Creating A Faux Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a fake wedding cake is a great way to save money without sacrificing elegance. Faux cakes are usually made from styrofoam discs, which are decorated with fondant, spackling, joint compound, and other embellishments to resemble a real cake. They are perfect for photoshoots, events, or even as a display cake during a wedding.

The process of making a fake wedding cake involves stacking styrofoam discs, applying a base layer of icing or spackling, and decorating with flowers, ribbons, or other decorative elements. Some people even add a small piece of real cake for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

With a bit of creativity and effort, anyone can create a beautiful and realistic faux wedding cake that fits their budget and style.

Choosing the right materials

Cake Base

The base of your fake wedding cake will serve as its structural support, so it's important to choose a sturdy and stable material. Options include:

• Floral foam discs: These can be stacked on top of each other using hot glue to create the desired height for your cake.
• Styrofoam: This is a popular choice as it is lightweight and easy to work with. You can purchase pre-cut cake forms or cut the Styrofoam to your desired shape and size. Look for EPS, recycled foam, or sheet foam.
• Cardboard: A simple and affordable option, cardboard can be used as the base for your cake, especially if you plan to cover it with other materials.

Icing/Frosting

To create the illusion of icing or frosting, you can use a variety of materials, including:

• Spackling: Lightweight spackling can be applied to the cake base to give it a textured, frosting-like appearance. You can find this at your local hardware store or the Dollar Store.
• Joint compound: Similar to spackling, joint compound can be spread over the cake base using a spackling knife. Allow it to dry completely before decorating.
• Plaster: Some people prefer using a harder plaster material for a smoother finish. You can use joint compound or Spackle instead if you prefer a harder finish.
• Sturdy icing: If you want to use actual icing, choose a sturdy, non-edible variety that will hold up well. Avoid wasting money on high-quality, edible icing as it is not necessary for a fake cake.

Decorations

The decorations you choose will depend on the overall style and theme of your wedding. Here are some options:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used to decorate your cake. You can attach them using hot glue or by inserting the stems directly into the cake base.
• Ribbon: Wrapping ribbon around the base of each layer can add a touch of elegance. You can also create loops or bows with the ribbon for a more decorative look.
• Rhinestones: Rhinestone sheets or individual rhinestones can be glued onto the cake for a touch of sparkle.
• Paint: Painting your cake with acrylic paint can give it a more finished appearance. Choose a colour that complements your wedding colour palette.
• Fondant: Fondant can be used to cover the cake base and create a smooth, polished look.
• Greenery: Artificial or fresh greenery can be added to your cake for a natural, whimsical feel.

Creating the structure

Materials:

First, gather your materials. You will need a few essential items to create the structure of your fake wedding cake. These include:

• Styrofoam discs or rounds: These will form the tiers of your cake. You can purchase pre-cut cake forms or cut the styrofoam to your desired size and shape.
• Floral foam discs: These are used as a base for the styrofoam tiers and can be glued together to create the desired height for your cake.
• Glue: Use hot glue or styrofoam glue to attach the floral foam discs and stack the tiers of your cake.
• Joint compound or spackling: This will be used to create the "frosting" for your cake. You can also use plaster or lightweight spackling.
• Paint: Choose acrylic paint in your desired colour to mix with the joint compound or spackling. This will give your "frosting" colour and a brighter finish.

Assembling the Structure:

Now, let's assemble the structure of your fake wedding cake:

• Start by placing one of your floral foam discs on a flat surface. Apply hot glue to the centre and stack another floral foam disc on top. Repeat this step until you reach the desired height for your cake.
• Prepare your "frosting" by mixing the joint compound or spackling with acrylic paint in a disposable mixing bowl. You can adjust the colour by adding more paint or spackling until you achieve the desired shade.
• Use a plastic knife or a disposable pastry bag to apply the "frosting" to your cake. Don't worry about creating a smooth finish, as the texture will make it look more like real frosting. Set the "frosted" cake aside to dry for 24-48 hours.
• Once the "frosting" is dry, you can begin assembling the tiers. Use styrofoam glue to attach the individual styrofoam tiers to each other, making sure they are centred and stacked securely.
• If you want to add real cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, simply cut out a small piece of styrofoam from one of the tiers and line the area with butcher paper before placing the real cake.
• To enhance the structure and stability of your cake, consider using pillars between the tiers for a more dramatic look.

With these steps, you'll have a sturdy and beautiful structure for your fake wedding cake, ready to be decorated!

Adding the 'icing'

Adding the icing to your fake wedding cake is a fun and creative process. You can use a variety of materials to achieve the desired look, from store-bought frosting to spackling compound or even plaster. Here are some detailed instructions to help you add the icing to your fake wedding cake:

Preparation:

Before you start icing your cake, make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as styrofoam discs, hot glue, a glue gun, a spatula, and any decorative elements you want to use. If you plan to use spackling compound or plaster, make sure you have a mixing bowl and a disposable spatula or knife.

Icing Options:

Option 1: Store-Bought Frosting

If you want a quick and easy option, you can use store-bought frosting to ice your fake wedding cake. Choose a sturdy frosting that is not meant for eating, as it will be more cost-effective and will adhere well to the styrofoam layers. Try to match the colour of the frosting to the real cake you will be serving, so that the fake cake looks as realistic as possible.

Option 2: Spackling Compound

Spackling compound can be used to create a textured, realistic-looking frosting effect. Transfer the spackling compound into a mixing bowl and add your desired paint colour. You can use acrylic paint or food colouring to achieve the desired shade. Mix the paint into the spackling compound until it is well combined.

Option 3: Plaster

For a harder icing material, you can use plaster. Mix the plaster according to the package instructions, keeping it a little thicker, similar to the consistency of icing.

Icing Techniques:

Once you have prepared your chosen icing material, it's time to start icing your cake!

Step 1: Base Icing

Use a spatula or knife to spread the icing onto the styrofoam layers. If you are using store-bought frosting, you can simply spread it onto the cake. If you are using spackling compound or plaster, apply it in small globes, creating a textured effect that resembles real frosting.

Step 2: Smoothing

After you have covered each layer with icing, use a straight edge or a scraper to smooth out the icing. Hold the scraper against the side of the cake while turning the cake on a turntable (if you have one). Repeat this process until the icing is as smooth as possible.

Step 3: Drying

Let the icing dry completely before moving on to the next steps. The drying time will vary depending on the material you have used. Spackling compound, for example, may take up to 48 hours to dry completely.

Step 4: Sanding (Optional)

If you want an extremely smooth finish, you can lightly sand the dried icing using fine-grit sandpaper. This step is optional but can help create a more polished look.

Step 5: Painting

Once the icing is dry, you can paint it with your desired colour. White is a classic choice for wedding cakes, but you can also choose a soft colour like pink or blue. You can use acrylic paint or food colouring to achieve the desired shade.

Step 6: Adding Texture

If you want to add texture to your cake, you can use a variety of techniques. You can pipe decorative swirls using a disposable pastry bag filled with spackling compound or plaster. You can also create ruffles, swags, or other designs using pastry tips and moulds.

Step 7: Decorating

Now it's time to decorate your cake! You can use fresh or silk flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or any other embellishments that fit your wedding theme. Simply glue your chosen decorations onto the cake using hot glue or another strong adhesive.

Final Thoughts:

Adding the icing to your fake wedding cake is a creative process that allows you to express your style and personality. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques to achieve the desired look. Remember, the most important thing is that you are happy with the final result!

Decorating the cake

Now for the fun part: decorating the cake!

There are endless possibilities for decorating your fake wedding cake. You can use a variety of materials such as fondant, spackling, joint compound, and other embellishments to make the cake look realistic and elegant. Here are some specific ideas and tips to help you get started:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used to decorate your cake. You can cut the stems and use hot glue to attach them to the cake, creating a whimsical and elegant look.
• Ribbon: Wrapping ribbon around the base of each layer and adding a bow can be an easy way to add colour and texture to your cake.
• Paint: You can paint your cake with acrylic paint to create a specific colour scheme or theme. For example, you could paint it to look like a piece of candy corn for Halloween.
• Rhinestones: Rhinestone sheets are a great way to add some bling to your cake. These adhesive sheets can be cut and stuck onto the cake, creating a sophisticated and glamorous look.
• Fabric: Covering your cake with fabric can be a unique way to decorate it. You can glue or sew the fabric onto the cake, choosing a material that complements your wedding theme.
• Wallpaper: Using wallpaper is another creative option for covering your cake. Spray paint it to add a metallic touch or leave it as is for a matte finish.
• Trim: Metal or pearl trim can be glued around the edges of each layer to add some shine and elegance.
• Greenery: Adding greenery stems and creating "bunny ears" at the top of your cake can give it a whimsical and natural feel.
• Stickers: Choose stickers that match your wedding theme to fill in any blank spaces on the cake. For example, leaf stickers could be perfect for a fall-style wedding.

Remember, this is your special day, so feel free to get creative and make the cake your own!

Displaying the cake

Displaying your fake wedding cake is all about creating a beautiful centrepiece for your special day. Here are some ideas for how to display your cake and make it a focal point.

Firstly, consider the cake stand. A simple, elegant cake stand can elevate your cake design and add a formal touch. Choose a stand that complements your wedding colour scheme and theme. You could opt for a traditional white stand or something more unique, such as a rustic wooden slab or a metallic stand for a modern twist.

Next, think about the cake's surroundings. You can enhance the display by adding decorations or props around the cake. For example, fresh flowers or greenery can add a romantic, whimsical touch. You could create a floral arch or backdrop behind the cake table, or simply scatter petals or place vases or jars of flowers around the cake. If you're having a themed wedding, you could incorporate other decorative elements, such as candles, lanterns, or even a fun backdrop with a slogan or your wedding hashtag.

If you want to add a personal touch, consider displaying some photos or mementos alongside the cake. This could be a collage of photos of the happy couple or a few special items that represent your relationship. It's a great way to add a unique, meaningful element to the display.

Finally, don't forget about lighting. Ensure the cake table is well-lit so that your beautiful creation can be admired by all. You could use fairy lights, candles, or even spotlights to illuminate the cake and make it shine.

Remember, displaying your fake wedding cake is all about showcasing your style and creativity. So, have fun with it and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Frequently asked questions