Cake time!

A DELICIOUS CENTREPIECE

There is still something really special about an exquisitely decorated wedding cake on a grand scale and it's no wonder lots of couples are opting for this more traditional option. But this doesn't mean you have to go for traditional fruitcake and white icing. Do your research and book appointments with a cake maker whose work you admire, and make sure you ask for tastings and full pricing details.

Consider the season and style of reception when choosing your cake flavour - a light coconut and lemon cake would be perfect for a midsummer affair, while a rich, dark chocolate cake with a little liqueur would be the perfect way to finish off a crisp winter evening.

If you're partial to savoury treats, you could try a 'cheese cake'.

Select three varieties of cheese (such as a soft, firm and blue) and stack them to make a three-tiered cake. Embellish with foliage and fresh fruits.

If you're opting for tiers you can have completely different flavours - something to suit all palates (and accommodate your family's choices), however it is also lovely to have a link between the flavours, whereby particular elements such as chocolate or cherry tie the tiers together.

Don't forget to consider how to arrange your cake for display at your reception venue. This is a big photo moment so make sure you have a beautiful cake knife and server ready, and give your cake pride of place on its own strand on a small table for extra wow factor. Candles and small vases frilled with flowers will finish off the look perfectly.

Ruby's Patisserie

Fairy Cakes Avanti Cakes

CHERRY ON TOP

When thinking how to decorate your cake, consider the style and theme of your wedding. An elegant glamorous function calls for an elaborately iced cake perhaps with metallic accents, crystals or piped flowers, whereas at rustic nuptials, pastel buttercream icing with fresh blooms would be perfect. Ribbons matching your colour scheme wrapped at the base of each tier give definition and a subtle injection of colour, while a cute personalised cake topper spelling out your names or a sweet message is a great way of adding a touch of whimsy to your cake.

BITE-SIZE

Tiered cupcake trays are a fabulous option and allow you to include a medley of your favourite flavours. The decorations for each flavour could vary slightly but all follow the same colour scheme or style for a dynamic yet cohesive effect.

Alternatively you could do away with the cake altogether and have a macaron or profiterole tower (called a croquembouche). Both options are bit-sized and make a delicious statement.

SWEET LIKE CANDY

If you and your groom are lovers of all things sweet, a candy bar may be a great option to finish off the night. You could make your cake the centrepiece and showcase a selection of your favourite sweet treats in glass candy jars or on platters. Pop some paper bags and scoops on the table and your guests can take home a sweet selection, which can double as bonbonnieres.