I've been doing a lot of research, and obviously there are a lot of methods out there. I just want to know what works best for you.

1.) I am NOT using an SPS system. I don't have the supplies for that.

2.) My tiers are 9" and 6" rounds.

3.) They will be covered in ganache then fondant

4.) There is a modeling chocolate/RKT figure on top (about the size of a baseball)

So this is what I am thinking (correct me if I'm wrong!)....

1.) Spread a little ganache on bottom cake board to have the cake stay in place. Place bottom layer on board.

2.) Put 4 wooden dowels in center of cake. (Do I place more ganache to have the top tier stay in place??)

3.) Place top tier on top of bottom tier. (And this top tier has a cake board under it, but do I cover that board with foil?)

4.) Place bubble tea straw through top tier to support the figure.

5.) Do I stick a dowel from the top layer cake all the way to the bottom tier to stabilize the cake??

Does any of that make sense? Please be as thorough as you can! I am a perfectionist and don't want to mess this up!

Thanks in advance :)

AThat sounds pretty good. I would use six dowels instead of four, though. Yes, a little ganache to keep the top tier in place is a good idea. Just don't overdo it or it will be messy for serving. No need to cover the 6" cake board with foil; it won't be visible at all. As far as putting a dowel through the whole thing, that is up to you. If you will be delivering it yourself and feel confidant that it will stay put, you don't need to. I would only put a dowel through a two tier cake if I was not delivering it myself. Hope that helps! :)

AHi cakeMessa, I thought it was funny when I read your post, this is exactly what I'm baking and putting together right now! Mine is for a confirmation ceremony tomorrow and its my first tiered cake as well! I'm really nervous! Everything you mentioned sounds pretty correct. I'm not doing a central dowel though as I'm going to stack and finish on site as hubby isn't the most gentlest driver and I'm pretty sure I know how my cake would end up! Good luck!