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"Brides put so much thought into their wedding cakes, and I see them making the cake a bigger part of the reception experience," Gady says. She increasingly sees couples choosing to place an amazingly decorated mini cake at each place setting or a single small cake as the centerpiece of each dinner table.

She adds, "I also have arranged separate cakes -- in a cluster of assorted sizes and decorative accents -- displayed on pedestals of varying heights. This gives a new, unique presentation with the illusion of a grand focal point. At cake-cutting time, the cakes are whisked away to be cut and then are brought back to be served table-side."

More: Slide show of Creative Wedding Cakes >>

 

"I suggest serving the layers from the bottom -- the largest -- on up," Gady says. That way, if there's more than enough cake, the smaller top layer can remain on display throughout the reception.

Make sure your serving staff knows that the cake should be served with its luscious chocolate wrap. Gady has had a few clients whose reception servers -- believing that the icing was for decoration only -- cut slices and removed the chocolate wrap.

Should the bride and groom freeze the top layer for their first anniversary? "It can be sweet to enjoy the cake at the one-month anniversary. Most cake tops are left behind, forgotten in the rush at the reception," Gady says. Gady also suggests that rather than saving the cake for a year in the freezer, simply order a fresh cake to enjoy on the first anniversary. In fact, ordering a cake can be a fun yearly celebration.