Cake
To figure out what style of cake you would like, you'll want to have most of your wedding shopping done in order to have your dress, colors, decorations, and location in mind when making your selections. Make sure the cake you choose will coordinate with the overall theme of the wedding. Often it is easy to pick the decorations you want on the cake simply by looking at one of the components of your decorations. For example, some brides choose to duplicate the lace pattern from their dress onto the wedding cake; other couples may have a beach or garden theme that they can work into the decoration of a cake.
The decorations are not all you have to choose - there's also cake shape and style. Once you have figured out the theme you want your cake to have, it is usually easy to determine the shape and style. If you chose to duplicate your dress lace, you'll probably want something a little more formal like a tiered cake. If you are having something more fun, you may be able to pull off something more modern like a cake with various shapes stacked on top of each other. For a mix of traditional and modern, you may choose a tiered cake composed of square cakes instead of round ones. Keep in mind that the more elaborate/colorful/large you want your cake, the more expensive it will be.
After you have all of the design and flavor details, you'll have to look into the price of the cake. This implies two things: the actual price of the cake (whether per slice or per cake) and the amount of the cake (since it largely effects price). As mentioned before, you'll want to have a lot of your wedding planning done prior to cake shopping, this includes having a rough guest list, or at least an estimate of how many guests you are expecting. If you are having a lot of guests, but are on a tight budget, you may want to get a small-scale cake of your ideal style, taste, and decorations and then have sheet cakes to serve when the cake is gone. This is a very easy solution and most bakers are willing to coordinate the sheet cakes with your actual cake. Some couples simply choose to have alternative/less expensive desserts to serve as well so that they can just cut smaller piece of cake for each guest.
When is the appropriate time to cut the cake? This typically takes place around the end of the reception- but not within the last five minutes. You'll want it after the bouquet and garter toss, but with ample time after for mingling and dancing. Many couples will have their DJ make an announcement to inform your guests.
To cut the actual cake - it is customary for the groom to put his hand on top of the bride's as they cut the bottom layer of cake (don't cut the top one- you'll save it for your anniversary). You and your groom won't have to cut the whole cake, typically a server is appointed to that task. Beware however, of high cutting fees and try to reduce them (by having a friend or relative do the task) or negotiate a better price.
No matter what style of cake you choose, you should absolutely love it. Don't be persuaded by modern styles or family member's ideas- just choose the cake that you want and let it be a reflection of your big day.
