Creative Ways To Use Fake Wedding Cakes

A fake wedding cake, also known as a dummy cake, is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your decor, and can be used as a prop for photography or events. It is relatively easy to make, and can be done by even the most inexperienced DIY-er. A fake wedding cake can be made using a variety of materials, such as styrofoam discs, which are decorated with fondant, spackling, joint compound, and other embellishments to look like a real cake. This can be a more affordable option compared to a real wedding cake, which can cost anywhere from $300 to $1500.

Using styrofoam discs as a base

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need styrofoam discs in various sizes, such as 8", 10", and 12" diameters. These discs can be purchased from specialty kitchen or craft stores, or online. You will also need a sturdy cake board or drum as the visible base of your cake.

Step 2: Assemble the Styrofoam Discs

Start by placing the largest styrofoam disc on your cake board or drum, using a small amount of frosting or glue to secure it in place. Continue stacking and gluing the discs, from largest to smallest, to create a tiered effect. You can use as many discs as you like to achieve your desired height.

Step 3: Create the "Frosting"

In a separate mixing bowl, combine lightweight spackling with acrylic paint in your desired colour. You may need to adjust the amount of paint to get the right shade. The texture of the spackling will give your cake a realistic frosting look.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Using a plastic knife or offset spatula, cover the styrofoam discs with the coloured spackling. Don't worry about creating a smooth finish – the texture will add to the realism. Leave the top tier untouched for now, as you will be adding decorations there. Allow the "frosting" to dry completely, which may take up to 48 hours.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Once the "frosting" is dry, it's time to decorate! You can add flowers, greenery, or other embellishments to your cake. For a floral cake, create "stem arches" or "bunny ears" by hot-gluing two pieces of greenery stems together and inserting them into the top of the cake. You can also add flowers by removing their main stems and using the remaining nubs to punch through the styrofoam.

Step 6: Add a Real Cake Topper (Optional)

If you wish, you can add a small, real cake on top of the styrofoam structure for the happy couple to cut and enjoy. This adds a special touch and ensures that the cake-cutting tradition can still be enjoyed.

Your fake wedding cake is now complete! This method is a cost-effective and stress-free way to create a beautiful and realistic cake that will last forever. Enjoy assembling and decorating your unique wedding centrepiece!

Decorating with fondant, spackling, and joint compound

Fondant, spackling, and joint compound are all great options for decorating a fake wedding cake. They can be used to create a variety of textures and designs, from smooth and elegant to rustic and whimsical. Here are some tips for working with these materials:

Fondant

Fondant is a type of sugar dough that is commonly used to cover and decorate cakes. It creates a smooth, elegant finish and can be easily shaped and moulded into different designs. To use fondant on a fake wedding cake, simply roll it out to the desired thickness and then drape it over the cake, smoothing it out with your hands or a fondant smoother. You can also cut out shapes from fondant to create decorations or use it to make 3D elements such as bows or flowers.

Spackling

Spackling is traditionally used for patching holes in walls but has become a popular material for creating fake cakes due to its ability to mimic the texture and appearance of cake icing. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. To use spackling on a fake wedding cake, apply it to the cake form using a palette knife or spatula, spreading it evenly to mimic the thickness of icing on a real cake. You can create smooth or textured finishes by using different techniques with your spatula. If you want to add colour to your spackling, simply mix in some acrylic paint until you achieve the desired shade.

Joint Compound

Joint compound is similar to spackling and can be used in the same way to create a base layer of "frosting" on your fake cake. It dries to a hard finish, so it is perfect for creating decorative objects that will last. You can apply it to styrofoam forms using a spackling knife, and then let it dry completely before adding any additional layers or decorations. If you want to create a naked cake effect, you can paint the styrofoam form with a tan or brown paint before applying the joint compound.

Combining Techniques

You can also combine these techniques to create a truly unique fake wedding cake. For example, you could use fondant to create intricate details such as sugar flowers or elaborate patterns, while using spackling or joint compound as a base layer to add texture and dimension. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and get creative!

Adding embellishments like faux florals and greenery

When it comes to decorating your fake wedding cake, faux florals and greenery are a great way to add embellishment and a whimsical, romantic touch.

If you're making your own faux cake, you can use a variety of materials to create the flowers and foliage, such as fondant, spackling, and joint compound. You can also purchase ready-made faux florals and greenery, which is a convenient option if you're short on time or crafting skills. Silk flowers, for example, have come a long way in terms of realism and are usually very affordable and readily available.

When choosing your faux florals and greenery, consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You can opt for a whimsical, seasonal look with "bunny ears" made from greenery stems, or go for a more classic approach with elegant sugar flowers in custom colours. Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes as they are made with edible materials and can be customized to any colour scheme. However, they can be quite pricey, so it's important to consider your budget.

Once you've selected your faux florals and greenery, it's time to start decorating your cake. You can add flowers and foliage to the top of the cake by removing the main stem and using the remaining nub to punch through the foam. You can also create floral arches or "bunny ears" by hot-gluing greenery stems together and then using the wire to attach them to the top of your cake.

Adding faux florals and greenery to your fake wedding cake is a beautiful way to enhance its visual appeal and tie it into the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or purchase ready-made embellishments, the end result will be a stunning cake that will wow your guests.

Using hot glue to assemble the cake

Using hot glue to assemble a fake wedding cake is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. For this method, you will require floral foam discs, which act as the structure for your cake tiers. You can find these discs at craft stores in various sizes, so choose the ones that fit your desired cake size. In addition to the floral foam discs, you will also need hot glue.

Now, on to the assembly!

• Place one of your floral foam discs on a flat surface, such as a table.
• Apply a small amount of hot glue to the centre of the disc.
• Take another floral foam disc and place it on top of the glued area, pressing down firmly to secure it in place.
• Repeat this process until you have reached your desired cake height. Remember, a typical wedding cake has three to five tiers, but you can adjust the number of tiers based on your preference.
• Once your cake structure is assembled, you can move on to the next steps of creating your faux cake, such as adding "frosting" and decorations.

Using hot glue to assemble your fake wedding cake is a quick and easy process. Just be sure to work carefully and allow each tier to dry securely before adding the next one. With this method, you'll have a sturdy and secure cake structure ready for further decoration!

Painting the cake with acrylic paint

Painting a fake cake with acrylic paint is a fun and creative way to make a unique display for your wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint your fake wedding cake with acrylic paint:

Preparing the Work Area and Materials:

Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect it from paint and spackle. Acrylic paint and spackle can be easily wiped clean before they dry, but they become more permanent once dried.

Choosing Your Cake Form:

You can use styrofoam cake forms, which are readily available online and from craft stores. Alternatively, you could use cardboard, sponges, or hatboxes for a unique look. If using cardboard, draw your desired shape, cut it out, and cut strips to your desired thickness. Bend the strips to give them flexibility so they can be moulded into shape.

Preparing the "Frosting":

Take some lightweight spackle and place it into a mixing bowl. Add acrylic paint in your chosen colour; you can add more paint for a bolder shade, or less for a pastel hue. Mix the paint and spackle together, folding it like cake batter. You can also create a marbled effect by gently swirling the paint and spackle together.

Applying the "Frosting":

Use a plastic knife or spatula to cover your cake form with the coloured spackle. Don't worry about creating a smooth finish; a textured look will make it seem more like real frosting. You can add decorative swirls by putting spackle into a disposable piping bag and using it as you would with real frosting.

Adding Designs and Details:

Allow the "frosting" to dry completely before adding any further details. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the thickness of the spackle layer. Once dry, you can add cherries, sprinkles, or other embellishments to decorate your cake.

Painting with Acrylics:

Now it's time to paint your cake with acrylics. You can choose any colour you like, but for a traditional wedding cake, you might want to stick to white, soft pink, or pale blue. Paint your cake form, including any additional decorations, such as fresh or silk flowers.

Finishing Touches:

Once the paint is dry, you can add some final touches to your cake. You could add a cake topper, such as a wedding couple figurine, or some gum paste flowers. Ribbons or rhinestones can also be used to add a touch of glamour to your cake.

Your painted fake wedding cake is now ready to be displayed! This project is a fun and creative way to add a unique and lasting decoration to your special day.

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