be '"crumb coated" in order for the buttercream to adhere properly?

I am making a 50th wedding anniversary cake and the bottom tier (12 inches) is a dummy. This will be my first tiered cake and the first picture I will ever post here! I am very excited!

Thanks to all in advance!

Nope. Just slap that bc on there.

Had to edit....i totally missed that you were putting buttercream on it, not fondant! And it looks like someone already answered your question anyways! Sounds like you can just put the BC on with no problem!

WildSugar, I'm interested in the "put shortening" on the dummy. I have used dummies a few time and have always put bc on them. I assume you put shortening on them then covered with fondant? I'm going to be doing a wedding cake for the Fair and can use dummies for 3 of the 4 tiers. The cake will sit at the Fair for about 12 days. How did the smoothing of the fondant go if that is what you covered it with. What do you think about the 12 days sitting around like that? Sounds like a good idea!

i always use press n seal.. the good brand. on my dummmies.. when i frost with buttercream.. stays great and looks great.. hth

Oh, I like the Press n seal idea on the dummies! I'm going to try that next time.