The dates has been set, the invitations sent, the dress chosen, and now it's time to decide what kind of wedding cake you would like. There are several considerations to take into account when choosing your wedding cake, and here we will look at some of the choices you'll have to make.

When planning your cake, you'll need to consider how many guests you are planning to have. Have you set a budget for your cake? This may reduce your choices significantly. The more decorated the cake the more expensive. How many tiers would you like or do you need? Will you be using a pre bought cake top, such as a bride and groom or a custom made themed topper? And, will you be serving other desserts or will the cake be your main dessert?

What flavor would you like your cake to be? There are many choices beyond the standard chocolate or vanilla. Butter cream, lemon, or cheesecake are some of the other options available although you are only limited by your imagination. You could be adventurous and choose each tier or level to be a different flavor, this can be a fun choice and bound to give your guests a talking point.

How will you decorate the cake? You can choose to decorate your cake with a basic butter cream frosting, or rolled fondant or marzipan. From here, you can add nearly any kind of decoration you wish, from real flowers to ribbons or flowers and bells made from blown sugar. You can let your imagination run wild here, your cake can be as complex or as simple as you wish.

Once you have the answers to these questions, you will be ready to start the search for a baker to create the perfect cake for you.

Referrals are a great way to find a good baker. Ask friends who have already gone through the process what they thought of their wedding cakes and the service they received from their baker. See if you can recall a wedding you attended where you were really impressed with the cake and try and find out which baker prepared the cake.

Once you find a baker or have a baker recommended you will find most bakers can provide samples and pictures of their cakes so you can evaluate each one, and many will be happy to show you around their bakery and maybe even show part completed orders. If you have an idea of what you want your cake to look like, take along a sketch or a picture from a magazine to help you describe it to your baker.

Whatever you choose, get all of your requirements in writing, so there is no room for mistakes. You should order your cake well in advance of your wedding date to ensure that the baker can complete the cake in time for your big day. A busy baker may need up to six weeks to complete your cake from order. It will take time to get the cake to your reception, and also to set up your cake, so your baker will need to be sure that he or she has enough time to do so.

Keep in mind that the initial cost quoted is usually only for the actual cake itself. There may be a fee for transportation and set up of your cake, as well as on site decoration. Be sure to discuss this with your baker before signing your contract.