So I am making some dummy cakes for a bridal show but also wanted to showcase my talent making 3D/grooms/custom cakes....but dont want to waste cake.... anyone have ideas as to hwo to make a fake 3D CAKE?

Planet Cake in Australia use a lot of carved styrofoam in their regular cakes - which causes a bit of controversy amongst many cakers who believe a cake should be EDIBLE. Whatever your opinion though, their carved styrofoam technique would be perfect for creating display cakes. You may be interested in this clip I came across today from the Planet Cake tv series which shows the brilliant work of Margie Carter as she carves large 3D figurines out of styro:

http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/shows/planet-cake/videos.aspx#/planet-cake/CFB39950/dragon-boat-cake-extended-scenes

I've had good luck with this recipe. It can be carved, although it creates a lot of crumbs.
I use cheap, store brand mixes or slightly expired mixes.

NOT EDIBLE
DUMMYCAKERECIPE
1 (any) Cake Mix
3 TB Meringue powder
3 TB Flour
1 c water
Mix together. Batter will be thick, you will need to
spread the batter before baking.
Bake at 350 degrees till browned.

Rae

Blakes - u said its not edible....but those are all edible items?

It's exceedingly dry and flavorless. No one would ever want to eat it unless they were starving to death.
Rae