First try local bakeries, cake specialists, and wedding caterers or enlist the help of a friend or relative to make it that bit more personal. You could even impress your new husband and guests by making your own cake. Major supermarkets now produce a variety of basic, white iced celebration fruitcakes in various sizes, which can be decorated with piped icing, ribbons or fresh flowers. However, do not try to save money by having a homemade cake iced by a professional cake maker, as this is where most of the skill and expense lies so wouldn’t really save that much money.

Ask to see a portfolio of the cake maker's work, so you get an idea of the kind of work they are capable of. This will demonstrate the styles of cake they specialise in and will give you an idea of the possibilities. Most professionals will be able to incorporate even the most original requirements into their basic designs. A good baker should be willing and able to copy a picture of a cake, so if one catches your eye in a magazine or book do not hesitate to take it along with you as a possibility. Usually the more elaborate the design the higher the price so it is important to discuss the final costs and any extra requirements before confirming an order. Reputable suppliers will offer you the opportunity to taste their products before making a final decision, which is particularly important if you want an unusual flavour or filling.

What can I have?

You can have just about every conceivable style and shape of wedding cake from a simple round single layer for a small celebration with a few guests, to a more elaborate design especially if your wedding has a certain theme. Traditional tier designs are ideal for larger weddings and are best made with fruit, although the upper tiers could be made of sponge to accommodate different tastes. A tiered cake made entirely of sponge is not possible, as the weight would very likely cause the cake to collapse. Although it is now possible to have nearly any shape and height of wedding cake.

Decorating your cake

Decorate your cake with traditional royal icing, fondant icing or chocolate to match the colour scheme of the wedding party or incorporate the flowers.

Look for design ideas from magazines and books that show your personality as best you can through a cake. Choose anything from intricate icing or sugar craft designs to a plain cake decorated with fresh flowers that match your bouquet. But be as wacky as you like - create the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, a daisy-fest or even caricatures of the wedding party at the Top Table, the possibilities are now endless.

Displaying your cake

At some stage during the wedding day everyone's attention will be focussed on your cake so make sure it is given a safe but prominent position either on the top table or close by where it can not be knocked over easily. Also you would want to ensure that it does not obscure the guests' view of the top table.

Wedding cakes abroad

Companies that arrange weddings abroad normally include a cake in the package deal but you can't guarantee the quality and you are often given little choice of flavour or design. Specialist cake companies, will make and package small, travel-friendly cakes specialised for weddings abroad but check with the airline that they will allow you to transport it as part of your hand luggage. Once you have arrived at your destination store your cake somewhere safe, cool and dry and out of sunlight.