The cake is such a uniquely challenging part of planning any wedding, since it has to both look wonderful and taste great. As you make your selection, learn the characteristics you should seek out (as well as the ones you need to avoid).

Do Your Homework
Look at tons of cake photos so you know your options. If you have a custom style in mind, cut out pictures, snip fabric swatches, and pull from other resources. Before you start sketching out cake plans, learn about a few basic terms, such as fondant and buttercream. (Fondant makes for a very neat, put-together design but doesn't taste amazing; buttercream tastes great but can't be molded or colored like fondant.)

Do Personalize Your Cake
One of the first things guests notice when they enter the reception is the cake, so make sure it fits the decor and suits your style. You can use any inspiration point to start with, from your wedding colors to your reception space -- even the lace on your gown.

Hint: An easy way to personalize your cake is to monogram it. Having your monogram written in scroll-like buttercream on the middle tier or frosted onto an oval piece of white chocolate and set off-center on the bottom tier will serve as a personalized stamp of approval.