Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 79)

 WHAT’S COOKING All the latest in wedding catering O ne of the things that lingers in people’s memories long after the big day’s over, is the food – hopefully for all the right reasons! So what are the rules for getting it right? Well here’s the good news – you decide. Set your own agenda to suit you, your guests, the wedding theme and the style and feel of your day. So if you want a traditional three-course sit-down wedding breakfast, that’s fine and if food stations and al fresco dining are more your thing, that’s great too! There’s so much to choose from, the world’s your oyster. We speak to experts from around the region to get their take on the latest catering trends and innovations to set your celebration apart from the crowd. WHAT’S HOT More and more newlyweds-to-be are looking at the choice of food and drink for their big day as a top priority. However, not everyone is a foodie or keeps on top of popular dining trends – so where to start? We asked Alexandra Bishop, owner of Southampton-based bespoke cake and catering company The Pastry Corner for her top tips and predictions for the wedding season ahead. She reports... Your day, your way The rise and rise of alternative-style wedding breakfasts is a set to continue for 2020 and with so many fantastic options available now, more and more couples are looking for something different to the norm. More than just food, they want an experience for their guests to enjoy and we’re seeing increased demand for more social and informal choices; everything from afternoon teas to help-yourself hampers. GRAZING TABLES Think wooden boards laden with delicious meats and cheeses, served alongside a range of olives, pickles and other mouthwatering delicacies, basically a giant antipasti platter for all your guests to dig in and enjoy. They’re also a great option for dessert providing an assortment of elegant patisseries and sweet treats as the perfect way to complete your wedding breakfast. You can even have a bespoke grazing breakfast delivered to your door on the wedding morning to enjoy while getting ready with your best girls or boys. Freshly baked pastries, chocolate-dipped strawberries and delicious toasted bagels, what better way to start your big day? TEA ANYONE? Afternoon teas for weddings have been around for a number of years now and are definitely here to stay! Picture a variety of sweet delights and dainty finger sandwiches presented on your choice of stand. Who doesn’t love a freshly baked scone either, filled with clotted cream and strawberry jam? Afternoon teas are light enough to allow you to explore more elaborate options for the evening catering too, such as barbecues, pizza vans or big-pan dishes. Picnic hampers Big wicker picnic hampers filled with mouthwatering morsels are just the thing for outdoor weddings. They offer a laid-back experience, allowing guests to eat at their leisure throughout the day. A great ice breaker, they also help family and friends to mingle and get the conversation flowing. Like any other summer picnic in this country, the weather can’t be guaranteed, however this style of catering can work just as well in an indoor setting like a barn or marquee. ALEXANDRA’S TOP TIP Rather than a big lavish meal for the wedding breakfast, spread the food out across the whole day to get your guests talking about all the tasty choices available. Visit thepastrycorner.co.uk CATERING 57