Ive only made ONE fondant cake before and in my opinion it came out pretty good. it was only one layer though. Im planning on making a 3 layer cake in September as a luau themed cake... here's what im trying to make http://sweettreatsbybonnie.blogspot.com/2011/07/tiki-head-luau-cake.html?showComment=1375156564729#c5430899236458136844  it looks pretty simple but I still have a few questions. one, how far ahead can I make the cakes and freeze them? I make the marshmallow fondant which says 4 cups of mini marshmallows 4 cups powdered sugar, how much fondant do you think ill need to make for that cake? how far ahead can I make all the fondant and color it? when im working with fondant how do I keep it moist and keep it from cracking? if I put on all the pieces on the tiki head if I steam it will those pieces fall off??? and last but not least, what do I do for support? put dowel rods on the bottom layer and one big one through the entire cake, you wouldn't see it because the sand and the big 30 will be on top? I know I probably sound like an idiot asking all these questions but I am asking to make sure I don't run into any problems once September comes. thanks :) also, one more question, what is It that they used for the middle layer?

,,,,,,, how far ahead can I make the cakes and freeze them?.....

    One can bake as much as 4-6 months in advance if you have a freezer:)  Just wrap the layers in plastic wrap after they cool somewhat, and place in a plastic bag or foil wrap.

....how far ahead can I make all the fondant and color it?......

Again this can be done as much as several months in advance.

.....when im working with fondant how do I keep it moist and keep it from cracking?........

Keep it wrapped in plastic.

......if I put on all the pieces on the tiki head if I steam it will those pieces fall off???.......

Why do you want to steam the tiki head??  But, no the pieces should not fall off.

.......what do I do for support? put dowel rods on the bottom layer and one big one through the entire cake,... .

For support you can use plastic drink straws - like you get at McDonalds & other fast food places.  You will need 5 in the bottom layer and 3 in the middle one.  The *only* reason to use a dowel through the center in when you plan on transporting the cake.  If you plan to use it at home there is NO need for that.  Even

if a center dowel is used it does not mean there will not be any problems transporting it.  I have transported 100s w/o ever using one; but 100s more with it and a few of those still fell apart.

............also, one more question, what is It that they used for the middle layer?.........

Not sure what this ? means.  If you are asking about support - refere to the above answer.

and BTW: that is a 'tier' not a layer :)

The example cake you posted has a 1 layer bottom tier; and the middle and top tiers are 2 layers each.

thanks so much. I will be transporting the cake but, I think im going to just put all the tiers on once I get there so have less stress :) again thank you