You needn't opt for a 'cake' at all of course - profiteroles towers (Croquembouche) are becoming increasingly popular, as are all types of chocolate creations.

If you don’t like fruit, why not opt for another type of filling. Carrot, sponge, fudge and both white and dark chocolate are popular alternatives - or why not mix two fruit tiers with a chocolate to cater for every taste?

Wedding cakes don’t have to be white. You can choose a colour to match your outfit, bridesmaids- dresses or colours in your bouquet.

Ask friends to recommend a good cake baker (or surf our listings below). Go along to meet your cake creator in person and make sure they are happy to make the kind of cake you want.

Sample a similar cake before ordering - most places will let you try before you buy.

Make sure you order a big enough cake - in this department size does matter girls. Work out how many guests it has to go around - and don't forget about the extra pieces you have to send to non-attenders (you can buy the little cake boxes from your wedding stationery supplier). Whether you want to follow tradition and keep the top tier for your first child’s christening is up to you.

Order your cake well in advance, certainly no less than three months before the big day.

The price of a wedding cake depends on size, mixture, amount of decoration and sugar-crafting, quality of product and complexity of design. Expect to pay from £300-£600 for a good quality cake.