Cutting the wedding cake is one of the most romantic and special moments on your wedding day, so it's important that the cake you choose is perfect for both of you.

The budget for your wedding cake will help determine the size, style and type of cake you choose. Of course, your favorite flavors will also have some influence!

Once you've worked out a realistic figure that you know you can afford to spend, here are our top tips for choosing the perfect wedding cake.

• Browse as many wedding cake books and magazines as you can find to decide on what kind of cake you'd like. Do you want something traditional, or would you like a luscious croquembouche tower of choux pastry balls? Does the simplicity and elegance of a single layer appeal to you, or do you envisage two, three, four or more tiers?

• Traditional wedding cakes were made with a rich fruit and spices mix, but nowadays most couples choose flavors that appeal to their taste buds. Cheesecake, carrot cake, mocha, chocolate mousse and liqueur are all delicious variations for wedding cakes.

• What colors appeal to you? Many brides choose the same tonings for the wedding cake as the bridal party will be wearing, but there are no hard and fast rules. A rich chocolate ganache covering a chocolate mud cake looks delicious, but no more so than an elegant white fondant decorated with either fresh or fondant flowers.

• How many guests will be sampling the wedding cake? Your cake needs to be large enough to allow one slice per person. And don't forget to add an additional 10 slices (or a small tier) if you intend to preserve part of the wedding cake for your first anniversary.

• A clever way to cut costs is to serve the wedding cake as dessert, or you can organize to have individual miniature cakes baked to be given to guests as wedding favors. Some couples choose to have a centerpiece cake with smaller cakes for each table.

• Are you going to be a spring bride, or is the wedding in winter? The weather conditions have to be considered when choosing your wedding cake. The summer months are not a good time for mousse cakes or cakes that feature fresh cream, however, most types of wedding cakes work well in the cooler months.

What about a Groom's Cake?

The groom's cake is usually served to the bridesmaids by the groom, although not all couples choose this age-old southern tradition. Legend has it that the groom's cake is presented to unmarried female guests, to be placed under their pillow in the hope they will dream of the man who will become their future husband.

If you intend having a groom's cake, it's a good idea to organize it at the same time as your wedding cake.

You can choose to have something similar to the style of your wedding cake, although most couples like to select a style and flavor that appeals to the groom. It's a good idea to design the groom's cake with the groom's interests and tastes in mind.

Do It Yourself Wedding Cakes

If you know how to handle a mixing bowl and spoon, making your wedding cake is a wonderful way to personalize your celebration. Depending on your level of expertise, wedding cakes come in a range of styles and flavors to suit every cook.

Here is a selection of books that will help you with all the details, from deciding on the shape to fashioning intricate lace-work and flower decorations.

	Colette's Wedding Cakes by Colette Peters In this illustrated volume, Colette Peter's presents her choice of her best wedding cakes with step-by-step instructions. From whimsical to classical there are over 32 cakes including an art deco cake, a patchwork quilt cake and a stained glass cake.
	The Perfect Wedding Cake by Kate Manchester Kate Manchester is a food writer and private chef. Her articles have appeared in Martha Stewart Living, Outside, and Vermont Life magazines.
	The Wedding Cake Book by Dede Wilson The wedding cake is just as important for setting the tone and style of the celebration as the flowers or the invitations. Includes everything from an elegant towering croquembouche to a liqueur flavored mousse cake.
	Wedding Cakes by Sylvia Coward In this beautifully illustrated guide, veteran cake decorator Sylvia Coward presents her special selection of cakes. Over 20 different cake decorating techniques are clearly described enabling readers to make the projects in the book successfully or to adapt them to their own special bridal theme or design.
	Romantic Wedding Cakes by Kerry Vincent Renowned sugar artist Kerry Vincent shares not only her breathtaking cakes, but the how-to's on these signature recipes.
	Contemporary Wedding Cakes by Nadene Hurst, Julie Springall, Nadiene Hurst Recipes include a stunning Victorian cake with heavy scroll piping, traditional stacked cakes ranging from three to six tiers, distinctive Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, and more.