Classes

• One way to start is by taking a cake-decorating class. Classes can be found at many craft and hobby retailers such as Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Garden Ridge, as well as community colleges and adult learning centers. By taking a class, you can get a feel for flavors, decorating choices as well as basic baking and decorating techniques that can enhance your creation. Cake decorating instructional booklets, DVDs and videos also are available if hands-on classes are not offered near you.
  
  

Practice

• Be sure to practice several times. Butter-cream frosting decorations take time to master, as well as rolling smooth fondant to create a flawless cake. If you are making a tiered cake, make sure your layers are the proper density so your cake does not sink at the reception. You also may want to recreate the conditions of the reception, as in the case of an outdoor wedding, so that you're prepared in advance if the butter cream may melt or the fondant might slide in heat.
  
  

Television Shows

• Currently, there are several cake-decorating reality shows on TV that may provide ideas and decorating techniques. You can get pointers such as how to make your cake structurally sound or how to create that glossy finish with an airbrush. The Food Network offers cake challenges as well as "Ace of Cakes." "Cake Boss" and "Amazing Wedding Cakes" also are two reality shows about the cake- decorating business.
  
  

Store-Bought Cakes

• If you are not confident enough to make the entire cake yourself, but still want to be involved in the process, buy a plain cake from a bakery or grocery store. Then, you can decorate as you wish with flowers that match your bouquet, sugared or chocolate-covered fruits, ribbons or pearl stands. Cookies shaped and iced like wedding cakes, miniature champagne glasses, bells or other wedding symbols can make a plain cake beautiful and personal. Molding chocolates is a simple way to make a cake elegant and even more tasty.
  
  

Alternatives to Cake

• Some couple prefer desserts other than cake. For example, you can purchase a "cake" made from Krispy Kreme doughnuts instead. Another idea is to make cupcakes. You can purchase a cupcake stand and make individual cakes for each of your guests. These can be decorated with small, plastic decorations, flowers, candy-coated almonds or other candies such as shaped hard candies.