Month: December 2024

Your wedding cake plays a huge role in your wedding. It’s more than just a dessert: it’s everything from a talking point to a centrepiece, and makes for one of the most iconic photo opportunities of your entire day.

The great thing about wedding cakes is that there are so many different types available. What you have can be a brilliant representation of you and your wedding day. You might go for something big and grandiose, or something small and delicate. Or you might go for something else entirely and have a cheese and crackers cake instead – it’s really all up to you.

But, because there are so many options out there, you might be stuck for inspiration. Do you choose something traditional, or do you go for something a little more outside the box that will stick in your guests’ minds for years to come?

In this article, we’ll explore everything to think about when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding cake, and offer you 70 ideas to help you make your decision.

What makes a great wedding cake?

The answer to what makes a great wedding cake is actually pretty complicated, because there are so many different possible answers. When you think about a wedding cake, the image that you conjure up in your mind may well be of an elegant three-tiered cake with intricate icing and designs. But, this is just one of the possibilities. At the end of the day, it’s completely subjective and depends on what you want. That being said, there are characteristics that go into a great wedding cake that you might want to consider:

Visual appeal

It’s important that your wedding cake looks great, because not only do you want a cake to be proud of, but everyone will clamber to get a photograph of it – especially when you and your partner come to cut it. There are loads of different designs and styles out there (basically, the only limits are your imagination), but you might want to make sure it has a strong design, some personalisation and high-quality decorations.

Fits the theme of your wedding

You’ll want to make sure your cake is in keeping with the overall theme of your wedding, so it complements your day nicely. For example, if you’re having an elegant and traditional wedding, something rustic and rough might not fit in – or it might if you’re a fan of juxtaposition! But, the design of your cake can go a long way towards establishing the theme of your big day.

Flavour considerations

In the UK, wedding cakes are traditionally fruit cakes and have a lot of similarities to Christmas cake. However, modern couples are far more likely to choose a cake flavour more appealing to modern tastebuds, like chocolate, lemon drizzle, vanilla or red velvet. Basically, something you think the majority of your guests would enjoy eating and/or taking home. If you’re going for a multi-layered cake, you could even throw in some different flavours to mix things up – including a fruit cake if you’d like to lean into the traditions.

Size

It’s common for couples to choose a big cake, but the size totally depends on your overall wedding. While you might ideally want an elaborate multi-tiered cake, a single or two-tiered cake might make more sense. At the same time, if you’re inviting lots of guests, then we recommend opting for a generous three- or four-tiered cake, to guarantee that everyone can get a slice.

Expertise

Many couples hire a professional wedding cake maker to design, bake and decorate their wedding cakes to make sure it’s as polished and perfect as possible, and to make the whole process run smoothly and stress-free. Of course, this all depends on your budget, but it’s totally possible to still get a fabulous cake either off the shelf or baked by a friend or family member. You might even want a go at it yourself! Just make sure you have the time and skill to help it stand out, and are aware of the potential risks and pressure involved. 

How to choose the right wedding cake for you

Choosing the right wedding cake is a major decision. When you start planning your wedding, it’s likely to be one of the first things you think about, as it plays such a central role in your celebrations. So, you may already have a good idea about the sort of cake you might want – or, you might be completely at a loss! When the time comes to decide on your cake, there are a few things to think about so you can be confident about your decision:

1. Work out your budget

Work out your budget to see how much money you have to dedicate towards different parts of your wedding – including your cake. To make things easier, use our handy wedding budgeting tool so you can keep on top of everything. Once you know your budget, you’ll know just how big and fancy your cake can be. If you’re keen on an extravagant cake but not sure your budget can stretch to it, consider cutting the dessert from your wedding breakfast menu and serving your guests a slice of cake in its place.

2. Think about the theme

Before choosing your cake, it’s important to think about your wedding theme. This is because you’ll want to fit your cake around the theme of your wedding, not the other way around. You can match the style of your cake with your overall theme, as well as coordinate the colours.

3. Choose the style of your cake

Once you know the theme, you can think about the style of cake you might want to go for. This could be traditional or non-traditional, the number of tiers you want, the size of your cake and the shape. Some of this will also depend on the size of your wedding, as you’ll probably want to make sure everyone can have a slice.

4. Choose the flavour of your cake

Whether you go for a traditional fruit cake, something crowd-pleasing like vanilla or chocolate, or something unique and personal to you and your partner, think about what sort of flavour or flavours you’d like. It’s important to choose something you’d love to eat yourselves, while also being mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests.

5. Consider personalisations

Your wedding cake is a great opportunity to inject some of your personalities into your wedding. This could be in the unique shape or design of your cake, or it could include a cake topper that features the two of you made out of sugar. A little personalisation can make even a basic design really stand out.

6. Talk to a professional

If you have a specific vision for your cake, speak to a professional cake maker and ask them what they think. They’ll be able to give you some feedback on how easy your idea might be to pull off and how much it’ll cost. Browse our huge selection of fabulous cake makers and reach out to some in your area to discuss your ideas.

7. Consider the practicalities of your vision

Before choosing your cake, you should also think about the practicalities and logistics. Can your big vision be delivered on time and within budget? If your cake is being set up in a specific venue, or even outdoors, will it hold up in those conditions? If you want a tall cake, how will it be transported? Who will set it up, and where? How will your cake be preserved? Think about things carefully and make sure your cake fits in around your day as a whole.

For more information, read our article on how to choose a wedding cake.

What are the best wedding cake flavours?

There are loads of different flavours to consider for your wedding cake. Whether you want something traditional, something guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces or something a little more unique, it’s a big decision.

Here are just a few flavours to consider:

Classic flavours

• Fruit cake: The traditional flavour with spices and dried fruits.
• Vanilla: Light, fluffy and often paired with cream and fresh fruit.
• Chocolate: Deep, rich and deliciously indulgent.
• Red velvet: Chocolatey and tangy with a cream cheese icing.
• Lemon: Fresh, zesty and summery.

Modern flavours

• Salted caramel: Rich, sweet and a touch salty.
• Champagne: Light and delicate with an elegant flavour and a fruity filling.
• Matcha: A little earthy and aromatic with its Japanese influence.
• Earl Grey: Floral and sweet, often accompanied by buttercream.
• Funfetti: With sprinkles baked into it, it’s a fun and sweet choice.

Remember, these are just a few of the practically endless flavours out there. There are plenty more to think about, from fruity flavours like pineapple and coconut, to indulgent choices like praline and black forest. Whatever you choose, your guests are bound to enjoy tucking into a slice after watching you make that memorable first cut.

What is the most common wedding cake flavour?

Today, many couples choose to go for a fairly uncomplicated flavour that they know is likely to be a big hit with most of their guests: vanilla. Vanilla is simple but delicious and is super versatile, meaning you can use for practically any type of wedding cake. You can also pair vanilla with other flavours and a huge selection of fillings, from fruit to frosting.

If you’d prefer something traditional, you might choose to go for a fruit cake. While they’re not as popular as they once were, fruit cakes were the number one choice from the 17th century until around the mid-20th century. They may not be the number one choice for couples today, but if you have a multi-tiered cake and love the thought of keeping some of the traditions in your wedding, you can always choose to have fruit cake as one of the tiers.

How big should a wedding cake be?

Ideally, the size of your cake will be determined by the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding. So, if you’ve invited 80 guests, you’ll need a cake that’s big enough to be cut into 80 slices (and maybe a few more so you can give some to any evening guests, those who might want a sneaky second helping and a couple of slices to take home and enjoy during the post-wedding come-down).

But, if you plan on having a selection of desserts, you can probably get away with a slightly smaller cake than you might otherwise need, as not all of your guests will choose to have a slice of cake. Alternatively, if you do have a lot of guests coming to your wedding and you don’t want a large cake, just cut slices that are slightly smaller so it goes a little further.

How many tiers should a wedding cake be?

The number of tiers depends on the size of the cake you need to satisfy all your guests. Traditionally, a wedding cake is three tiers, but it really can be as many tiers as you like.  The world record number of tiers is currently set at 30!

As a rule of thumb, you can generally use the below as a guide to the number of tiers you might need depending on the number of guests you’ve invited:

• 20 – 50 guests: 1 or 2 tiers
• 50 – 100 guests: 2 or 3 tiers
• 100 – 200 guests: 3 or 4 tiers
• 200+ guests: 4 tiers plus additional desserts or cupcakes

Of course, this all depends on your budget too. Naturally, the bigger the cake you go for, the more expensive it’s likely to be

What is a dummy wedding cake?

A dummy wedding cake is a multi-tiered wedding cake that often has one or more fake layers to give it a bigger and more grandiose appearance. Instead of the layers being made with cake, it’s often replaced by something like styrofoam and then decorated to look like actual cake. Of course, it can’t be eaten, but it helps make the presentation more impressive and can sometimes cut down the costs and make the cake easier to transport.

What are the best wedding cake decorations?

The type of decorations you might choose will depend on the style of cake you’re after, but there are lots to potentially choose from. When speaking to cake makers, let them know your vision and they’ll help bring it to life using the various methods and materials at their disposal. Here are just some of the best wedding cake decorations you can consider.

• Sugar flowers
• Fresh and edible flowers
• Personalised cake toppers
• Gold and silver leaf
• Ribbons and lace
• Piped icing and buttercream
• Drip details
• Fresh fruit
• Edible pearls and gems
• Hand-painted designs
• Themed elements

70 ideas for a wedding cake

Now that you know a little more about what sort of cake to look for – so you can make a real statement at your wedding – where do you begin with a little inspiration? Here are 70 wedding cake ideas so you can have a showstopper that your guests won’t forget any time soon. We’ll also give you an idea for cake makers up for the challenge!

Traditional wedding cakes

1. Classic white fondant with piped lace designs.
2. Tiered cake with cascading sugar roses.
3. Vanilla sponge with royal icing and edible pearls.
4. Fruit cake wrapped in marzipan and smooth fondant.
5. Monogrammed cake with piped initials in gold.
6. Pillar-supported tiers with floral accents.
7. Victorian-style cake with intricate royal icing details.

For a brilliant traditional wedding cake, check out Penn Wedding Cakes and let them know what sort of cake you’re after for an elegant and traditional wedding.

Simple wedding cakes

1. Two-tiered cake with a smooth buttercream finish.
2. Semi-naked cake with minimal icing and berries.
3. Single-tier cake with minimalist sugar flowers.
4. Smooth fondant cake with a satin ribbon accent.
5. White buttercream with a fresh greenery wreath.
6. Ombre buttercream layers with subtle texture.
7. Plain white cake with a single gold leaf accent.

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious and effective cake, The Vanilla Pod Bakery is a fantastic choice.

Modern wedding cakes

1. Geometric tiered cake with metallic accents.
2. Marble-effect fondant with a sleek black-and-white palette.
3. Watercolour buttercream with abstract patterns.
4. Concrete-textured cake with sugar succulents.
5. Asymmetrical tiers with sharp, angular edges.
6. Edible gold splatter over a matte black cake.
7. Suspended hanging cake with minimalist design.

To really wow your guests with a quality modern cake, CakeBuds has loads of experience with original and jaw-dropping designs.

Naked wedding cakes

1. Vanilla sponge with fresh berries and cream layers.
2. Naked chocolate cake dusted with icing sugar.
3. Rustic three-tier cake with figs and rosemary.
4. Drip naked cake with caramel or chocolate glaze.
5. Lemon sponge with layers of lemon curd and mascarpone.
6. Naked cake topped with fresh flowers and greenery.
7. Mixed-tier naked cake with alternating flavours.

For a character-filled naked wedding cake that tastes just as good as it looks, check out Finesse Cakes and see what they have to offer.

Floral wedding cakes

1. Fully decorated with edible pressed flowers.
2. Fresh flower cascade with roses and peonies.
3. Fondant flowers in pastel shades covering each tier.
4. Cake with piped buttercream flowers in a garden style.
5. Wildflower-themed cake with natural blooms.
6. Two-tier cake with a floral topper and greenery.
7. Elegant sugar flowers in a single-colour scheme.

For a cake that’s fabulously floral, La Belle Cake Company can make you something as beautiful as it is delicious.

Elegant wedding cakes

1. White fondant cake with intricate gold filigree.
2. Pearl-encrusted cake with a satin bow detail.
3. Smooth tiers with edible lace patterns.
4. Metallic gold or silver leaf-covered tiers.
5. Cake with chandelier-inspired cascading sugar crystals.
6. Tall, all-white cake with sharp edges and modern florals.
7. Two-tone cake with delicate sugar art detailing.

Get in touch with Lindsay Marie Cake Designs who specialises in amazingly elegant buttercream wedding cakes.

Themed wedding cakes

1. Rustic barn wedding cake with wood-textured fondant.
2. Beach-themed cake with edible shells and sand.
3. Fairytale cake inspired by a storybook castle.
4. Travel-themed cake with map patterns and sugar luggage.
5. Vintage-inspired cake with lace details and pearls.
6. A merry-go-round cake sitting on a rotating base.
7. Movie or fandom-themed cake, subtle or bold.

If you’re looking for a cake that has a bold and original theme, Cemlyn Cakes has experience brining all kinds of ideas to life.

Fun wedding cakes

1. Brightly coloured tiers with polka dots and stripes.
2. Rainbow layers hidden inside a simple white cake.
3. Drip cake with sweets, doughnuts or macarons on top.
4. Whimsical topsy-turvy cake with playful designs.
5. Cake shaped like a favourite hobby (e.g. books or guitars).
6. Glitter-covered cake for a disco or glam wedding.
7. Cartoon-inspired cake with comic book designs.

Sweet and Delicious Cakes knows a thing or two about fun-filled bakes, so check them out and drop them a message with your ideas.

Cupcake wedding cakes

1. Tower of cupcakes with a small cutting cake on top.
2. Cupcakes decorated with personalised initials.
3. Floral buttercream cupcakes arranged like a bouquet.
4. Ombre cupcake tower for a gradient effect.
5. Mini cupcake tiers with alternating flavours.
6. Rustic cupcake display on wooden stands.
7. Cupcakes with edible gold leaf accents.

If you’re after something a little different, Mazzicle Cupcakes can bring your wedding cupcake ideas to life.

Alternative wedding cakes

1. Cheese wheel “cake” stacked and decorated with fruits.
2. Donut tower cake with a variety of glazes.
3. Stack of brownies or blondies styled like a cake.
4. Pancake or crepe cake with fruit and syrup layers.
5. Macaron tower in wedding colours.
6. Pie “cake” stack with different pie flavours.
7. Croquembouche (French cream puff tower).

For something totally different, Stacc is equipped to make a truly mesmerising and unique wedding cake no one is likely to forget.

Plan your perfect wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we’ve helped millions of couples tie the knot and throw the wedding of their dreams with all our tools, tips, advice and inspiration. 

As part of that, we have loads of wedding cake makers who are ready and waiting to help you create a delicious, original and showstopping cake that will truly wow your guests. And if you book through Bridebook, you can secure exclusive discounts – so check them out and bring your ideas to reality!

Browse other similar articles

• What Is a Wedding Breakfast?
• The Best Wedding Menu Ideas
• How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost? 
• How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake

Happy Planning!

One of the biggest parts of your entire wedding day is the food. Yes, of course, the main focus of your wedding day is to get married to your best friend and the love of your life, and while food isn’t quite that important, it’s up there! The food you serve your guests will be one of the things they remember the most, and it gives you the opportunity to have a lot of fun and use your creative side.

Whether you’re having a luxurious wedding with a four-course menu or a relaxed wedding with a unique theme, the food you serve plays a big role in establishing the style and vibe you’re going for.

Choosing the food is one of the most exciting parts of the entire wedding planning process. You get the chance to browse menus, try some delicious food and choose the dishes you’re offering  to your guests on the big day.

But, with so many different types of dining options to choose from, where are you supposed to start? If you’re not quite sure where to look first, we’ve put together our list of some of the best wedding menu ideas to help give you some inspiration (and hopefully not give you too much food envy!). 

How to choose the perfect wedding menu

Because your food plays such an important part of your wedding day, you might consider it a pretty major decision. And with an almost limitless number of cuisines, styles and ingredients to pick from, how are you supposed to whittle it down to a menu that includes just a small handful of dishes?

Here’s everything you should think about when choosing the perfect menu for your wedding:

• Your budget: The average amount couples spend per head on catering at their wedding is between £30 and £40, which can quickly become incredibly expensive if you have a lot of people to invite. And, of course, the more elaborate and luxurious your choices are, the more you’re likely to pay.
• Your guests: You need to consider the dietary requirements of everyone who’s likely to come to your wedding, so you’re not leaving anyone out. It’s also important to think about their preferences, which means if you plan on inviting a lot of people who can’t handle spices, having ghost pepper wings on the menu might not be a great idea.
• Stick with the overall theme of your wedding: The food goes a long way towards setting the tone and feel of your wedding, so the food should reflect the style you’ve gone for. That means, if you’re going for an elegant and luxurious vibe, a build-your-own-burrito bar might not be the best choice (though it would probably still go down a treat with your guests!). 
• Consider seasonality: Think about the time of year you’re getting married and what sort of ingredients are likely to be a great combination of affordable, high-quality and fresh. For example, with an autumn wedding, you could lean on root vegetables, while with a spring wedding, you could include strawberries and asparagus.
• Offer choice: You might have your sights set on something in particular, but variety is the spice of life, after all. Offering guests several dishes to choose from means they’re likely to find at least one dish they’ll enjoy. Dishes that are too similar to each other might cause a few problems.
• Speak to the experts: You might have a few ideas, but it’s always best to speak to a professional. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a fabulous selection of wedding caterers, so reach out to some and see what they can suggest to help your vision come to life. You should also reach out to your wedding venue, as they’ll have lots of expertise plus either required or recommended caterer lists. 

What wedding menu styles are there?

There are so many different wedding menu styles available to choose from that there really is no surprise that couples struggle to narrow things down. Here are some of the most common styles of wedding menus and a few suggestions for what sort of dishes you might want to include:

Classic wedding menu

A traditional type of dining experience served by a team of wait staff. It’s generally the sort of thing you picture when you think ‘wedding breakfast’.

Common dishes served as part of a classic wedding menu include:

Starters: Prawn cocktail, bruschetta, soup.

Main courses: Roast chicken, beef Wellington, salmon filet.

Desserts: Traditional wedding cake, vanilla cheesecake, fruit tarts.

Unique wedding menu

Bold and one-of-a-kind choices that are super creative and reflect your personalities. It may be international dishes or dishes using unusual ingredients.

Dishes to consider if you fancy a unique wedding menu include:

Starters: Sushi, sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese bites.

Main courses: Lobster risotto, duck confit, Korean BBQ.

Desserts: Mini doughnuts, ice cream sandwiches, lava cake.

Formal wedding menu

An elegant and luxurious menu filled with premium dishes and experiences that you might find in a high-end restaurant.

Dishes you might see on a formal wedding menu include:

Starters: Bisque, smoked salmon mousse, caviar.

Main courses: Wagyu beef, veal, lobster tail.

Desserts: Soufflé, petit fours, filled chocolate cylinder.

Casual wedding menu

A relaxed and laid-back dining experience with fun, attention-grabbing dishes and comfort food. It ensures a more informal atmosphere where things can be a little bit messier.

There are loads of dishes you might expect to see on a casual wedding menu, such as:

Starters: Sliders, charcuterie board, spring rolls.

Main courses: Hog roast, pasta, grilled chicken.

Desserts: Cupcakes, cookies, brownies.

Simple wedding menu

A minimalist, no-frills approach to good food with fresh flavours that is easy and affordable to cook for a large guest list.

There are plenty of simple dishes you could include on a simple wedding menu, like:

Starters: Cheese platter, chicken skewers, bruschetta.

Main courses: Baked salmon, lasagna, chicken stew.

Desserts: Wedding cake, fruit salad, ice cream and sorbet.

Elaborate wedding menu

A conversation-starting menu filled with incredible luxuries that your guests likely don’t eat on a regular basis, using exciting ingredients and dishes that make a big statement.

You can be super creative with an elaborate wedding menu if you have the budget, and include dishes like:

Starters: Oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon, steak tartare.

Main courses: Prime rib, half lobster, lamb rack.

Desserts: Macarons, chocolate fountain, grand dessert buffet.

Modern wedding menu

A contemporary approach to traditional and classic wedding dishes with twists on flavours and presentation.

Let your creativity run wild with a modern wedding menu, and include food such as:

Starters: Avocado toast bites, tuna tartare, seared scallops.

Main courses: Stuffed squash, miso cod, pork two ways.

Desserts: Mini cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, matcha green tea cake.

Rustic wedding menu

A little rough around the edges as everything is big, bold and homemade, with a focus on filling portions and rich flavours.

Some rustic wedding menu favourites include:

Starters: Kebab skewers, devilled eggs, artisan bread with a selection of accompaniments.

Main courses: Roast chicken, smoked brisket, vegetable pie.

Desserts: Fruit crumble, fruit cake, ice cream sundae.

Seasonal wedding menu

A menu filled with seasonal fruits, vegetables and meats that reflect the time of year of the wedding.

Take full advantage of seasonal flavours, with dishes like:

Spring: Grilled asparagus, lamb chops, lemon sorbet.

Summer: Caesar salad, grilled corn, strawberry cheesecake.

Autumn: Butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables, chocolate brownie.

Winter: Beef stew, roast potatoes, fruit cake.

Themed wedding menu

A menu in keeping with the specific theme of your wedding, which you may choose depending on your interests, your history as a couple or the venue.

Example themes you might consider include:

Fantasy theme: vine-wrapped bread parcels, potatoes (boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew).

Vintage theme: Coq au vin, roasted leg of lamb, crème brûlée.

International theme: Sushi, ramen, custard bao buns.

Fusion wedding menu

Combines elements of different cuisines to create a whole new type of food, from Italian-Mexican to Chinese-Greek.

There are loads of dishes you might want to consider for a fusion wedding menu. Here are a few of our favourites:

Starters: Tandoori chicken skewers, cheeseburger stuffed spring rolls, stuffed croissants.

Main courses: Sushi tacos, paella, BBQ and cornbread.

Desserts: Matcha tiramisu, churros, miso caramel tart.

Vegetarian wedding menu

A light, fresh and creative offering that celebrates vegetarian (or plant-based) foods.

There are endless possibilities to think about, but some popular dishes you might want to offer as part of a vegetarian wedding menu include:

Starters: Hummus and bread, stuffed mushrooms, vegetable soup.

Main courses: Ratatouille, stir fry, roasted cauliflower.

Desserts: Coconut panna cotta, fruit sorbet, chocolate cake.

Comfort food wedding menu

A surefire way to put smiles on your guests’ faces and fill their bellies with some proper comfort food favourites.

For a comfort food wedding menu like no other, yreat your guests to some real crowd-pleasers with dishes such as:

Starters: Mini cheese on toast with tomato soup, loaded potato skins, chicken wings.

Main courses: Southern fried chicken, beef sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese.

Desserts: Apple pie, profiteroles, chocolate brownie.

What are the different types of service at a wedding breakfast?

Once you’ve chosen the type of food you’d like to offer your guests at your wedding, you’ll then want to think about the different types of service. This is something else that will depend on several factors:

• Your budget
• The type of service offered by your preferred caterer
• The setup of your venue
• The formality of your wedding
• Your own personal preference

Here are four of the most popular types of service to have at a wedding:

1. Table service

This is the most common format for a wedding breakfast, where a team of wait staff will serve you and your guests in a similar way to a restaurant. The main difference is that your guests will have likely made their choices ahead of the wedding, so the wait staff will serve food based on that by looking at your name and what you’ve ordered on a list.

A table service wedding breakfast is elegant and formal, and is the traditional way to enjoy a wedding breakfast. You’ll know exactly what your guests will get, with an experienced team who can deliver dozens of plates of food seamlessly. Because there’s a big team involved, it can be an expensive option, but it creates that formal atmosphere many want during this part of the day.

2. Buffet 

Buffets allow your guests to help themselves to a range of hot and cold dishes, which are arranged at tables or stations. It’s typically an informal way of serving food that is often used to make sure everyone is well fed at the evening reception. However, it’s also becoming common for couples to choose a buffet for the wedding breakfast, especially for those who have decided on a twilight wedding.

Buffets are big crowd-pleasers and can be more affordable. They also give your guests a lot of food to choose from, and you’ll get to take home and freeze any leftovers – result! However, buffets are also less formal, which is great if you’re dreaming of a more casual wedding, but less so if you want a more formal vibe.

3. Family style

Family style is a term that originates from the USA to describe a type of dining where large plates and platters of food are placed in the middle of a table and guests are encouraged to pass them around and serve themselves. It means guests get to eat as much of their favourites as they like and encourages an interactive and shared experience.

It’s not as elegant or sophisticated as table service dining, but it’s fun and gets everyone talking. Just be aware that it does require a lot of space on tables, so might not be suitable if you have limited room.

4. Food trucks

Food trucks offer a fun, informal and modern way to serve food at a wedding. You can offer as many different types of food as you like, from wood-fired pizza to loaded fries. It’s great if you’re having an outdoor wedding or your venue doesn’t have an in-house catering team.

Food trucks are super flexible and casual, but the bill can add up. They’re also a bit of a risk in case the heavens open, which is always a possibility in the UK! Plus, some venues may not allow food trucks or outside vendors, so if you’d like the option of food trucks, make sure you check with your venue before you book.

Example wedding menus to inspire you

Looking for some inspiration for your wedding menu? Here are more ideas for what sort of food you might want to offer your guests on your big day.

1. Elegant and classic wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche
  • Mini crab cakes with tartar sauce

Starters:

• • Roasted butternut squash soup with crème fraîche and toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Caprese salad with fresh basil, tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella

Mains:

• • Seared filet mignon with red wine jus, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables
  • Pan-seared sea bass with beurre blanc, wild rice and steamed asparagus

Desserts:

• • Classic wedding cake with vanilla sponge and buttercream
  • Mini lemon tarts with raspberry coulis

2. Modern fusion wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Ahi tuna tartare on cucumber slices
  • Korean BBQ sliders with kimchi

Starters:

• • Miso soup with tofu, seaweed and spring onions
  • Avocado and grapefruit salad with a chilli-lime dressing

Mains:

• • Grilled lamb chops with harissa sauce, couscous and roasted vegetables
  • Miso-glazed cod with jasmine rice and sautéed bok choy

Desserts:

• • Matcha green tea mousse with coconut macarons
  • Chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and marshmallows

3. Rustic and farm-to-table wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Charcuterie board with artisanal cheeses, cured meats and olives
  • Goat cheese crostini with honey and rosemary

Starters:

• • Roasted beet salad with goat cheese, candied pecans and rocket
  • Grilled peach and burrata salad with balsamic glaze

Mains:

• • Herb-roasted chicken with wild rice, roasted carrots and rosemary gravy
  • Braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans

Desserts:

• • Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream
  • Rustic chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce

4. Gourmet fine dining wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Truffle oil and parmesan crostini
  • Lobster and avocado mousse in a cucumber cup

Starters:

• • Lobster bisque with brandy cream and fresh herbs
  • Seared tuna with brioche and caramelised figs

Mains:

• • Beef Wellington with a red wine reduction, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus
  • Pan-seared scallops with pea purée, saffron risotto and roasted baby carrots

Desserts:

• • Chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream
  • Passionfruit panna cotta with tropical fruit salad

5. Casual and fun wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Mini sliders with cheddar and pickles
  • Spicy buffalo chicken bites with blue cheese dipping sauce

Starters:

• • Classic Caesar salad with crispy bacon, croutons and parmesan
  • Tomato and mozzarella skewers with basil and balsamic drizzle

Mains:

• • BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw and sweet potato fries
  • Grilled vegetable skewers with quinoa and tzatziki

Desserts:

• • Ice cream sundae bar with a variety of toppings
  • Chocolate brownie with a choice of sauces

6. Vegetarian and vegan wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Stuffed mushrooms with vegan cheese and fresh herbs
  • Avocado and tomato crostini with basil pesto

Starters:

• • Roasted carrot and lentil salad with tahini 
  • Tomato basil soup with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil

Mains:

• • Vegan mushroom Wellington with roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach
  • Grilled vegetable platter with quinoa and a lemon-tahini dressing

Desserts:

• • Vegan chocolate mousse with coconut whipped cream
  • Fresh fruit salad with mint and lime dressing

7. Italian-inspired wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Bruschetta with tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar
  • Prosciutto-wrapped melon with a drizzle of olive oil

Starters:

• • Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic reduction
  • Minestrone soup with fresh vegetables and basil pesto

Mains:

• • Lasagna with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce and fresh basil
  • Grilled chicken piccata with lemon, capers and spaghetti

Desserts:

• • Tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone
  • Lemon ricotta cheesecake with berry compote

8. Seafood lover’s wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Shrimp cocktail with a tangy cocktail sauce
  • Smoked salmon and cream cheese blinis with dill

Starters:

• • Lobster and avocado salad with citrus dressing
  • Tuna tartare with wasabi mayo and sesame seeds

Mains:

• • Grilled sea bass with lemon butter sauce, roasted potatoes and spinach
  • Lobster tail with garlic butter, wild rice and grilled asparagus

Desserts:

• • Lemon sorbet with fresh mint
  • Coconut panna cotta with passionfruit compote

9. Outdoor and barbecue wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Grilled shrimp skewers with a spicy marinade
  • Mini corn on the cob with smoked paprika butter

Starters:

• • Watermelon and feta salad with mint and balsamic glaze
  • Roasted corn salad with avocado and lime dressing

Mains:

• • BBQ ribs with coleslaw and rustic bread
  • Grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri sauce, grilled vegetables and jacket potatoes

Desserts:

• • Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream
  • Chocolate brownies with marshmallows

10. French-inspired wedding menu

Canapés:

• • Mini quiche Lorraine
  • Goat cheese and honey crostini with rosemary

Starters:

• • French onion soup with melted gruyère cheese
  • Salmon tartare with Dijon mustard and lemon

Mains:

• • Coq au vin with mashed potatoes and buttered greens
  • Duck confit with red wine sauce, roasted root vegetables and French green beans

Desserts:

• • Crème brûlée with vanilla bean
  • French macarons with raspberry filling

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we’ve helped more than two million couples tie the knot and plan their dream wedding thanks to our huge range of tools, tips and ideas.

To help choose your perfect wedding menu, browse our wedding caterers – you’ll also receive exclusive discounts when you book your caterer through Bridebook.

You Might Also Like…

• Introduction: Your Wedding Breakfast
• What Is a Wedding Breakfast?
• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Alcohol
• 22 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Caterer
• How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed
• How to Save Money on Wedding Catering

Happy Planning!

One of the most exciting parts of a wedding for many is undoubtedly the wedding breakfast. It’s the time when you and your brand new spouse sit down together to have your first meal as a married couple while surrounded by your excited family and friends.

But what is a wedding breakfast? Why is it even called a breakfast when you don’t start eating until at least 2pm? And what sort of food do you have at a wedding breakfast anyway?

If you’re planning your wedding, you probably have a lot of questions about this part of your big day. It’s also one of the most expensive parts of your wedding, with the food alone costing between £30 and £40 per head. For that reason, you’ll definitely want to get everything right so you have a wedding breakfast to remember.

In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions surrounding wedding breakfasts, so you can make sure you have all the information you need to throw the wedding of your dreams and dine in style.

What exactly is a wedding breakfast?

A wedding breakfast is the term used in the UK for the first meal you sit down to after your wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the happy couple sits at a top table with members of the wedding party, while the rest of their guests accompany them sat at tables nearby. Often, with a wedding ceremony that starts around lunchtime, you may find that you won’t sit down to the breakfast until two or three o’clock.

Many couples like to arrange a three- or four-course meal as their wedding breakfast, which is served by a team of waiting staff. However, it’s also becoming more common for couples to choose an alternative, such as going straight into a buffet or using a food truck or two.

With a three-course meal, the menu is usually shared with invited guests beforehand and they’re asked to choose what they’d like to eat from a menu of two or three options. This keeps things simple for the catering team, who may have to make 80 (or more, depending on the size of your wedding!) portions of each dish. For a four-course dinner, that’s 320 plates of food!

Why is it called a wedding breakfast?

The term ‘wedding breakfast’ can be a little misleading, as it’s usually not until the early- or mid-afternoon that you sit down to finally eat. However, the term wedding breakfast actually comes from the historical tradition where couples and guests wouldn’t eat on the day of the wedding until after the ceremony. This is known as a fast, and the couple and their guests would then break that fast after Holy Communion.

While many modern couples don’t choose to have a religious service, the tradition of having a wedding breakfast has remained. It’s often confused with the breakfast you might have while getting ready for the ceremony – something like smoked salmon and eggs with a cheeky Buck’s Fizz. But, this isn’t the case. And if you do have breakfast on the morning of your wedding (which we recommend you do, because it’s a super long day and you probably won’t eat until much later than you normally would anyway), then you of course still get to call it your wedding breakfast.

What time is a wedding breakfast?

The time you get to eat your wedding breakfast depends on the time of your wedding. At a traditional wedding, it’s common for the couple and their guests to sit down to eat the wedding breakfast around two to three hours after the ceremony begins – but this can be longer if you have adventurous plans with your photographer or you have a longer religious ceremony.

This applies whether your ceremony takes place around lunchtime or you have a twilight wedding. Here’s an approximation as to when you may start the wedding breakfast depending on when you begin your wedding ceremony:

• Lunchtime weddings: If your ceremony starts between 11am and midday, the breakfast will usually be between 1pm and 3pm.
• Afternoon weddings: If your ceremony starts between 2pm and 3pm, your breakfast might start between 4pm and 6pm
• Twilight weddings: If you have an evening ceremony, at around 5pm or 6pm, you might have your wedding breakfast at around 7pm to 9pm.

Remember, these times aren’t set in stone and depend on your plans, budget, menu and style of wedding breakfast.

Where does a wedding breakfast take place?

The wedding breakfast usually takes place at your chosen reception venue, which is laid out to suit the style of dining you’ve gone for. For example, a traditional waiter-service breakfast will have tables arranged in a large dining room, often with a top table. So, in theory, you can have your breakfast almost anywhere, so long as it meets your requirements.

Some of the most common venues to host a wedding breakfast include:

• A hotel
• A country house or estate
• A banquet hall or ballroom
• A restaurant or private dining room
• Outdoor spaces such as a garden or marquee
• Unique spaces such as a castle or museum

Check out our huge range of wedding venues to find the perfect place to host your special day.

What happens at a wedding breakfast?

Your wedding breakfast can be anything you want it to be, so long as it fits within your budget and the vision for your big day. That being said, there is a traditional structure to a wedding breakfast that many couples like to follow, so it’s up to you if you want to stick to this or pick and choose the parts that stand out.

Here’s the structure many couples choose to follow for their wedding breakfast:

1. Guests are encouraged to take their seats, which is typically pre-determined by the couple, with the seating plan being displayed at the venue.
2. The couple enters the dining hall, often accompanied by a wedding entrance song (or something more low-key, if they don’t fancy that much attention).
3. The meal is served and accompanied by drinks.
4. After dessert, bubbles are served, which indicates that the speeches will soon follow.
5. The wedding speeches take place, typically kicked off by the father of the bride, followed by the groom and finally the best man. Sometimes, the bride, the maid of honour, the mother of the bride or another relative may also offer a toast. During the speeches, the couple may offer gifts to parents and other members of the wedding party.
6. The cake is cut as a symbolic gesture that represents the couple sharing their first task together. However, many couples choose to cut the cake during the evening reception. If the couple does cut the cake during the breakfast, this can then be served alongside tea and coffee or in place of another type of dessert.
7. The breakfast is wrapped up with guests invited to leave the dining hall so the space can be transitioned to the evening reception and buffet.

How long does a wedding breakfast last?

The length of time a wedding breakfast takes depends on several factors, such as the number of guests and the style of dining you’ve chosen, But, if you’ve chosen to go with a traditional style of wedding breakfast, it will usually last between two and three hours, which can be broken down like this:

• The meal: A three-course meal will take between 90 minutes and two hours. However, this might be a little longer if you have an especially large guest list.
• Speeches: A wedding speech should be no longer than five minutes, though there can be some leeway with this, especially if you’re giving out gifts to the wedding party. You also don’t want everyone in your family to give a speech, so ideally, the speeches will last between 20 and 30 minutes all together.
• Cake cutting: This only takes a few minutes – just remember to pose for the photos!

These are, of course, approximations, and small delays are to be expected when organising a party as big and grandiose as a wedding. So, don’t be surprised if things take a little longer than you initially anticipated. It’s your wedding, after all, so try not to let any little setbacks worry you too much.

What’s the difference between a wedding breakfast and a reception?

The wedding breakfast and reception are two distinct parts of a wedding celebration, with the breakfast taking place before the reception. However, there is still a fair bit of overlap between the two.

The wedding breakfast is the sit-down meal that takes place immediately after the ceremony (and photographs). It includes many famous wedding formalities, such as the speeches and cutting of the cake, and is usually reserved for the VIP wedding guests. The food is often formal and served by a dedicated team of wait staff who will make sure you’re well looked after. Some great wedding breakfast caterers include Philip Small, Amuse Bouche Catering and High Dining.

The wedding reception is the larger, far less formal celebration that takes place after the breakfast. There’s often music, dancing, buffet food and a wider guest list, which could include neighbours, colleagues, aquaintences and plus ones. Some brilliant reception caterers include SAM’s Caribbean Kitchen, Norma Farrelly Catering and Natterjack Catering.

Both the breakfast and the reception come together to create the overall feel, mood and style of your wedding day and should aim to complement each other.

Who is invited to the wedding breakfast?

The guests invited to the wedding ceremony are also typically invited to the wedding breakfast. This includes:

• The wedding party
• Immediate family
• Close friends
• Close relatives
• VIP guests

Anyone else you’d like to involve in your celebrations, such as colleagues and plus ones of friends, could be invited to the evening reception instead. This all depends on factors such as your budget and the size of your venue – as well as your own wants, of course. It’s your wedding, after all!

For more information on how to create your wedding guest list, including who to invite and who not to, check out our dedicated article. 

Who pays for the wedding breakfast?

When it comes to who traditionally pays for what at a wedding, it can be difficult to work out who should pay for the wedding breakfast. But, because all the food falls under the wider wedding umbrella of the reception, that means traditionally it would be the bride’s family who would pay for this.

However, we’re in the 21st century, and not all couples choose to do things the traditional way anymore. So, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on your budget and the budget of your nearest and dearest.

Today, modern couples may choose to pay for the wedding breakfast themselves and ask family to pay for specific smaller aspects of the wedding, rather than rely on them to pick up some of the meatier (pun intended) wedding costs.

Who sits at the top table at a wedding breakfast?

The top table at a wedding breakfast is reserved for the happy couple and their closest family and friends – typically, those who are part of the wedding party. It might look a little something like this (with the bride and groom in the middle).

1. Parent of the bride
2. Parent of the bride
3. Best man
4. Groom
5. Bride
6. Maid of honour
7. Bride’s parent
8. Bride’s parent

While this is traditional, you can be as creative as you like with it. Alternatives might include a couple’s only table, a round top table or completely mixed tables – it’s up to you! Discover more inspiration for top table arrangements in our dedicated article.

What food is served at a wedding breakfast?

In theory, any type of cuisine is suitable for a wedding breakfast. However, many couples choose a refined menu which is three or four courses and served by a team of wait staff. But, if that’s not your vibe, and you’d prefer a line of street food trucks instead, then nothing should stop you.

It’s worth checking with your chosen venue about what food is and isn’t allowed, and if they require you to choose a specific caterer from a list of partnered vendors. So, if you have your heart set on your favourite wedding caterer, make sure they’re allowed before signing on the dotted line.

If you’re looking to go down the more traditional route for your wedding breakfast and offer your guests a selection of elegant dishes to choose from, there are several popular choices you might want to consider.

Canapés

• Vol-au-vents
• Spring rolls
• Belinis

Starters

• Soup
• Salad
• Pâté or terrine

Main courses

• Roast meat and seasonal vegetables
• A fish dish
• A vegetarian or vegan option
• Pasta
• A children’s option 

Desserts

• Cheesecake
• Sorbet or ice cream
• Chocolate mousse
• Wedding cake

For more suggestions about what food to offer your guests at your wedding breakfast, read our article featuring the X best wedding breakfast ideas.

What drinks are served at a wedding breakfast?

What drinks you offer your guests at your wedding breakfast is also totally down to you and your preferences – as well as your budget.

It’s very common for couples to provide their guests with a limited range of alcoholic drinks to enjoy with the breakfast, such as a bottle of red and white wine for each table (or even rosé – why not?), as well as water, juice and soft drinks. You’ll also likely want to provide everyone with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne so they can raise their glass as the toasts are given.

Depending on your chosen venue, there may also be a bar available so your guests can go and get their own drinks, whether that’s a pint of bitter, a vodka and coke or a fruity mocktail. It’s entirely your choice if you offer guests an open bar at your wedding breakfast and reception, but be warned, this can get rather pricey!

If you don’t have a bar at your chosen venue or you’d like to offer something a bit different, some brilliant mobile bars you can hire for your wedding include Daisy Duke Bar and Catering, Rochelle Strooh and Vintage Tipple Trailer.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

At Bridebook, more than two million couples have used our app and our wide range of tools, tips and ideas to plan their perfect wedding and save money.

To make sure you have a wonderful wedding and serve your guests delicious food at the breakfast, browse our enormous range of wedding caterers today – you’ll also receive exclusive discounts when you book through Bridebook.

You Might Also Like…

• Introduction: Your Wedding Breakfast
• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Alcohol
• 22 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Caterer
• How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed
• How to Save Money on Wedding Catering

Happy Planning!