Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans, ensuring they’re ready for the batter.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light, tender cake texture.

Add eggs and flavorings: One at a time, add eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, followed by your choice of flavoring, like vanilla extract or almond extract.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, followed by milk, until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Choose your frosting: Whether you opt for buttercream, Swiss meringue buttercream, or cream cheese frosting, make sure it’s smooth and ready to spread.

Beat the butter and sugar: For buttercream, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add a bit of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.

Adjust texture: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to achieve the right spreadable consistency.If the frosting is too runny, gradually mix in a bit more powdered sugar.

Level the cakes: Once the cake layers are cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops so they’re flat and even.

Frost between layers: Spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer to create a smooth and delicious filling. You can also add a layer of fruit jam or lemon curd for added flavor.

Cover the cake with frosting: Once the layers are stacked, spread a thin “crumb coat” layer of frosting to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes, then apply a final, smooth layer of frosting.

Add finishing touches: This is where the fun begins! Decorate your cake with fresh flowers, edible pearls, or gold leaf to make it look elegant and personal.

Use piping techniques: For a professional touch, pipe delicate borders or floral patterns using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip.

Chill before serving: After decorating, chill the cake in the fridge for about an hour to set the frosting and ensure everything stays in place until the big day.