So most of your big planning is done as far as the reception goes. You’ve picked out your location, your caterer, and your menu but now it’s time to choose the desert. First figure out if the cake is the least of your worries or if it’s high on the “must-obsess-over” list. If it’s not that important to you, don’t splurge on a custom-designed cake fit for royalty. And if you’ve determined your cake budget, the selection process will be that much easier.

Some people actually pick out their cakes first and that determines the theme and colors of their wedding. If you are having a beach wedding you might want a unique; custom made cake like the one pictured on the right made by G’s Cake of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Or you might a more traditional cake like this beautiful cake below. No matter what your taste or flare there are plenty of talented cake designers out there for every budget.

So how do you find out about these Cake Designers? You have several options.

• Caterer/ Reception Hall: Most of these have in house Cake designers or they can recommend their favorites to you. Make sure you ask to see pictures of their past cakes, and sample the goods just to be sure it’s to your liking.
• Commercial Bakery or Boutique Bakery: Check out your neighborhood bakery. Yes, that does include supermarkets. Some specialty supermarkets have quite a fine bakery. You might be limited in design, flavor choices, or creativity but this option might be the perfect solution for your cake budget.
• Custom Design: These cake designers see your wedding cake as a work of art and put much detail into the design of your cake through exquisite workmanship, sophisticated ingredients, and decorative techniques. If you have always envisioned your cake to look a certain way this is definitely the way you want to go. Just remember to adjust your cake budget accordingly. For that much personalization and detail it’s going to cost you much more than the previous cake options.

After you think you’ve picked out the perfect design and you start setting up appointments, now comes the fun part. The tasting! Now ladies, this is a part of wedding planning that I guarantee you and your fiancé will enjoy together. Not only do you get to taste all these fabulous cakes, it is also an opportunity to see sample cakes, ask questions, and review portfolios. Just remember—don’t be shy—go to as many tastings as you feel necessary.

Don’t be afraid to take risks. You don’t have to go with an all white traditional cake. Find ways to incorporate your colors through flowers, decorations, and even icing color. I’m really excited about my cake because it doesn’t have any white in it at all. It’s a three layer cake shaped like gift boxes (really hot trend) staggered on top of each other and each box is alternating chocolate and pink. It fits perfectly with the color scheme and all I had to do was ask. So the sky is the limit when it comes to Cake Designs. It’s a way to incorporate and express your tastes and personality. So have fun with it, and don’t smash it too hard in your new husband’s face.