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More and more newlyweds-to-be are looking at the choice of food and drink for their big day as a top priority.
However, not everyone is a foodie or keeps on top of popular dining trends – so where to start? We asked Tony Beales, managing director of multi award-winning Dorset-based caterers Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa for his top tips:
❤ GET CREATIVE
The demand for sharing-style wedding breakfasts is showing no sign of abating. In fact, couples are opting for ever more creative options! Whether it's a taste of the Mediterranean with giant paella pans, sharing platters of tapas or mezze or the best of British with posh table picnics and afternoon tea, there are so many fun ways to give your guests the chance to be more interactive. Table roasts are another firm favourite, generous boards of roasted meats served to the tables with an abundance of roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, not forgetting the Yorkshire puddings, of course!
❤ LOCAL AND SEASONAL
Dorset is blessed with so many amazing ingredients on our doorstep. From Mudeford crab and Jurassic lobster to Bridport pork and Dorset lamb; there's plenty to get excited about. There are also some amazing local berries and mushrooms available, as well as asparagus and pumpkin from Sopley Farm.
❤ VEGAN-FRIENDLY
With the continued rise in veganism there are many more delicious options available such as quinoa-stuffed mini peppers with basil mash and marinated tomato and roast garlic dressing or mushroom and chestnut wellington with vegetables and potatoes of the season, soya cream and grain mustard sauce. Vegan desserts don't need to be boring either, think vegan-chocolate fondant with soy cream and rhubarb compote or saffron poached pear with toasted almonds, winter berry coulis and soya cream.
❤ TEMPTING TIPPLES
While wine and food pairing has been popular for years, we're seeing more adventurous choices when matching drinks with desserts; tasty digestifs such as Limoncello, Tawny Port; great with a cheese board, and of course the ever-popular Espresso Martini.