Having never made a cake with fondant, you bet I have question! I want try a two tier really small cake and am wondering if I need to use dowels. The bottom cake will be 6x6 by 4 inches tall and the top cake will be 4 inch square. So do I need dowels for support? Also, I am really ambitious and going to make a bow of fondant. Once it is completely dry can I use clear vanilla to attach it to the top cake? Thank you for your help
Jeff

Absolutely put in dowels. Fondant adds weight and you don't want to crush that bottom tier, even with small tiers. Always better to have the support than go without and have trouble later on. I'd use BC or melted chocolate to attach your bow.

anything more than one tier (more than 2 layes of cake) and it's a good idea to use dowels. I'd never do more than 2 layers of cakes without dowels or some kind of support system.

Rule of thumb - for every 4" of vertical height, you must have support.

Thank you guys so much! Now about sticking the bow to the fondant. What is the best way to do it. I read water or clear vanilla? It's gonna be gift box cakes. Can I use water to stick the fondant to the sides that looks like the ribbon wrapped around the box?

Yes you could use water or clear vanilla to attach the "ribbon" to the side of the cake. I've used both. Piping gel is also another option. Make sure to post a picture when you're done! Good luck!

I will post a picture even if it looks bad! Will clear vanilla work to attach my bow to the top?

How big is the bow? I would probably use some icing or melted chocolate in the same color as your bow, the vanilla might not be strong enough. Certainly can try though.

The bow is done in pieces and I'm going to piece it together on the top of the cake. A very simple bow that will be kind of flat and 4 in. round. I seen the bow on YouTube expertvillage

I would still use icing to attach the bow to the cake, but that's my personal preference. Gives you more 'wiggle' room if you need to move your loops about til you get them where you want them. Best of luck!

Always better to be safe than sorry. Dowel anything over one tier.

Jen