Choosing flavours everyone at the party will actually eat

The best cake flavour is the one the room finishes. For a big mixed-age party, a classic vanilla sponge with buttercream or a rich chocolate fudge will never sit uneaten.

If you want something with a bit more personality, biscuit-based fillings, salted caramel and lemon curd all travel well and cut cleanly for photos.

Fresh fruit fillings are gorgeous but best eaten the same day — worth knowing if your cake is being cut in the evening after a long day out.

Not sure? Order a small batch of cupcakes in two flavours first. It's the cheapest way to taste-test before committing to a full celebration cake.