Following on from Natalie, Hyland Weddings & Events and Laura, Kept Weddings who walked us through a Summer Wedding Ceremony and Reception, we have now caught up with Clare from Fynnesse Weddings to discuss A Summer Wedding Breakfast!
First things first, what is a Wedding Breakfast?
It’s named as such as traditionally, this would have been the married couples first meal following the ceremony, which would have been in the morning. A few centuries on and we have added in some extra time for getting ready and relaxing in the morning, plus a chance for canapes and a glass of fizz. The Wedding Breakfast by modern standards, is the main meal of the day!
Over to Clare to help guide you with your Summer Wedding Breakfast plans…
A Summer Wedding Breakfast – Helpful tip
This Summer has reminded us that it can be hot (as well as a little showery) in the UK.
So whilst planning your wedding breakfast this Winter, when you are curled up in front of your log burner, craving seasonal comfort food, just be mindful that your guests may not want steak and ale pie with mash on a hot July day!
No matter how chilly it may be November – January, you are going to have to switch on your Summer taste buds. While we are still in Summer mode now, start to pay attention to food that you eat out or abroad, make notes of the seasonal produce and classics that you love!
A Summer Wedding Breakfast – Ingredients
Summer is full of delicious fresh seasonal food, so try and make the most of what will be in season for your big day.
Try locally grown, fabulous Summer ingredients wherever possible.
Traditionally the wedding breakfast is a sit down formal meal but the season allows you to ramp it up and go quirky.
You could try a festival vibe with food trucks providing a variety of menus to satisfy all your guests’ tastes and any potential dietary needs.
The choice is endless with wood fired pizza options, burritos, Greek tapas, fish and chips, Curry vendors, specialist vegetarian/vegan vans, noodle bars, Sushi, gelato, crepes and so many more –
the world is your oyster (so why not include an oyster bar too!)
A Summer Wedding Breakfast – Grazing
This is a Wedding Breakfast trend that has stuck around for a good reason, the Grazing table. Grazing boards or tables are a great way to encourage your guests to mingle and socialise.
Guests can eat at their own pace and choose whatever yummy options they like, prefer or feel brave enough to try!
Replenish the table throughout the day with new and different menu options to keep up the interest, plus the table will continue to look fab, brimming with deliciousness.
This is also an easy way to cater for those inevitable dietary requirements.
You don’t just have to think cold meats and cheese. You could opt for mini bowls of classic favourites, like a deluxe Mac’n’Cheese, micro bite burgers, followed by single-scoop puds such as Creme Brule or a Summery Eton Mess.
That way, your guests can try a bit of everything, but not feel too full!
A Summer Wedding Breakfast – Traditional
If you decide to go down the more traditional route, stick to lighter Summer menus including fresh fish,
butterflied barbecued chicken or lamb accompanied by a myriad of gorgeous salads.
No more limp green salad and a bowl of coleslaw – Oh no, Summer salads are a meal in themselves, brimming with feta, basil, ripe tomatoes, beetroot, fresh new potatoes and so much more!
Plus, the colours are vibrant and gorgeous, perfect for your Summer Wedding Breakfast.
And then on to the desserts – those ripe Summer strawberries and raspberries, plus why not make the most of locally grown edible flowers to bring the garden to your table.
A favourite dessert of mine is a pavlova tower, filled with Summer fruits and whipped cream!
The wedding cake is often served along with dessert, so choose Summer flavours such as lemon and elderflower, raspberry and white chocolate or strawberries and champagne.
Is your mouth watering yet?
A Summer Wedding Breakfast – Evening food
Once the sun has gone down and the day has cooled, you may need to think about topping up those carbs in the evening.
Wood fired pizza vans are a good choice or maybe try bruschetta with a variety of toppings, tacos, or a trusty bacon or fish finger butty.
Your guests will be thankful for something that compliments those late night drinks!
