OK, probably a dumb question, but is there any difference to doweling a fondant covered cake for tiers VS a BC? I have a wedding cake coming up and the brides mom wants 3 tier, top two up on pillars. I use bubble tea straws and plan to use the Wilton cake plate/pillars. Should I put the dowel in after I cover it with fondant or before? I'm thinking after. Didn't know if a hole in the fondant would make any difference with keeping cake moist.

It's not a dumb question!

Dowel after you have the fondant on.

I'm making my first fondant tier cake next month.
I'd be interested to know if anyone dowels right away after putting on fondant or wait until it hardens a bit. I'm thinking right away while still soft to have less tearing !
Thanks