Creating Illusion: Fake Wedding Cake Tiers

Wedding cakes can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples are turning to fake tiers to add height and drama to their cake without breaking the bank. Dummy tiers are typically made from polystyrene and are used for display cakes or to add impact to a real wedding cake. They can be decorated just like a regular cake and provide a cost-effective way to create a show-stopping cake. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of using fake tiers, from design possibilities to environmental concerns, and provide a step-by-step process for creating your own faux wedding cake.

Dummy cake tiers are made from polystyrene blocks

Polystyrene dummy cakes are ideal for those who want a large, tiered cake without the waste. For example, a couple may desire a grand wedding cake with multiple tiers but have a small number of guests. In this case, a dummy tier can be added to create the desired effect without the need for additional cake. Dummy tiers can also enhance the design and aesthetic of a cake, allowing for more elaborate and intricate details without compromising the stability of the cake.

When creating a dummy cake tier, the polystyrene block is first cut to the desired size and shape. The block is then covered with a layer of fondant or buttercream, just like a real cake. Any holes, lines, or dents in the polystyrene should be filled with royal icing before applying the final coat of frosting, as these imperfections may show through the fondant. The dummy tier can then be decorated with icing, flowers, or other embellishments to match the real cake tiers.

Dummy cake tiers are a practical and creative solution for those seeking a visually impressive cake without the cost or waste of a large, real cake. They allow for more design flexibility and can be customised to match any theme or colour scheme.

Dummy tiers are used for display cakes at wedding shows, photoshoots, etc

Dummy tiers, also known as imitation tiers, are made from polystyrene. They are used for display cakes at wedding shows, photoshoots, and window displays. Dummy tiers are also used in addition to real tiers on a wedding cake to add height or drama to the cake when no more real cake is needed. For example, a bride who wants a five-tier cake for 150 guests can add a large dummy tier at the bottom, decorated the same way as the real cake, so that no one will know it's fake. Dummy tiers can also be used to practice new techniques and as a children's giant tower building set.

Dummy tiers can be cost-effective, depending on the cake maker and the size of the dummies. There may be a price difference between a 4" cake and a dummy, but larger tiers (such as 14", 16", or 18") may be more expensive. It's important to remember that using dummy tiers won't necessarily make the overall cost of the wedding cake cheaper, as you'll still need to order enough real cake to serve your guests.

One advantage of using dummy tiers is that they can add more height and detail to your cake design without the need for extra cake. Traditionally, the bottom tier of the cake is cut, so if you're considering adding a large dummy tier, you'll need to keep this in mind. Dummy tiers are also useful if you want to create a complex design with multiple tiers, as they can provide stability to the cake without compromising its structural integrity.

When creating a dummy tier, you can use materials such as foam (EPS, recycled foam, sheet foam, or pre-cut cake forms), fake icing (plaster, joint compound, or spackle), gel medium, design paste, and flowers (fresh or silk). You can decorate the dummy tier with fabric, ribbon, rhinestones, gum paste flowers, and other embellishments to match your wedding theme and colour scheme.

Dummy tiers can be added to real tiers to add height or drama to a cake

Dummy tiers, also known as imitation tiers, are made from polystyrene and are used to add height or drama to a cake. They are commonly used for display cakes at wedding shows, window displays, and photoshoots. However, they can also be added to real tiers on a wedding cake to increase height and visual appeal without the need for additional cake. This can be especially useful when a bride desires a larger cake, such as a five-tier cake, but has a smaller number of guests. By including a large dummy tier at the bottom, decorated identically to the real cake, the overall impact of the cake is enhanced.

Dummy tiers offer several advantages. Firstly, they allow for more elaborate designs without compromising the stability of the cake. For example, the popular "geode" style cakes, which involve removing sections to reveal a crystalline interior, can be successfully executed using a dummy tier, ensuring the structural integrity of the cake is maintained. Secondly, dummy tiers can add depth, detail, and drama to the overall design, making them ideal for venues with large rooms or grand entrances. By including a few imitation tiers, the cake can be elevated to match the drama and scale of the venue.

It is important to note that dummy tiers do not necessarily make a wedding cake cheaper, as the cost depends on the intricacy and detail of the design rather than the number of real tiers. Additionally, dummy tiers have an environmental impact due to the use of polystyrene, which takes a long time to biodegrade. An alternative to dummy tiers is the use of floating tiers or acrylic spacers to achieve a similar wow factor.

When creating a wedding cake with dummy tiers, it is recommended to use a cake board or baking paper between the real and dummy tiers to prevent sticking. Dummy tiers do not require dowelling as they are lightweight and can withstand heavy weights. Decorating techniques such as icing, fondant, or buttercream can be used on dummy tiers, and fresh or silk flowers can be added for further embellishment.

Dummy tiers can be decorated in the same way as real cake tiers

When decorating dummy tiers, you can use a variety of techniques to attach the decorations. Some people use edible glue, sugar water, or even shortening to act as an adhesive for the decorations. It is important to note that dummy tiers may require additional support when stacking multiple tiers, as the polystyrene can be crushed under heavy weight. This can be achieved by using dowels and a central dowel for stability.

Dummy tiers are often used to add height, impact, and drama to a wedding cake design. They can be particularly useful when displaying a cake in a large room, as they help the cake stand out and not get lost in the space. Additionally, dummy tiers can be used to create intricate designs, such as the popular "geode" style cakes, without compromising the structural integrity of the cake.

While dummy tiers may not always be the most environmentally-friendly option, they can be a great way to create a stunning and stable wedding cake.

Dummy tiers are not a cost-effective alternative to real cake tiers

Dummy cake tiers, also known as imitation tiers, are made from polystyrene and are often used by wedding cake makers for display purposes. They are decorated and designed to blend seamlessly into the overall wedding cake design. While dummy tiers can be useful for design and aesthetic reasons, they are not a cost-effective alternative to real cake tiers.

The price of a wedding cake is typically based on the intricacy and detail of the design, and the time and effort required to create the desired look. This means that whether the tiers are real or fake, the overall cost remains largely the same. Couples may mistakenly believe that including dummy tiers will reduce the cost of their wedding cake, but this is not the case. The same level of intricate craftsmanship, such as delicate sugarwork and handmade sugar flowers, goes into creating a luxury wedding cake with dummy tiers as it would with real tiers.

Additionally, dummy tiers have an environmental impact that should be considered. Made from polystyrene, these fake tiers can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. If you are concerned about the cost or environmental impact of including dummy tiers in your wedding cake, there are alternative options to consider. For example, you could choose to add a floating tier or an acrylic spacer to your real cake to achieve a similar effect without the added expense or environmental consequences.

Ultimately, while dummy tiers can enhance the design and stability of a wedding cake, they are not a cost-effective alternative to real cake tiers. The price of a wedding cake is determined by the overall design and the labour involved, regardless of whether the tiers are real or fake.

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