The Tea on Faux Wedding Cakes

By: Shenette Prevo
Teacup Planning & Events | Houston Wedding Planner

Today I'm spilling the tea on dummy cakes. If you aren't familiar with dummy cakes

Art of Dessert

they are an imitation cake made using Styrofoam and fondant in most cases. The cake can have a real layer to allow for cutting and photo ops and there is usually sheet cake in the kitchen for the catering staff to cut for service to your guests.

This is becoming an increasingly popular option because in some cases it can save you money. The average cost of a wedding cake in the US is approx $500 and up. Today we're going to go over the pros and cons of Dummy cakes.

Pros:  

1. Beautiful Presentation

You can have a cake that has dummy layers mixed in with real layers. This is perfect, if you don't need a lot of cake or are not a fan of cake but still want a show stopping beautiful display.

Cakes by Gina

2. Good for Complex Designs

Dummy cakes are great for complex designs that would become fragile once cut such as geo shaped cakes. Styrofoam is easier to work with for these types of design.

 

3. Long Lasting

They hold up well during transport and are less likely to melt in outdoor scenarios. After the wedding, they can also be kept and displayed for weeks to months - picture the display cakes at the local grocery store or bakery if you will.

4. Rental Options Available

Dummy cakes can be rented! You don’t even have to keep it! Rentals start around $200 and up depending on the number of tiers plus delivery and pick/up fees.
Sounds good right? Ready to sign up? Well, Before you do, there are few things to consider:

Cons:

Prop Options

1. Not Eco-Friendly

The Styrofoam used in dummy cakes is made with polystyrene which is not eco friendly. It takes hundreds of years for it to biodegrade. if having a eco-friendly wedding is important to you, Dummy cake options may not be the right choice for you. Some alternatives to Styrofoam are acrylic spacers or floating tiers mixed in with real cake tiers.

 

2. Renting May Have Limitations

Earlier we talked about rental options. As such, renting may limit customization options. Be prepared to choose from selections that are currently available or limited personalization options. If you want a unique to you cake, dummy cakes may not be for you.

 

3. Labor Costs

While the cost of Styrofoam is pretty cheap you still need to be prepared to pay for the complexity of design. The cost for ingredients may be cheaper but the decorator will still have to put in the same amount, if not more labor, into creating the dummy design. And after all, design labor is a big factor in the cost of real cakes.

So, which option will you choose? A Real, dummy, or combination cake? Rely on your baker to help you make your choice. When you’re ready to choose gather your design and talk to your baker about your budget, your desired design, and your venue location. Your baker will be able to guide you on the best way to achieve your vision.

If you're planning a special event and need a trusted source to handle all your planning and logistics, contact Teacup Planning & Events today. We are dedicated to making your vision come to life and creating unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones.

'Til Next Tea Time!

Happy Planning!✨✨
-Shenette

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