SWEET TOOTH Mark Gibson from Yarlington Barn (www.yarlingtonbarn.co.uk) says: The traditional three-tier cake is still by far the most popular, but for a winter twist white, silver and gold are all timeless and elegant colour choices for your seasonal big-day bake. Use wintry textures and embellishments such as velvet, fur and metallic accents to bring a touch of luxury. You can also decorate it with wintry foliage, pine cones, or fir branches. Just be sure to check with your florist first which flowers or greenery are safe for use around food. At this time of year with the dark nights, why not use festive twinkly lights to bring a touch of magic to your cake table? Or how about some mini seasonal cupcakes instead? With a little planning, you can create an elegant wintry wedding cake and display for your venue that’ll be the sweet centrepiece of your special day. A WINTER’S TALE Jen Whitworth, otherwise known as Jen The Celebrant (https://jenthecelebrant.co.uk) says: Hot chocolate, snuggles under a blanket and open fires – what’s not to love about winter? And with a celebrant-led wedding you can create romantic wintry magical vibes for you ceremony too. Let your guests warm your wedding bands with good wishes, love and support for your new journey as a married couple. Plus, it’s never too early to hear a cheesy Christmas song, so why not walk in to your favourite one? You could even get your guests to sing along. Instead of everyone throwing confetti, how about they throw fake snow as you walk down the aisle, creating your very own snow scene? Candles always add romance, so including a Unity Candle ceremony is a perfect way to keep the warm wintry feel. What’s more, creating your own blend of mulled wine as part of a wine ceremony is very special. You could add your and your partner’s favourite wines and spices together. Loved ones will really enjoy toasting you both after the ceremony. Instead of a sand ceremony why not have a snow globe ceremony? Each taking it in turns to add the elements. Or, bind your love together with a hand-fasting ceremony using your scarves as your hand-fasting cords and celebrate your first kiss under the mistletoe. www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk A MAGICAL MENU Chef at Paxton & Brown Caterers (www.paxtonandbrown.co.uk) James Brown says: Winter weddings are a fabulous time for food lovers! There are endless options for you to choose from to create a magical winter menu, from hearty traditional fare to middle eastern-inspired dishes that warm guests from the inside out. Here are my signature dishes, perfect for a winter wedding. •Welcome drinks Spiced elderflower prosecco and warm mulled apple cider. •Canapés Fish’n’chip cones, rare roast beef Yorkshire pudding, mini Cornish pasties, and cherry tomato and lemon pesto bruschetta. •Starter Spiced beetroot, pomegranate, baby leek and gorgonzola salad with walnut dressing. •Main course Traditional beef Wellington with roasted root vegetables and Bordeaux jus. Alernatively, try sharing boards of butterflied shoulder of lamb marinated in our special aromatic rub of smoked ancho chillies, fresh oregano, smoked paprika and pink peppercorns accompanied by flavoursome warm salads such as roasted butternut squash with rocket, pine nuts, labneh and green breans with cumin, capers, red papper and fresh herbs served with Turkish flatbreads. •Dessert Cinnamon and nutmeg apple tart with cardamom Chantilly cream. 53 EXPERT ADVICE
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