including the top of the cake. Smooth it out and add texture as desired. You can use a spoon to create horizontal layers around the cake for a rustic finish, or use a spatula for a smoother look. Carefully remove any parchment scraps.

Repeat this process for all the remaining styrofoam layers, frosting each one individually. If you want to add any fresh flowers or other decorations between the layers, do so now, as it will help to cover up any seams and create a cohesive look.

Finally, using sturdy spatulas (and an extra pair of hands if possible), carefully stack the layers on top of each other, centring each cake as you go. Clean up any frosting mishaps, and carefully seal the seams between the layers by running a tiny spoon or piping beads along them.

Your fake styrofoam wedding cake is now assembled! You can add more decorations or flowers to the cake as desired. Just be sure to add any fresh flowers at least an hour before the ceremony so they have time to settle and look natural.

Decorating the cake

Now that you have your styrofoam layers glued together, it's time to decorate! The first step is to apply a base coat of paint to the cake. This will give your cake a clean and bright finish. You can use white paint or choose a colour that matches your wedding theme. If you want a more rustic look, you can also apply a layer of lightweight spackling or joint compound to the styrofoam with a spackling knife and let it dry overnight. This will give your cake a textured look.

Once your base coat is dry, it's time to add some colour. You can use acrylic paint in your chosen colours to create a unique design. For a Halloween-themed cake, you could paint each tier a different colour to look like a piece of candy corn. Or, for a more elegant look, you can use soft pink pearl paint and add some metallic accents.

Next, it's time to add some decorative elements to your cake. You can use fresh or silk flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or any other embellishments that fit your theme. Get creative and use a variety of materials to add interest and texture to your cake. For example, you can glue candy or small decorations to the cake with hot glue, or use a toothpick to make small holes for inserting flowers.

If you want to add some height and drama to your cake, you can use pillars between the tiers or add a cake topper. You can also use different sizes of styrofoam rounds to create a tiered effect.

Finally, don't forget the icing! You can use store-bought frosting or make your own sturdy cream cheese frosting. Choose a colour that matches your cake and use a spatula to smooth it over the styrofoam layers. You can also add some texture to the icing by pulling a spoon horizontally around the cake.

With these tips, you can create a beautiful and elegant fake styrofoam wedding cake that will fool your guests and save you money!

Adding the finishing touches

Once your styrofoam cake is assembled and decorated, you can add the finishing touches to make it look even more beautiful and realistic. Here are some ideas to take your fake styrofoam wedding cake to the next level:

Flowers

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations and can be used to add a touch of elegance and colour to your cake. You can use fresh or silk flowers, depending on your preference. If you opt for fresh flowers, add them to the cake about an hour before the ceremony to ensure they look their best. You can also use floral applications, such as gum-paste flowers, which can be cut and customised to create unique clusters.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be used to wrap around the base of each layer of the cake, adding a touch of elegance and softness to the overall design. Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme or the flowers you've selected. You can also use rhinestone sheets, which have a faceted surface and adhesive backing, to add some sparkle to your cake.

Paint

Painting your styrofoam cake can give it a more finished and polished look. White paint is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with soft colours like pink or blue. If you want a more rustic or textured look, you can use a variety of tools to create the desired effect. Painting your cake with acrylic paint in different colours can also help you achieve a specific theme, such as a Halloween or fall-style cake.

Stickers

Stickers are a simple and effective way to decorate your cake, especially if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option. For example, you can use leaf stickers for a fall-themed wedding or horror-themed stickers for a Halloween wedding. Custom stickers are also an option if you want something more personalised.

Additional Decorations

You can get creative with additional decorations to make your cake stand out. For instance, you can use candy, florals, and acorns for a unique and whimsical touch. Toothpicks can be inserted into the top of the cake to hold florals or other small decorations. You can also use a variety of decorative elements, such as a wedding couple figurine or ribbon loops, to add interest and dimension to your cake.

Remember, the finishing touches are all about customising your fake styrofoam wedding cake to match your vision. Get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas to achieve the perfect look for your special day!

Frequently asked questions