Wedding cake designs have never been as unique and creative as they are these days, thanks in part to new media dedicated to food. More than ever, magazines and television networks showcase the talents of America's top bakers and their ultimate creations.

Take your baking talents to new heights by producing modern wedding cakes that appeal to the most unorthodox bride and groom. It's easier than ever if you take into consideration all the tools at your disposal:

1. Get creative with your wedding cake designs using techniques the pros use, and personalize them to your clients' interests.

2. Build your unique wedding cakes to survive transport and photo sessions, using the latest tools and technology.

3. Remember that no matter how beautiful the cake, it will be eaten. Provide your clients with delicious cakes that serve all their reception guests easily.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cater to every couple's personal interests with custom wedding cake ideas

Traditional wedding cakes still appeal to lots of couples. Resplendent in their flowing tiers, traditional cakes aren't complete without bridges, fresh flowers, or these days, even champagne fountains built into the cake design. Unique wedding cakes, however, have come into fashion, featuring square wedding cakes and even theme cakes that resemble buildings or landmarks important to the betrothed.

I recommend: Search wedding cake pictures for ideas at Wedding Cake Creations.com. Once you've reached an agreement with the bride and groom on overall design and colors, complete the details starting with wedding cake toppers from That's My Topper.

Transport and serve modern wedding cakes without a hitch

Assemble multi-tiered cakes onsite to save your wedding cake business from certain disaster. Provide your customers with detailed serving diagrams for their cake, to maximize serving numbers and minimize serving difficulty.

I recommend: Build your dream cakes with solid foundations from Wilton, and transport the tiers and delicate sections in inexpensive cake boxes. Print a small reference cutting guide for cake servers to make their job a little easier.

Go the extra mile with a contract, top-layer preservation and wedding cake photos

Lay out all your duties -- and a payment schedule -- in a contract at the first design meeting. After you've set up the cake at the reception site, do your part to ensure that the cake stays intact and beautiful -- forever. Photograph your creation for your own portfolio, and for the bride and groom, before guests start arriving. Set up the cake table to showcase your art, and leave packing supplies and instructions for freezing the top layer for that first wedding anniversary.

I recommend: Review contract points at The Knot and build your own. Print freezing instructions for the person who will be packing up the top layer of the cake. Upload wedding cake photos or videos at the Ace of Cakes Cake Community.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the reception site's air conditioning is set at 65 to 70 degrees about 2 hours before you set up your wedding cake. Cool air will help keep the cake fresh while you take pictures, and will help see it through an hour of playing center stage before it's consumed by party guests.