Eat Like a King at Your Wedding

Food has always been an important factor at weddings, and royal weddings take it to the next level.

While the monarchs may spend a fortune, there are some cost-conscious ideas that will still make you feel like a royal without the price tag.

British-Style Brunch

British traditionally have a wedding breakfast for close friends and family and then a larger meal later in the day that includes other honored guests. You could mimic this tradition with a morning ceremony followed by a lovely brunch. Not only would it be a unique way to celebrate your marriage but might also be more affordable than a sit-down dinner.

Fancy, French Menus

A special feast needs an elegant menu as well. Menus can be just as elaborate as the invitation, but British royalty has an additional tradition. British royalty has historically presented their reception menus in French, which is a nod to a time when Monarchs had French chefs in their kitchens. Try including a dish representative of your ancestor’s heritage or writing your menu in multiple languages for a custom and classy spin.

Cocktails

Champagne receptions, like our cocktail hours, are customary after the wedding and before the main meal. Though champagne is of course the typical beverage served, Prosecco is now an acceptable alternative. Other favorites of the couple are also served.

The Wedding Feast

Many dishes have been created and named in honor of British royals for their weddings. This seems fitting since the food is often as trend-setting as the princess’ wedding attire.

The food is usually a reflection of the bride and groom and their tastes and includes some of their favorite foods.

You can join the royal trend by combining your favorite dishes in the wedding menu and giving each dish a creative name.

The Wedding Cake

Traditional royal wedding cakes are large with multiple tiers and usually made with fruit cake and cream cheese frosting. Prince William and Princess Kate had a large eight tier cake that used grated oranges, raisins and walnuts. Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding confection was a mere five tiers. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip’s cake was only four tiers, but it stood a whopping nine feet tall. It was made with dried Australian fruits and preserved with South African brandy and rum.

The traditional size is three tiers, and each one has a purpose. Guests eat the bottom layer at the ceremony, the middle is enjoyed afterward, and the top is eaten at the first child’s christening.

Prince William and Princess Kate made an unusual choice in having two cakes, the second being a chocolate biscuit groom’s cake. Prince Harry and fiancée Meghan Markle are rumored to have requested a non-traditional elderflower and lemon cake.

Cake decorations have included the traditional family coat of arms, flowers and the couple’s monogram.

Gifts of Food

Royals used to be gifted food from the public. Farmers gave Queen Victoria and Prince Alfred an 1120-pound cheese for their wedding. It was also customary for the remnants of a medieval feast to be gifted to the gathered crowds. This tradition carries on as royalty send packaged wedding cake to the guests who could not attend the wedding.

Food makes a lovely wedding favor for your guests. This is already very popular in the US with guests gifting candy bars and special boxed desserts to their loved ones.

**Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

**Styling by Celebrations Event Rentals & Design Shoppe