OK CC addicts..I'm doing a 5 tiered stacked cake for a bride. The bottom tier is cake and the rest of the tiers are dummies. (4 round and top one square) I will put supports on the bottom tier and separator plates on the others but do I need a supports system on the others?? They will be fondant covered. Should I put something through the middle of the rest of the tiers for stability??
The only support you will need is a minimal amount in the bottom tier. You don't even need separator plates. Just stack each styro right on the other. But put a cardboard under the one that goes on the real cake so no styro bits get on the cake. I wouldn't even use a center rod.
I agree that no support is required between dummies, but I'd use a little more than minimal doweling in the bottom tier. Four fondant covered dummies can get heavy.
I would also suggest, if at all possible, transporting the stacked dummies separately, then placing them on the bottom tier at your destination.
Glue your dummies together to make it even easier.
If 4 dowels in a bottom tier can support real cake, they can support styro's. I just use BC as the glue between my dummies ... and I pick them up by the top tier to move them ... they stay together just fine.
I'd go ahead and stack the dummies before transport to let the whatever-you're-using-for-glue dry them together. If you want to place the 4 stacked dummies on the real cake once you arrive, you can. I personally would stack the whole thing at the shop.
Thanks you guys. All of the suggestions were very informative. I think I will probably need to stack them at the location because it will be so tall. I'm transporting in my GMC Yukon and I don't think it will fit. It is also up a very winding road. You guys are awsome!!! 
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