I think all cakes should be done in buttercream or royal icing. I don't understand putting something on a cake that people do not eat.

Serious Cakes/Janel taught me a long time ago, if you see a fondant cake you like, just look at it and see how you can recreate the cake in buttercream or royal icing. This does not work all the time, but a lot of the time, it can be done.