The crowning moment of any wedding reception comes when the bride and groom join hands to slice that first piece of wedding cake. Whether the cake of choice is a multiple-tiered extravaganza with spun sugar and marzipans or a simple round layer cake adorned with flowers, it is always the centerpiece of the party. The Perfect Wedding Cake is an inspirational guide for the bride and groom on how to choose a wedding cake that reflects the style of their wedding. 'It covers everything they need to know, including how to select a cake design and baker, when to cut and serve the cake, and how to choose delicious flavor combinations and a cake to complement the season. For those who want to bake their cake at home, the book includes basic but delicious cake and frosting recipes created by a leading pastry chef that can be executed in a home kitchen. Thirty-five full-color photographs of gorgeous wedding cakes showcase a wide variety of inspirational styles and types - from traditional tiered cakes to contemporary alternatives such as jewel-like single-serving cakes - created by some of the most respected chefs working today, including Sylvia Weinstock, Francois Payard, Gail Watson, and Ron Ben-Israel. Black-and-white photographs of enduring rituals, from the bride and groom kissing to the cutting of the cake, set the mood. An extensive resource guide of the top wedding cake bakers in the United States completes the book.