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

Creating an artificial wedding cake is a great way to save money and showcase your creativity. While some may opt for a completely fake cake, others may prefer to have a small edible cake for the couple to cut and share, with sheet cakes in the same flavour served to the guests.

To make a faux cake, you will need a cake stand or drum, styrofoam layers, and non-edible sturdy icing to assemble the tiers. You can then decorate the cake with fresh or artificial flowers, ribbons, trims, and other embellishments.

If you want to include an edible tier, simply replace one of the styrofoam layers with a real cake. This way, you can still have the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and serve your guests delicious cake without the stress and expense of a large, tiered wedding cake.

Choosing a cake design

• Consider the overall theme or style of your wedding. Do you want a rustic, elegant, modern, or minimalist look? Choosing a cake design that complements your wedding theme will create a cohesive and stylish appearance.
• Decide on the shape and size of your cake. Artificial wedding cakes can be round, square, or even tiered. The number of tiers can vary from one to five or more, depending on your preference and the number of guests you need to serve.
• Select the type of "cake" you want to use. Styrofoam is a popular choice for artificial cakes, as it is lightweight and easy to work with. You can purchase pre-cut Styrofoam cake forms or cut the shapes yourself.
• Choose your "icing" wisely. While you can use real icing, such as buttercream or cream cheese frosting, it is often more practical to use non-edible options like joint compound, spackle, or plaster. These alternatives can be textured or smoothed to create the desired effect.
• Decorate your cake with flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or other embellishments. Fresh or silk flowers can add a touch of elegance, while ribbons and rhinestones can give your cake a sophisticated or whimsical feel. Don't be afraid to mix and match materials to create a unique design.
• Think about adding personal touches. You can incorporate your wedding colours, a meaningful quote, or even a replica of your wedding bouquet. The possibilities are endless!
• Keep in mind that you can make your cake as simple or intricate as you like. A minimalist design can be just as stunning as a heavily decorated one.
• Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different design elements. Ultimately, it's your special day, so choose a cake design that reflects your style and personality.

Selecting materials

Foam or Styrofoam Bases:

Consider using foam or Styrofoam as the base for your artificial cake. Pre-cut cake forms made from foam or Styrofoam are readily available online and can be purchased in various shapes and sizes. These bases provide a sturdy structure for your cake and can be easily stacked to create a tiered effect. You can also cut and shape the foam yourself to achieve the desired cake shape.

Icing Alternatives:

Instead of using edible icing, opt for non-edible alternatives such as joint compound, spackle, or plaster. These materials can be spread or applied to the foam layers to create the illusion of cake icing. They can be textured or smoothed to achieve different effects and can be painted to match the desired colour scheme.

Decorative Elements:

Enhance the beauty of your artificial wedding cake with various decorative elements:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used to add a touch of elegance to your cake. You can choose flowers that match the wedding colour palette or theme.
• Ribbons: Wrapping ribbons around the layers of your cake can create a sophisticated and refined look. You can choose ribbons in different colours, textures, or patterns to complement the overall design.
• Rhinestones: Adhesive rhinestone sheets can be used to add sparkle and glamour to your cake. They can be cut and applied to the cake layers for a luxurious touch.
• Metal Trim: Metal trim is a unique way to decorate your cake and give it a modern or industrial feel.
• Fabric: Covering your cake layers with fabric is an innovative way to trick the eye. Choose fabrics that complement your wedding theme, such as textured rose fabric or pearl cardstock.
• Wallpaper: Using textured or dimensional wallpaper is an unexpected twist. You can spray paint it to create a shiny and matte contrast, adding depth to your cake design.

Real Cake Option:

If you want to incorporate a real cake element, consider replacing one of the foam layers with a real cake tier. This allows you to have a cake-cutting ceremony and serve your guests a delicious slice of cake while still enjoying the benefits of an artificial cake display.

Additional Supplies:

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks: For attaching decorative elements to your cake.
• Paintbrushes: For painting or adding colour to your cake layers and decorations.
• Cake stand or drum: A visible base for your cake to sit on. You can opt for a simple cakeboard or a more formal cake drum.
• Spatulas: Small and large offset spatulas will help you frost and assemble your cake layers smoothly.
• Turntable (optional): A turntable can be helpful for frosting and decorating your cake, especially if you're working with multiple layers.

Preparing the cake layers

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You'll need several materials to create the cake layers. Start by purchasing Styrofoam rounds or blocks in the desired sizes and shapes for your cake tiers. You can find these at craft stores or online. Additionally, get a hot glue gun and glue sticks, lightweight spackling or joint compound, and acrylic paint in white and other colours of your choice.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Styrofoam

Use a sharp knife to cut and shape the Styrofoam pieces according to your desired cake design. If you're creating a tiered cake, ensure you have different-sized rounds for each tier.

Step 3: Apply the Joint Compound or Spackling

Use a spackling knife to apply the joint compound or spackling to the Styrofoam forms. Spread it evenly and smoothly, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Allow the compound to dry completely. If you notice any holes or imperfections, apply another layer of the compound and let it dry before proceeding.

Step 4: Painting the Cake Layers

Once the joint compound is dry, it's time to paint your cake layers. Even if you plan to leave your cake white, consider applying one or two coats of white paint to create a brighter and cleaner finish. If you want a "naked cake" effect, you can paint the cake with a tan or brown shade before applying the joint compound. For a chocolate cake look, use black spackle. You can also use food colouring to tint the spackle for different effects. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Assembly and Decoration

Now that your cake layers are prepared, you can assemble them by gluing the Styrofoam pieces together with Styrofoam glue. Centre each tier carefully as you stack them. You can also add decorations at this stage, such as fresh or artificial flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or other embellishments that match your wedding theme.

Remember to plan out your design and gather all the necessary materials before you begin. Creating an artificial wedding cake can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to add a unique and elegant touch to your special day.

Assembling the cake

Now that you've gathered all your materials and tools, it's time to assemble your artificial wedding cake! Here's a step-by-step guide to putting it all together:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Before you begin stacking, ensure that your Styrofoam cake layers are ready. You can cover them with a thin layer of plaster, spackle, or joint compound to create a smooth surface that resembles icing. This step is optional but will give your cake a more realistic look. Let the coating dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Assemble the Cake Base

Place your largest Styrofoam layer on the cake board or drum. You can use a dab of frosting or glue to secure it in place. If you're using a turntable, place the cake board or drum on the turntable first, then add the largest layer. This will be the base of your wedding cake.

Step 3: Frost the Cake Layers

Using a small or large offset spatula, start frosting each Styrofoam layer individually, including the top and sides. You can use store-bought frosting for this step, and it's best to choose a colour that matches your edible top layer as closely as possible. Smooth out the frosting and add texture as desired. You can create a rustic finish by pulling a spoon horizontally around the cake.

Step 4: Stack the Cake Layers

Once all your Styrofoam layers are frosted, it's time to stack them! Using sturdy metal spatulas or burger turners, carefully lift each layer and centre it on top of the one below. Take your time with this step to ensure that your cake layers are stacked evenly and securely.

Step 5: Clean Up Any Mishaps

Accidents happen, and frosting can sometimes drip or smudge. Don't worry! Simply use a tiny spoon or a piping bag to carefully fill in any gaps or seams between the layers. This will help create a seamless look for your artificial cake.

Step 6: Add the Edible Top Layer

Now it's time to add the real cake! Place your edible top layer on top of the stacked Styrofoam layers. Take your time to ensure that it is centred and level. You can use a small amount of frosting to secure it in place. This layer should be a 4-inch tall cake, matching the height of the Styrofoam layers.

Step 7: Final Touches and Decorations

With your basic structure complete, it's time to add the finishing touches! You can use fresh or silk flowers, ribbons, rhinestones, or any other decorations you choose. Get creative and add interest by varying the scale and texture of your decorations. Remember to add the flowers no more than an hour before the wedding to ensure they look fresh.

And there you have it! Your artificial wedding cake is now assembled and ready to be displayed. This approach will give you a beautiful and stable cake that can be easily transported and will stand tall throughout the entire event.

Decorating the cake

Now for the fun part: decorating the cake!

There are endless possibilities for decorating your artificial wedding cake. You can keep it simple or go all out with intricate details. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Greenery

Fresh flowers and greenery are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. You can use them to add a touch of elegance and colour to your cake. Be sure to choose non-toxic flowers and wash them thoroughly before use. You can also use silk flowers or make your own from gum paste or fondant. Another option is to use floral wire and tape to create flower sprays that can be inserted into the cake.

Ribbon and Trim

Ribbon and trim can add a touch of elegance to your cake. You can wrap it around the base of each layer or use it to create bows or other decorative elements. Choose a colour and material that complements your wedding theme.

Rhinestones and Gems

Rhinestones and gems can give your cake a touch of sparkle and glamour. You can find adhesive-backed rhinestone sheets that are easy to apply and create a faceted, metallic finish.

Fabric

Using fabric to cover your cake layers is a unique way to add texture and visual interest. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. You can glue or sew the fabric onto the cake, creating clean edges by folding the fabric under.

Paint and Wallpaper

Painting your cake layers is a simple way to add colour and design. You can use angled spatulas to create a textured effect or spray paint for a more uniform finish. Wallpaper is another option, especially the new dimensional or textured varieties.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers can be a great way to personalise your wedding cake. You can find a variety of options, from monogram letters to custom sculptures.

Fresh or Artificial Fruit

Fresh fruit, such as berries, can be a delicious and colourful addition to your cake. If you're looking for something more long-lasting, artificial fruit can also be used.

Drips and Ganache

Creating a drip cake with chocolate or ganache is a trendy and tasty option. You can even match the colour of the drips to your wedding colour scheme.

Sprinkles and Jimmies

Sprinkles or jimmies are a fun and easy way to decorate your cake. You can find a variety of colours and sizes to match your theme.

Stickers

Stickers are a quick and easy way to add details to your cake. Choose stickers that fit your wedding theme, such as leaves for a fall wedding or horror elements for a Halloween wedding.

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

Frequently asked questions