OK - as I'm typing this, I realise how RIDICULOUS this sounds, but I need to check to satisfy my lack of confidence...

...  is white sanding sugar JUST sugar?

See, told you it was silly.

This gorgeous cake here on CC is the look I'm after -

http://cakecentral.com/g/i/3160652/this-wedding-cake-was-for-a-new-years-eve-wedding-the-tiers-are-all-covered-in-fondant-and-wrapped-with-faux-rhinestone-bling-two-of-the-tiers-are-covered-with-sparkling-sanding-sugar-and-alternating-tiers-have-hand-painted-scrolls-with-dragee/

Thanks

Suzanne x

Here's a bit of info and includes a possible source:

http://www.bhg.com/advice/food/baking/what-are-pearl-sugar-and-sanding-sugar-and-where-can-i-buy-them/

If sanding sugar is the same as Wilton Sparkling Sugar, which I think it is, here is a pic with the ingredients. It is basically sugar, with stuff added. It is coarser than sugar, and therefore will also be crunchier. I think because it has the wax as a glaze, it doesn't absorb moisture as easily as regular white sugar.

Thank you. x