Creating Stunning Styrofoam Wedding Cake Displays

Styrofoam wedding cakes are a great option for those seeking a cost-effective, lightweight, and stable alternative to traditional wedding cakes. They can be easily assembled and decorated, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. With pre-made styrofoam tiers available in various sizes and shapes, creating a stunning display cake has never been easier. This approach also allows for a small, real cake to be placed on top for the couple to cut and enjoy, while the styrofoam tiers remain as a beautiful focal point throughout the wedding celebrations.

Using hardware to add weight to the cake

Adding hardware to a styrofoam cake display is a great way to give it some extra weight and stability. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Materials:

• Matching cake cardboards
• Wood screws with flat heads, 2-3 inches long
• A Philips-head screwdriver or drill
• Desired decorating materials

Step 1:

Take each Styrofoam cake tier and its matching cardboard round. Using your screwdriver or drill, screw in the wood screws through the cardboard and into the Styrofoam. Space them out evenly around the perimeter, with one in the centre. This will add weight and stability to the cake structure. Be careful not to push too hard, as you could tear through the Styrofoam.

Step 2:

Repeat this process for each Styrofoam tier you are planning to use. This will ensure that each layer of your cake display has added weight and stability.

Step 3:

Prepare each tier with base decor. You can use fondant or buttercream to cover each cake tier, just as you would with a regular cake. If using fondant, consider covering the tier with shortening to help it adhere to the Styrofoam.

Step 4:

Stack all the fondant-covered Styrofoam cake tiers using water or piping gel. You can brush water onto the cardboard from the tier above to help it stick. The tiers will be adjustable for about 5 minutes, after which the fondant will adhere completely.

Step 5:

Once your cake tiers are stacked and stable, you can finish decorating them as you wish.

By adding hardware to your styrofoam cake display, you'll have a sturdy and secure structure that's ready to be decorated and displayed at your wedding or event.

Covering the tiers with fondant

Prepare the Styrofoam Tiers:

Before applying fondant, it's essential to create a smooth base for your styrofoam tiers. Start by wrapping each styrofoam tier with plastic wrap, ensuring it is tightly and smoothly secured. This step is important as it prevents lumps, ripples, or tears in your fondant caused by the coarse texture of the styrofoam. Make sure to use a high-quality, professional cake dummy to ensure a seamless finish.

Apply Buttercream or Piping Gel:

The next step is to apply a thin layer of either buttercream or piping gel over the plastic wrap. This layer acts as a glue for the fondant, helping it adhere smoothly. If using buttercream, ensure it is completely smooth to avoid any lumps or imperfections in your fondant. Alternatively, you can use a thin layer of piping gel or water as a less messy option, but be cautious when using water, as too much can make the fondant gummy.

Covering with Fondant:

Now, it's time to apply the fondant. Roll out your fondant to the desired thickness and carefully drape it over each tier, smoothing it out with your hands or a fondant smoother. Work quickly, especially if you're using water or piping gel as an adhesive, as fondant tends to stick quickly to styrofoam. Ensure there are no air bubbles or creases in the fondant, creating a seamless finish.

Stacking the Tiers:

Once all the tiers are covered in fondant, it's time to stack them. You can use water or piping gel to attach each tier, brushing a small amount on the cardboard from the tier above. The fondant will act as a natural adhesive, and you'll have some time to adjust the positioning before it sets completely. For added stability, you can insert small nails head-down on the bottom tier and place the next tier on top.

Final Decorations:

With the tiers stacked and covered in fondant, it's now time to add the final decorations. You can use sugar flowers, floral wires, or any other embellishments you desire. If you're adding floral wires, consider using smoothie straws inserted into the styrofoam at an angle to ensure stability and prevent the wires from poking through the fondant.

Creating a styrofoam wedding cake display with fondant-covered tiers is a fun and creative way to make a stunning centerpiece. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a beautiful and realistic-looking wedding cake.

Stacking the tiers

Now that you have your styrofoam tiers, it's time to stack them up! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare each tier: Cover each styrofoam tier with fondant or icing. You can use a thin layer of shortening to help the fondant adhere to the styrofoam. You can also use store-bought, sturdy icing that is not meant for eating. Try to match the colour of the icing to that of the edible top layer as closely as possible.
• Stack the tiers: Using water or piping gel, brush the cardboard from the tier above and stack it on top of the lower tier. You can also insert small nails, head down, into the bottom tier and then place the tier above on the protruding nails.
• Secure the tiers: To ensure the stability of your styrofoam wedding cake, you can add hardware to the foam cake from underneath to add weight. Use matching cardboard and wood screws to secure each tier. Space the screws evenly around the perimeter and one in the centre. Be careful not to push too hard as you could tear through the styrofoam.
• Finishing touches: Once all the tiers are stacked and secured, you can finish decorating your cake. You can add flowers, ribbons, or any other desired embellishments.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and stable styrofoam wedding cake that will impress your guests and serve as a stunning display at your wedding.

Adding decorations

Fondant and Icing:

Cover each styrofoam tier with fondant or icing to create a smooth base for further decorations. You can use store-bought fondant or icing or make your own. If using fondant, consider covering the tier with shortening to help it adhere better. Stack the tiers using water or piping gel between each layer. You can also use small nails or hardware, such as wood screws, to provide additional support and weight to your cake.

Flowers:

Fresh flowers or sugar flowers can be a beautiful addition to your wedding cake. If using fresh flowers, add them about an hour before the ceremony to ensure they look their best. Sugar flowers can be more complex to work with, but they will last longer. You can pre-assemble small bouquets of sugar flowers and insert them into your cake using floral wires or smoothie straws. This method helps to cover any gaps and creates a more stable arrangement.

Other Decorations:

In addition to flowers, you can decorate your styrofoam wedding cake with ribbons, sprinkles, edible glitter, garlands, cherubs, fruits, or other sugar paste sculptures. Get creative and sketch out your design beforehand to ensure you have a clear vision for your cake.

Color Scheme:

Consider the color scheme of your wedding and try to incorporate those colors into your cake decorations. This could be through the use of colored icing, flowers, or other decorative elements.

Final Touches:

Once you've added all your desired decorations, take a step back and examine your work. Make any necessary adjustments and ensure that all the elements come together harmoniously. Remember, the key to a stunning wedding cake is often in the details!

Transporting the cake

Transporting a styrofoam wedding cake display requires careful handling to ensure it arrives in one piece. Here are some tips for transporting your cake safely:

Prepare the cake for transport:

Before you move the cake, ensure that all the tiers are securely attached and that any decorations are firmly in place. You may want to consider adding some extra support to the cake, such as wooden dowels or straws, to help it withstand the journey.

Pack the cake securely:

Place the cake in a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the cake itself. Line the box with soft materials such as foam or bubble wrap to cushion the cake and prevent shifting during transport. If your cake has multiple tiers, consider using separate boxes for each tier to provide extra protection.

Transport the cake carefully:

When moving the cake, avoid abrupt movements and sharp turns. Place the box containing the cake on a flat, level surface in your vehicle, preferably the back seat or trunk, where it is less likely to slide around. Drive slowly and smoothly, being mindful of bumps in the road or sudden stops.

Unpack the cake with care:

Once you arrive at your destination, carefully remove the cake from the box. Check all the tiers and decorations to ensure nothing has shifted or come loose during transport. Make any necessary adjustments before displaying the cake.

Plan ahead:

Before transporting your styrofoam wedding cake display, it is essential to plan your route and allow for ample travel time. Consider the distance, traffic conditions, and any potential obstacles along the way. If possible, do a trial run of the route beforehand to identify any potential hazards or challenges.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure that your styrofoam wedding cake display arrives safely and securely at your event.

Frequently asked questions