Creating A Convincing Semi-Fake Wedding Cake

A semi-fake wedding cake is a great way to save money on your big day without compromising on style. It involves creating a faux cake, typically made from styrofoam discs, and decorating it to look like a real cake. This can be done using materials such as fondant, spackling, joint compound, and other embellishments. The faux cake is then used as a display cake for photos or as part of the decor, while a real cake is served to the guests. This idea is not new and has been done in various ways throughout history, including during World War II when resources were scarce.

Using styrofoam discs as a base

Styrofoam discs, also known as dummy cakes, are a great way to create a semi-fake wedding cake. This method allows you to have a beautiful display cake that will last forever and won't melt, all at a fraction of the cost of a real cake. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a semi-fake wedding cake using styrofoam discs as a base:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need styrofoam discs in various sizes, such as 6", 8", 10", 12", and 14" rounds. These can be purchased pre-cut or you can cut them yourself from styrofoam sheets. You will also need materials to decorate the cake, such as fondant, spackling, joint compound, or other embellishments.

Step 2: Create the Base Layer

Start by placing the largest styrofoam disc on a cake board or drum, which will serve as the base of your cake. You can use a small amount of frosting or glue to secure the disc to the board. If you're concerned about mess, you can also place strips of parchment paper under the base cake to keep the board clean.

Step 3: Frost the Styrofoam Discs

Use a spatula to frost each styrofoam disc with spackling, joint compound, or another type of frosting. Don't worry about creating a smooth finish—a textured look can actually make the cake look more realistic. You can also use a spoon to create horizontal layers of frosting around the cake for a rustic finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Once the frosting on the styrofoam discs has dried, it's time to assemble the cake. Place the largest frosted disc at the bottom and carefully stack the smaller discs on top, using a small amount of frosting between each layer to secure them together.

Step 5: Add the Edible Top Layer

For the top layer of the cake, you will need a real cake that can be served to the happy couple and guests. Prepare a small cake, such as a 6" round, and frost it with edible frosting. Place the edible cake on top of the stack of styrofoam discs.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

Now it's time to decorate your semi-fake wedding cake! You can use fresh or silk flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or any other embellishments that fit your wedding theme and color scheme. Get creative and have fun with it!

Step 7: Enjoy Your Cake

Your semi-fake wedding cake is now ready to be displayed and enjoyed! It will make a beautiful centerpiece at your wedding and can be kept as a lasting memento of your special day.

Creating the 'frosting' with spackling and paint

Creating the frosting with spackling and paint is a fun and easy process. Firstly, grab a mixing bowl and spatula (these should be for crafting purposes only) and transfer a generous amount of lightweight spackling into the bowl. You can use joint compound or Spackle for your icing; a harder plaster material will give a smoother finish.

Next, add 3-4 tablespoons of your chosen paint colour to the spackling and fold it in, as if you were making cake batter. Depending on the desired colour, you may need to add more paint or spackling to adjust the shade.

Now, use a plastic knife to cover your cake with globs of the spackling mixture. Don't worry about creating a smooth finish; the texture of the spackling will make it look more like real frosting. You can also use a disposable pastry bag and piping tips to add decorative swirls and textures to your cake.

Once you are done frosting your cake, leave it to dry in a warm area for 24-48 hours.

Decorating with flowers and greenery

Flowers and greenery are a great way to add a rustic, natural look to your semi-fake wedding cake. They can be used to cover a cake, giving it a whimsical and rustic bouquet feel. You can use fresh flowers, silk flowers, or sugar flowers. Each option has its pros and cons, so consider your budget and preferences when deciding which type of flower to use.

Fresh flowers can be purchased from a florist or, if you're looking for a more cost-effective option, you can source them yourself. They will need to be applied to the cake just before serving, as they will start to wilt and may not last long against the icing. If you're using fresh flowers, be sure to remove them before serving, as some flower types may be toxic.

Silk flowers are a cost-effective option and can be purchased or made to match your exact requirements. They can be attached to the cake before serving, giving you more flexibility with timing. However, some people feel that silk flowers do not look as elegant as fresh flowers.

Sugar flowers are made from materials such as gumpaste and can be crafted by a baker to match your cake design. They are edible, so they can be left on the cake when it is served. However, they can be expensive, and some people find that they do not taste very nice.

When decorating your semi-fake wedding cake with flowers and greenery, consider the following tips:

• Use a mix of flower types and colours to create a vibrant and rustic look.
• Add unexpected elements such as figs, pears, or pistachio slivers to give a unique twist.
• Play with different textures and dimensions by using pressed or dried flowers and greenery.
• Match your flowers to your wedding colours for a cohesive look.
• Place your cake among flowers to create a stunning display that fits your garden-rustic aesthetic.
• Use flowers and greenery to cascade down the sides of the cake for a romantic and whimsical vibe.

Using a cake stand for display

Using a cake stand for your semi-fake wedding cake is a great way to elevate your display and make it more prominent. Here are some tips and ideas for using a cake stand effectively:

Select the Right Size

It is crucial to choose a cake stand that is larger in diameter than your cake. Opt for a stand that is 2-4 inches bigger than the base of your cake to ensure stability and ease of manoeuvring. For example, if your cake has a 10-inch base, go for a 12-inch stand.

Consider Weight and Material

Wedding cakes can be heavy, so ensure your cake stand is sturdy and can bear the weight. A flimsy stand may not be able to hold the cake securely. Consider using materials such as metal, wood, glass, or porcelain.

Think About Shape and Aesthetics

The most common shape for a wedding cake stand is a pedestal, which provides elevation and a classic look. If you have a multi-tiered cake, you may opt for a simple cake plate instead to avoid adding too much height. Consider a stand in solid colours like black, white, clear, metallic, or wood to complement your cake and overall wedding design.

Enhance the Event Decoration

Cake stands come in various colours, styles, and materials, allowing you to add a splash of colour and elegance to your display. Opt for a stand that resonates with your wedding theme and colour scheme. For instance, a gold cake stand can beautifully complement a blush cake, while a wooden stand suits a rustic wedding theme.

Create a Dramatic Size Illusion

A cake stand can make your cake appear taller and more prominent, especially if it is not a tall cake. Using a stand can add a luxurious and extravagant touch to your display.

Personalize Your Display

Get creative and add a personalised touch to your cake stand. You can fill the tubes of a multi-layered stand with faux flowers, LED lights, or other decorations that match your wedding theme.

Remember to consider the size, weight, and stability of your semi-fake wedding cake when choosing and decorating your cake stand to ensure a secure and visually appealing display.

Adding fresh flowers with a toothpick

Adding fresh flowers to a semi-fake wedding cake is a great way to make it look special. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it using toothpicks:

Firstly, choose your flowers carefully. Even though the flowers are only meant for decoration and not for consumption, it's important to use flowers that are non-toxic and safe, as they will be placed very close to the cake. Good choices include carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses. If you're making the cake during the summer, you can also use proper edible flowers like pansies, lilacs, and lavender. Avoid using ranunculus, peonies, and eucalyptus, as parts of these flowers can cause stomach upset.

Once you've selected your flowers, it's time to prepare them for the cake. Cut the stems off the flowers at the base of the bloom, leaving a small hole. Then, insert a toothpick into the hole where the stem was, ensuring that the toothpick doesn't touch the flower's base.

When you're ready to place the flowers on the cake, carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, making sure that the base of the flower doesn't touch the cake. This method ensures that no part of the fresh flower has to go into the cake, leaving a much smaller hole.

You can also add herbs as greenery to your cake. Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are excellent choices, as they provide beautiful accents and give off a delicate feel.

With these simple steps, you can easily add fresh flowers to your semi-fake wedding cake, creating a gorgeous and elegant display that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions