The prettiest wedding cake ideas and inspiration

It's one of the show-stopping features of the big day, so how do you know if you've found the perfect wedding cake?

Holly Barea of Etoile Bakery, based in Battersea, London, has shared her top tips and ideas with HELLO! Online...

"Flower work is always popular and the classic swathes and posies never go out of fashion," said Holly.

"However from our bolder couples we are doing large statement flowers, usually just one to the side of a cake, which looks amazing and has a really modern feel."

"Metallics are big news at the moment. Gold and silver are still popular but we are seeing copper coming in as a colour accent now too, which looks so dramatic on a cake!"

"Influences of Art Deco are also becoming more popular, contrasting dark metallic colours and graphic designs with the traditional white of a wedding cake. It can look absolutely stunning."

"A cake design should have flow and grace, it should have enough to keep the eye interested, but not be busy or overly ornate. It is all about balance."

"Most couples come to me with a look or feel that they are wanting to create for their wedding day, so we will take inspiration from their flowers, the venue, the dress and create something eye-catching and elegant that will perfectly complement the couple and their day."

"A cake maker's portfolio is essential. I say to my couples that they must look carefully at a cake designer's past work – if they like most of the designs, then you can safely assume that you will like what they will create for you."

"We get asked to make all sorts! I love creating whimsical, pretty cakes."

"Always organise a tasting so you can ensure the cake will be delicious. It would be too sad to have a beautiful cake that tastes disappointing!"

"Look at the detail of their past work – most designers will have some close up photos of their flower work etc so you can be sure of the quality of their work."

"Chemistry! A good relationship with all of your suppliers is key. You are involving this person in the most important day of your life, it is essential that you like them and feel they 'get' you."

"For those on lower budgets we tend to steer them towards our buttercream range and suggest they decorate it with real flowers from their florist, as this is a beautiful but cost-effective way of having a lovely cake."

"I think Victoria Beckham has great style so it would be amazing to create something for her. I imagine she would go for something quite modern and striking."

"Kylie Minogue would also be a lot of fun to work with – I think we could do something really dreamy and feminine for her."

"I think Pippa Middleton would definitely have a statement cake, but I imagine she will keep it quite classical and elegant in style.

"There will be a traditional fruit tier in there somewhere, but perhaps with a few more interesting flavours such as red velvet and salted caramel thrown in there to mix it up a bit!

"Her style tends to be quite understated so I think she may go easy on the piping work and instead go for accents of beautiful sugar flowers in soft romantic colours."