I make the lid from gumpaste ahead of time and allow it to dry for about a week.
Then I prop it up with dowels cut about one inch higher than the cake. I will place flowers or fondant tissue paper to cover the dowels. Here is a pic of one of my present cakes:
I've read before to cover a piece of stryrofoam in fondant for the lid. I think it's done like that because the styrofoam is lightweight. I made a tiered present cake this weekend and used the styrofoam for the lid. I've never made a cake that wasn't 100% edible, but nobody seemed to mind and it turned out very well. By doing it that way I didn't have to use the skewers to prop up the lid. I made tissue paper from 50/50 and it was strong enough to hold up the lid and bow on top. Might try making the lid from a thin single layer cake on a board next time to see how it works.
Thank you. 
Yes, if you need the extra servings then that definately would be the way to go.
If you need a cushion between your dowel and the cardboard, just push a marshmallow over the end of your dowel.
Cant wait to see your cake! I know it will be fabulous!
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