Re: cutting cakes?? personal touches??CONFUSION???
I think Janab has covered it, but I'd say that a 'tiered' cake is also better as then all the guests can see the cake. Also when it comes to actually cutting the cake it might be better to have just immediate family standing by your side, and have the guests remain seated as then everyone gets a clear view, and you get to share your special moment together without a crowd.
You might consider going to cut the cake immediatley after you make your enterance with the groom. I saw this done once, and it made it seem like a more organised valima, as the guests were asked to stand, but remain standing by their tables for the entrance, so were already on their feet.
As for the 'palai' glass, I guess you're refering to the doodh palai rasam? If so, when I decorated a glass for my cousin, I stuck beads (in keeping with the wedding theme) around the rim, and placed it on a decorated flat basket in the centre of rose petals, you could use a plate instead. We used a colourful curly plastic straw for him to drink from.