One of the most memorable things about any wedding is the cake. When deciding on which cake is right for you, there are many things to take into consideration.

The Season

When and where you have your wedding are essential when choosing your cake. If you're getting married in the summer or someplace hot, many icings, mousse and ice cream cakes should be avoided. Ask your bakery which type of cake is in season before you make your final selection.

The Flavor

The typical wedding cake is white cake with butter cream or fondant frosting, decorated in delicate pastels and often adorned with a miniature bride and groom cake topper or real flowers -- but you can do anything you like! Other popular cake flavors include lemon, carrot, chocolate, red velvet and vanilla, and cakes also often include fillings in many flavors, sometimes with fresh fruit. Another option to keep in mind is that if the cake is multiple tiers, each level can be a different type of cake, offering something for everyone.

The Size

Wedding cakes can come in all shapes and sizes. Cakes consisting of several tiers are a great choice, and one your guests will remember for its striking appearance. The number of guests you will have is the biggest factor in deciding how large your wedding cake should be.

The Decorations

Your options are limitless when it comes to decorating your cake. Your cake's decorations can reflect your wedding's theme, the season or you and your partner's interests. Your cake might be decorated with real daffodils for a spring wedding, shells and waves for a beach wedding, or cowboy boots or a cowboy and cowgirl cake topper for a Western wedding.

Some Alternatives

Some popular alternatives to the traditional wedding cake are cupcakes, mini cakes or a dessert bar, which can all be displayed beautifully, offer extra choices, and can be cost effective. In fact, one recent (and economical) bride decided to serve cupcakes after she learned her venue would charge a per-person cake-cutting fee.

Where to go in Texas

Bakeries abound across Texas; no matter where you're located, you can find a top-of-the-line bakery near you. In Edinburg, try Cynthia's Cakes. In Magnolia, head to Celebrations & Sweet Creations. In Austin, try Cakes, Chocolates & More. Candy Haven in Denton also offers a pick-up location in Plano. DJ's Cakes is located in Odessa, and Cake Affairs & Culinary Creations and Tammy Allen Premier Wedding Cakes are in Houston.