I am new here and I suppose I am mainly here b/c I have been searching for wedding cakes that I like as I will be getting married this fall. I have a few ?s
-I wanted to know from you all what kind of wedding cakes do you enjoy making the most as far as style, size, etc.
-I don't want to be difficult when I go to get a cake and so I would like to know what kind of customers do you all love. And then what absolutely drives you crazy so I know definitely what not to do.
-I hate to sound so cake-stupid but why are cakes charged by the slice as opposed to the size of the cake? I know that is a lot but thank you for all your help and guidance.
The kind of customer I hate is one who says "I don't know what kind of cake I want, you (decorator) tell me what you think I should do" and then argues with or dislikes every suggestion you (decorator) make.
The kind of customer I love is one who does her research, knows what she wants, has pictures or drawings, and is willing to work WITH the decorator.
While I do enjoy a challenge (can we say SUNSET THEME WEDDING guys and gals!), sometimes it's nice just to have someone say "I want THIS".
Congratulations on your wedding!
Charges are generally by the serving because it is a simple way to come to a reasonable price. In costing catering jobs, the standard is the cost of ingredients x3 or x4. In cake decorating, the real payment is for the labor involved in baking and decorating a wedding cake.
It helps if you have a picture of something you liked. Keeping in mind that some of the very complex cakes won't be available from the typical decorator. You should have some idea of what flavor or flavors you enjoy eating, and the kind of icing you like. Fondant is beautiful, and can taste pretty good (but sweet) but will be more expensive, and most people don't eat it. (the wilton stuff is gross)
have some idea of how many servings you want, and whether or not you want an anniversary cake. some people save the top, and some decorators offer a fresh small cake- minimal cost or sometimes free.
Set a budget for your cake. The decorator will work with you to help you stay within your budget. You can select a cake design from their portfolio or bring in pictures of cake designs you like. The decorator will guide you in the amount of guest servings you will need, the final decision is up to you.
Comply with your bakers policy in regards to payment in full deadline, equipment deposits and cake equipment returns.
Customers that upset me are those who haggle over pricing, and those who don't return equipment on due date.
Congrats! 
I'd start by finding a couple cakes you really like and take the photos with you to your consultation. Find out if the cake decorator can recreate the cake. One thing to beware of is that all decorators have their own styles and abilities and no one will make a cake exactly the same way. It helps to look through their portfolio and see if they've done cakes similar to what your wanting or at least at the same skill level. If you want fondant for example, be sure they've worked with it.
Charging by the slice is just an easy way to calculate a fair price for a cake. Even by the slice one decorator will probably have a range of prices. They may charge $3 a slice for one style of cake and $5 for another. Just depends on how much work and cost is involved. Wedding cakes take several days to complete and that's mainly what you're paying for. 
It's not uncommon to be charged for mileage and setup of the cake as an additional charge to the cake itself. In my area (don't know if this is universal or not) most decorators don't charge for the top tier (the anniversary cake). That's assuming it's a 6" size. 
My best advice is to have a good idea of what you're wanting before you get to your appointment, be sure and pay on schedule, keep in touch with your decorator as needed, and have fun with it! Try and find someone who has been referred by a friend or family member or who has a good reputation. 
If you want to visit some cake sites I have a large list of them on my website and blog that I try and update regularly. Since you have been looking at cakes, let me know if you see I've missed any cool sites!
God bless,
Wendy
Almost everyone prices by the slice. I don't...but I'm weird. Pricing by the slice is deceptive. I don't know ANYBODY who actually slices a cake in the correct size to make it work out the way it's supposed to. Generally, the slices served are larger than the "standard" wedding slice. So, keep in mind when you're ordering your servings, that you probably won't feed 120 people with that 120 "slice" cake.
I also hate it when people don't know what they want. Bringing in pics from bridal magazines or the internet is great! Looking through my pictures is fine. I only show people what I enjoyed making and what turned out well. Even if you just know you want a particular color combination - at least that's helpful. It would be great if you have the exact design in mind....but if not - knowing whether you like smooth, sleek fondant, something wild and bright and wacky, or something classic with lots of poofy swags and borders would give the decorator something to start with.
Don't just look to other people for ideas, either. I think it's really neat when the bride makes her cake uniquely hers. Use a motif from your invitations. Or copy the lace on your dress bodice. Or match the flowers in your bouquet. Or reflect the season or location of the ceremony. (I LOVE fall cakes festooned with lots of bright colored leaves)
Like others....I hate it when brides start giving me the bargain basement story. No cake decorator is rich! Believe me! Your cake is going to be expensive because our costs are high - and a custom cake takes lots of time. Time is our most expensive commodity.
Pay for delivery, if delivery is extra. It's scary to send a beautifully decorated cake out the door with people who don't know what they're doing - but are willing to risk ruining their reception to save fifty bucks. Gas and time are expensive. Respect your decorator and don't try to nickle and dime her to death on the delivery and setup.
Do what you say you're going to do...when you say you're going to do it - whether it's got to do with money or if it's just meeting her for a tasting. Treat her like a professional, and you'll get a professional cake in return.
Thanks for asking. Share with us what you end up with, please! 
I found this page on helping brides choose a cake thought you might be interested...
http://www.pastrysampler.com/Articles/Designing_the_Cake.htm
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