15 stress-free recipe ideas for an unforgettable wedding day
Have you taken on the challenge of DIY-ing your wedding day? From wedding cakes to canapés, we're here to help...
If you're thinking about cooking the food on your wedding day, then we have plenty of recipe ideas to help get you started.
Self-catering for a big event, such as a wedding, is very economical (caterers are incredibly expensive!) and it ensures that you can eat and drink exactly what you want. However, the thought can seem very daunting, so we're here to help.
We have all sorts of wedding cake ideas, from multiple tiered extravaganzas, to simple traybakes or eclairs (if cake isn't your thing). You can also ditch the cake altogether if you prefer, and just provide a selection of cheeses with grapes and crackers, or serve big sharing bowls of fruit salad with ice cream (if your venue has a freezer).
Canapés are a great option to serve your guests either before the main event, to stop them getting hangry whilst your assemble the main dishes, or you only serve canapés and cocktails and keep the whole affair light and casual.
Speaking of cocktails, it's always a good idea to provide some beverages for the inevitable toasts, and let's face it, they help get the party started (but of course, drink responsibly!). A selection of mocktails and alcoholic drinks is advised to cover for all tastes. We would suggest serving no more than one 'complicated' cocktail with garnishes and multiple ingredients or syrups, as they'll only mean more work for you on the day. Big serving jugs of cocktails is advised so that guests can help themselves.
In order to minimise any stress, only make things that can be served cold or at room temperature. Providing one main fish, veggie and meat option is a good idea, with plenty of large salads and crusty bread rolls or focaccia. Place them all out on a table and do it buffet style for extra ease. All of these things can be prepped ahead, which is critical for any stress-free event.
The biggest piece of advice we can give though, is don't sweat the small stuff! This is the happiest day of your life and your guests aren't there for the food, they're there to celebrate you, the food is just the added bonus.
Summer Berry Celebration Cake
A real showstopper, and surprisingly easy to assemble as it’s not iced. With a rich vanilla and elderflower-soaked sponge, zingy lemon buttercream and fruity jam filling, this towering showstopper would make for the perfect wedding cake!
Recipe: Summer Berry Celebration Cake
Geode Cake
Far easier to make than you think and mightily impressive to look at. We think this would make a stunning wedding cake for a smaller gathering.
Recipe: Geode Cake
Raspberry and Fizz Celebration Cake
A true showstopper, this sensational cake is perfect for a summer celebration. Use Prosecco, cava, Champagne or elderflower pressé for the fizz.
Mocha Celebration Cake
If you don’t have time to caramelise the white chocolate, use melted and cooled white or blonde chocolate instead. Not a fan of coffee? Leave it out of the cake batter.
Recipe: Mocha Celebration Cake
Rhubarb and Custard Meringue Traybake
A beauty with definite school dinner nostalgia about it – in a good way! Delicious served slightly warm as a dessert with cold cream or more custard, or at room temperature with a cup of milky tea.
Rhubarb and Custard Éclairs
Put your patisserie skills to the test and treat your guests to these delicious choux pastries, filled with crème pâtissière and poached rhubarb, topped with icing and crushed sweets!
Recipe: Rhubarb and Custard Éclairs
Spring Bruschetta
The sweet bitterness of marmalade works wonderfully with creamy goat’s cheese.
Recipe: Spring Bruschetta
Get-ahead Courgette Fritters
These Turkish get-ahead fritters are a delicious base for a pretty canapé, but you can serve them hot, with the yogurt topping as a dip, for a more informal nibble, if you like.
Recipe: Get-ahead Courgette Fritters
Pea and Mint Fritters
We’ve used petits pois here as they’re smaller, more tender and have a lovely flavour. But you can use garden peas, if you prefer.
Recipe: Pea and Mint Fritters
Blinis with Whipped Goat's Cheese and Honey
These speedy little bites are a doddle to make. If you’re not a fan of goat’s cheese, use plain cream cheese instead.
Quails Eggs with Asparagus
These elegant canapés are the perfect classy addition to any wedding.
Recipe: Quails Eggs with Asparagus
Bruschetta with Macadamia ‘Ricotta’ and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
The light, zesty nut-based ricotta is the star of the show in this wonderful recipe that makes for a lovely vegan offering at your special celebration.
Recipe: Bruschetta with Macadamia ‘Ricotta’ and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
Asparagus Straws with Hollandaise
These stylish canapés are super simple and equally delicious served hot or at room temperature.
Lox Brioche Rolls
A speedy pickled cucumber adds freshness to this classic combination. Use sliced white bread, if you prefer.
Recipe: Lox Brioche Rolls
Pastrami Bagel Quarters
Quick to assemble and packed with flavour. If you don’t like Jarlsberg, you can use any sliced hard cheese.
Recipe: Pastrami Bagel Quarters
Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail
This fruity gin-based cocktail is the perfect drink for a special occasion.
Recipe: Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail
White Port and Tonic
Your go-to gin sidekick just got a new best friend. Floral white port pairs perfectly with sharp fizzy tonic. Swap the rosemary for fresh mint, if you like.
Recipe: White Port and Tonic
Cured Beetroot and Horseradish Salmon
So easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Make sure your salmon is as fresh as you can get it before curing.
Roasted Carrot and Ricotta Tart
This tasty tart recipe is a must-try for a veggie addition to your wedding day buffet table.
Recipe: Roasted Carrot and Ricotta Tart
Griddled Nectarine and Feta Salad
Sweet and salty, this simple salad is the perfect addition to any wedding celebration.
Charred spring onion flatbreads recipe
Asparagus yellow curry recipe
Cheesy broccoli bean bake recipe
The tastiest Biscoff refrigerator cake recipe
