Creating Fondant Drape Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondant drapes are a popular choice for wedding cakes, adding a touch of elegance and making a statement on fashion-inspired cakes. While they may look intricate and complex, fondant drapes are surprisingly simple to create and can be a fun project for novice cake decorators. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making fondant drapes, from preparing your fondant to creating beautiful drapes that will impress your guests. So, whether you're a professional baker or a DIY enthusiast, read on to learn how to make fondant drapes for wedding cakes!

How to make fondant drapes for wedding cakes

Choosing the right fondant

When it comes to choosing the right fondant for your wedding cake, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the taste and texture of the fondant are important. While fondant is available in various flavours, vanilla is the most popular choice as it pairs well with almost any cake. If you're making fondant figures or decorations, you can opt for a cheaper brand like Wilton, as taste is less of a concern for these elements.

Secondly, the consistency of the fondant is key. For drapes, a mixture of 50% gum paste and 50% fondant is ideal, as it provides the right balance between softness and stiffness. This combination will ensure your drapes hold their shape without being too brittle.

Thirdly, the tools and techniques you use to work with fondant are vital. Fondant works best when rolled out on a hard, flat surface like stainless steel, or a specialised mat to prevent sticking. Cornstarch or confectioners' sugar can also be used to prevent sticking. When rolling, aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inches, as this will give you the flexibility needed for draping without being too fragile.

Lastly, consider the type of icing you'll use underneath the fondant. Meringue-based buttercreams are a popular choice, as are crusting buttercreams like American buttercream. A chilled, crumb-coated cake provides an ideal base for fondant, and ganache can be used to smooth out any imperfections before applying the fondant.

By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can ensure your fondant drapes look elegant and taste delicious!

Preparing your work surface

Firstly, choose the right work surface. Fondant works best on stainless steel, but any hard, flat surface will suffice. If you don't have access to stainless steel, consider using a fondant mat, a self-healing mat, or a Silpat mat. These tools will provide a non-stick surface for your fondant work.

Before you begin, ensure your work surface is clean. Fondant can be sticky and attract crumbs and dirt, so it's crucial to start with a clean workspace. Use a small fondant ball to rub your work surface and remove any lint or dust. You can discard this fondant ball after cleaning. Additionally, dust your work surface and fondant roller with confectioners' sugar or cornstarch. This will prevent the fondant from sticking to your work surface and make it easier to handle.

When rolling out the fondant, aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inches. This thickness will give you the right balance between stability and flexibility for creating drapes. You can use a fondant roller or a rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness. If you're using a fondant roller, ensure it's also dusted with confectioners' sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking.

If you want to add a lustrous or satin look to your fondant drapes, brush the rolled-out fondant with luster dust. This step is optional but can enhance the elegance of your wedding cake. The luster dust will give your fondant a velvet-like appearance.

Now, you're ready to start creating those fondant drapes! Remember to work carefully and take your time. Fondant can be forgiving, but it's always good to practice beforehand to get a feel for the technique.

Rolling out the fondant

When rolling out fondant for drapes, it's important to prepare your work surface and fondant roller by dusting them with confectioners' sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Fondant works best when rolled out on stainless steel, but any hard, flat surface will do with the help of a fondant mat, a self-healing mat, or a Silpat mat.

The ideal thickness for fondant when covering a cake is about 1/8 of an inch. To achieve this, roll out the fondant into a rectangle shape, ensuring it is fairly thin to create that fabric effect. You can use a mixture of 50% gum paste and 50% fondant for the perfect consistency—not too soft and not too stiff.

Once you have rolled out your fondant, you can brush it with luster dust to give it a velvet-like appearance. This will add to the elegant look of your fondant drapes.

Before placing the fondant on the cake, it is recommended to practice making the drapes ahead of time. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to decorate. You can find many tutorials online by searching for "fondant drape tutorial" or "fondant swag tutorial."

Shaping the drapes

Shaping fondant drapes for a wedding cake is an easy task that can be done by even a novice cake decorator. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create elegant and fashionable fondant drapes:

Rolling the Fondant:

Start by rolling out your fondant mixture on a clean, hard, flat surface. It is recommended to use a dusting of confectioners' sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inches. You can use a fondant mat or a simple Silpat mat to help achieve an even thickness. Cut the rolled-out fondant into a rectangle, removing any excess.

Creating the Pleats:

To create the pleats or folds in your drapes, you can use dowel sticks or cake dowels. Place some dowels under the fondant rectangle, and use your fingers to gently run along the dowels, forming the fondant into pleats. Leave the pleats to set for about 3 minutes. Be careful not to let them set for too long, as they may crack.

Adjusting the Drape:

Once the pleats have set, carefully remove the dowels. Gather the pleats together to form the drape, pinching the ends to adjust the length as needed. You can cut the drape to the required length if needed. If you want a looser drape, you can gently pull the fondant apart to create a more relaxed look.

Placing the Drape on the Cake:

You can place the drapes on the cake as one long piece or cut them into smaller sections. For a more voluminous look, double up the drapes and ensure you cover the seams well. Brush the sides of the cake with edible glue or water and gently press the drape onto the cake. Adjust the drape as needed to fit the desired area.

Final Touches:

Once the drape is in place, you can add decorations to enhance the overall look. Fresh or artificial flowers, feathers, or pearlized candies can be used to add elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake.

Fondant drapes are a beautiful addition to any wedding cake and can be easily shaped and placed with a bit of practice. Remember to work with patience and creativity, and you'll soon have a stunning cake that's ready to take centre stage at any wedding celebration!

Attaching the drapes to the cake

Attaching the drapes to your wedding cake is the final step in creating a gorgeous, vintage-style cake. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect finish:

Firstly, prepare your cake by brushing the sides with edible glue. This will help the fondant adhere to the cake. It is important that your cake is well-chilled at this stage, especially if you are using a butter-based icing, to prevent any deformation of the frosting when attaching the drapes.

Next, gather your prepared fondant drapes. Using your fingers, gently lift and place the drapes onto the cake. You can choose to place them as one long piece or cut them into the desired lengths first. Adjust the shape and length as needed to ensure they fit the area you want to cover. If they are too long, simply pinch the ends together and trim any excess.

For a secure hold, gently but firmly press the drapes into the sides of the cake. To add extra stability, especially during transport, consider using plastic silk flowers with long stems. Push the stems through the edges of the drapes and into the cake, ensuring they won't move out of place.

Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork! Your wedding cake is now complete, boasting elegant fondant drapes that are sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions