Why go tiered? Tiered cakes are a timeless choice for a reason — they’re utterly impressive, eye-catching, and make for a very pretty picture. You can even have each tier be a different flavor to up the tasty variety. The other nice thing about tiered cakes is that, though similar in shape, there’s no end to the myriad of styles you can apply to this classic design.

Tiers might be color blocked or adorned with textural elements for a cake with lots of delightful dimension. Ruffles are always pretty and look at home at a variety of weddings, from outdoor to ballroom. Cakes that glimmer with metallic luster are certainly growing in popularity. Edible sequins and gold leafing are a glamorous choice.

For more colorful weddings, consider a painted, illustrative, or ombre cake that draws out the color story of your wedding. Watercolor, geode, sculptural, or tile-inspired designs are modern showstoppers, while painted or fondant monogramming and lace details are a classic, elegant way to go.

While a lone tiered cake can be a stunner, there are lots of ways to feature your dessert table as décor. Instead of just one large wedding cake, consider three to five smaller tiered cakes, each in a different flavor to offer variety. These mini cakes can be displayed on staggered stands to add dimension. Cupcakes are another popular way to expand your wedding cake’s presence: Try showcasing the central cake surrounded by towers of matching cupcakes. You can even place a small cake at the center of each dinner table, so the dessert can double as a centerpiece.

Wedding dessert doesn’t have to stop at cake. In fact, many couples are embracing variety these days, to the delight of their guests. It’s not uncommon to see a traditional cake paired with other sweets — think cookies (pretty macarons or homemade chocolate chip), truffles, or whole tables chock full of candy. Candy also makes a great favor, as you can give each guest a cute bag (personalized for your wedding day!) for filling with candies of their choice: chocolates, jellybeans, taffy, gummies, and more!

You can even think further outside the box to make your dessert experience an exceptionally memorable one. Having an outdoor wedding? Invite guests to roast marshmallows over an open fire, then stack their own s’mores. Build-your-own sundaes are a charming sweet for summer affairs, and a well-stocked stash of toppings will have the kid in every guest buzzing with excitement.

Feel free to get personal with your dessert selection, too, by serving your all-time favorite sweets. Do you share a donut or chocolate chip cookie obsession? A display brimming with deep-fried confections or loads of cookies can be fun and whimsical at a more laid-back wedding. Or choose two desserts — one for the bride and one for the groom. The bride’s dessert might be apple pie a la mode, and the groom’s dessert might be red velvet cake. Knowing these are your favorites will add a sweet, personal touch for your guests.

Who says dessert must be merely edible — why not drinkable, too? For winter weddings, hot chocolate bars are a cozy way for guests to warm up. Have help-yourself hot cocoa dispensers with an array of toppings: marshmallows, fresh whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and peppermint stirring sticks. A coffee bar also makes a wonderful late-night treat. Consider hiring a barista for a portion of the evening to whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks to compliment pastries, biscotti, and specialty chocolates.

Whatever you decide on, take advantage of all food tastings. That shouldn’t be hard to do when desserts on the tasting menu! Go with your gut and choose the dessert you deem the tastiest, but also factor in the bakery’s efficiency and professionalism. The baker should return your calls and emails in a timely manner, be flexible with your needs, have some familiarity with your reception venue, and guarantee on-time delivery, set-up, serving, and clean-up (if needed).

Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice, depending on the style, ingredients, size, and embellishments. Your reception site might also charge a plating fee, often per person, to cut and serve the cake. But ask about this; it might be negotiable.

The traditional cake cutting sounds like, well, a piece of cake! But it’s slightly more involved. Make sure you have a knife and lifter set to go; these might be engraved with your initials or decorated with ribbons in your wedding colors. Traditionally, the bride grasps the knife with her right hand and the groom covers her hand with his as they cut the cake together — and the crowd goes wild!