Your London Wedding - September/October 2025 (Issue 103)

Weddings worth savouring Discover the ultimate celebration of culinary creativity in modern weddings Once upon a time, wedding food was primarily intended to keep guests fed and was often predictable, uninspiring, and somewhat boring. You’d expect a protein, a starch, and maybe a salad to be a safe option. Luckily, we’ve entered a new era where food takes centre stage with bold flavours, creativity, and plenty of heart. It’s a beautiful statement of the couple’s journey, with their own preferences being essential. It’s not just about what’s expected; it’s about food that represents and expresses the lovebirds. Celebrating culture through food We’re in a remarkable era of celebrating heritage, and this is shining through beautifully in today’s weddings. Couples are embracing their cultural roots, utilising food as a vibrant form of expression. Through thoughtfully curated menus, they’re honouring family traditions and blending their backgrounds to create something truly personal, meaningful, and delicious. These dishes are more than just crowd-pleasers; they’re stories on a plate, paying tribute to the past while celebrating the present. Here are just a few standout examples: • A Persian and Jewish couple serving saffron chicken with preserved lemons, paired with latkes topped with crème fraîche and caviar – a beautiful nod to both cultures. • At a Korean and Brazilian wedding, guests enjoy bulgogi sliders and pão de queijo as passed hors d’oeuvres, effortlessly blending savoury flavours from both cuisines. • A couple with Indian and West African heritage offers a hybrid buffet featuring rogan josh, jollof rice, fried plantains, and paneer tikka skewers – a bold, flavourful tribute to their roots. Food at weddings isn’t just about presentation or flavour, it’s about connection. It has the power to transport us to another time, evoke cherished memories, and spark meaningful conversations. That’s why many venues and catering companies are now working with cultural specialists, ensuring authenticity in both technique and flavour. Chefs are increasingly blending beloved traditional recipes with modern elements, creating exciting and innovative menus without losing the soul of the original dish. Whether it’s a seamless blend in the wedding breakfast or highlighting different cultures across courses or throughout the day, the possibilities are endless. Food as experience Weddings today are no longer defined by a simple menu; they’ve become full-scale culinary journeys that unfold across the day or even the entire weekend, appealing to all the senses. More than just food, the dining experience often doubles as entertainment, and for good reason. Imagine guests gathering around a live paella station, watching a flambé station erupt in flames, or enjoying a sushi chef rolling fresh maki to order using the couple’s favourite ingredients. Many of today’s most creative dishes are being reimagined as immersive décor, adding stunning visual impact while also being delicious. Think vibrant grazing tables overflowing with wheels of cheese, fresh fruit, artisan chutneys, and a variety of crackers topped off with edible flowers for a touch of elegance. For something whimsical, hanging food stations suspended mid-air invite guests to help themselves to beautifully presented bite-sized treats. Interactive culinary moments are also trending. A station featuring creamy pasta 82

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