The wedding cake is one of main attractions of most wedding receptions. The tradition of cake cutting is so important that in most circumstances no one will leave the reception before the wedding cake is cut. Indeed the wedding cake is also a focal point for wedding photographs and is arguably the most important of the wedding decorations.

The wedding cake is a big part of the occasion, and something everyone remembers. So when deciding on which wedding cake is right for your perfect day, there are many factors to take into consideration.

When Is Your Wedding?
The date and location of your wedding is crucial when choosing the cake. For example if you plan on having your wedding in the summer at a hot location, things like mousse, or even ice cream cake, might be out of the question.

Size Of The Cake
The biggest factor in deciding how large your wedding cake should be is knowing how many guests you will have. Is the wedding cake the main dessert item, or is it basically a memento? For a dessert item allow about 5cm square for each guest, otherwise 2.5cm should be sufficient.

Many couples make the following mistake – they only estimate the number of guests who are going to attend the wedding reception. In fact the couple may want to send a piece of cake to a guest who cannot attend the wedding reception. As a result the size of the cake should be determined by the number of guests who will attend the wedding reception and the number of guests who cannot.

The Look
The worst thing you can do when choosing a cake is just settling on something. Look around at all kinds of different design ideas. There is a wealth of information and cake picture galleries online, which makes gathering design ideas easy. You can also visit the premises of various designers or suppliers.

Your wedding cake should be as individual as you. If your budget permits, you can get a cake customized especially for your wedding. This way your cake can compliment the overall look and feel of your wedding. Many couples even order their cakes as much as 6 months ahead of time to insure they get what they want.

Flavour Of The Cake
The design of the cake delivers a visual quality to the guest but the cake itself is for the guest to eat at the end of the day. There are plenty of options concerning the flavour of the cake. For example, a couple can choose fruits, chocolate or even ice cream.

The flavour of the cake also affects the time of ordering the cake. A sponge cake can only last for a few days and it should be prepared three to five days before the wedding reception. On the other hand, a fruitcake can last for a few months and it can be ordered say a month or two before the reception.

Decorations
Decorating a cake is only limited by your imagination. Some couples design the cake around the décor or theme of the wedding, while others give the cake a unique look, with decorations that define who they are.

Icings and fillings can provide a wide choice of individuality too. Some brides match the colour of their wedding dress, or their bridesmaid’s dresses, or use highlights of these colours.

Cake decorations can range from the traditional bride and groom, or house replica, to something personal such as a family heirloom decoration in glass or crystal. It is nice to have something on the cake that can be kept as a memento forever.

Once you have decided what you want, get a quote from several shops to make sure you are getting the best deal. Consultations are free and a good shop will offer free cake sampling to help you make your mind up on the perfect wedding cake that will feature in the eternal photo of you and the groom, knife in hand smiling!