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ParadiSe foundWe’ve long been fans of Eden Events’ offerings. So we were happy to hear that the team’s launched a wedding service. The Wedding Collection (020 7803 1212) is headed up by award-winning exec head chef Adrian Collischon, who tells us that the aim with his seasonal menus is to ‘keep the food simple but not boring, full of flavour but not outlandish’.

We love the look of the roasted black bream, served with crushed jersey royals and truffled pea sauce (pictured). Specially created dishes are an option, too. ‘I find the best inspiration comes when we can truly reflect the bride and groom’s personalities and how they like to eat,’ says Collischon. ‘But a good wedding menu is all about balance – this also helps to make conversation when you’re stuck on the table with a load of guests you don’t know!’

Showstopping shot glasses, afternoon tea inspiration and gold-foil burgerswords heather Steele

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donut diSturbDoughnuts, cronuts and cruffins are everywhere this year, and weddings are no exception. If you’re thinking of serving some at yours, we suggest piling them high as part of a dessert table and popping some of these cupcake toppers on – check out Ginger Ray online at Not on the High Street where they cost £3.99 each.

choc & aweAu revoir, fruitcake. Chocolate specialist Choccywoccydoodah (01273 329462) decorates its wedding cakes purely from the sweet stuff. We admit we’re partial to its Macbeth-inspired skull cake, although if you’re going down the lovey-dovey route, this Lovebirds & Hearts creation is the business. Those white chocolate birds look almost too good to eat. A two-tier cake (serving 40) starts at £450.

fairy-tale weddingSIn honour of Disney’s remake of Beauty and the Beast, The Enchanting Cake Company (07584 250637) has created a themed wedding cake. We were blown away by the intricacy of the details – check out that chandelier in the centre – as well as its elaborate iced cornicing and lace. The hand mirrors are edible too. We’re pretty sure the ever-curious Belle would be impressed.

...the look of this new dish by Party Ingredients (020 7517 3500): lobster served with squid-ink tortellini and seafood bisque. The caterer looks after all food at City venues such as Saddlers’, Skinners’ and Apothecaries’ Halls.

Skol, everyone!Add a Scandi touch to your special day with shots of aquavit. For inspiration, the team at hot Swedish restaurant Aquavit (020 7024 9848) is offering masterclasses on the spirit that gave the restaurant its name, led by Jon Anders Fjeldrud (pictured). Don’t forget to serve ice-cold and with plenty of smorgasbord treats (think smoked mackerel tartare and scallops with kohlrabi) – your guests will thank you for it the next day.

dedicated to dining The team has already catered for hundreds of nuptials, but Zafferano has now launched its own specialised wedding division. Zafferano Weddings (020 8905 9120) is headed by expert Laura Roberts. ‘It’s a fun thing to add to what we do,’ she says. ‘We have loads of loyal corporate clients, but it’s nice to have that personal connection, build up relationships with couples, and be there on the most important day of their lives.’ We like the look of this wedding they organised at the Cutty Sark, held at the end of last year.

The Georgian restaurant at HarrodsAccessories designer Sophia Webster has teamed up with Harrods to create a Social Butterfly afternoon tea inspired by her SS17 shoe collection. The panna cotta and white chocolate mousse between black velvety sponge layers (pictured) looks divine.

The Rosewood LondonThis tea is inspired by famous artists. We like the look of the Rothko sponge, which mimics the abstract expressionist’s bold use of colour with coconut mousse, fresh raspberries and pink raspberry chocolate.

Sheraton Grand London Park LaneThe five-star hotel’s Palm Court makes a suitably 20s-style backdrop to its new Jazz Afternoon Tea. The best bit? Its sablé breton, honey mousse, saffron crème and blackberry gêlée concoction, which is fashioned into an edible saxophone.

Tea’s madeWhether you’re searching for inspiration for your own wedding feast or looking to treat your bridesmaids while planning the big day, here are three of the best new afternoon teas to try.

Make it briSk Sometimes a buffet just won’t do. Enter the Bell & Brisket food truck, which can be booked for weddingreceptions. Its ginormous salt-beef sandwiches (filled with

blowtorched cheese, pickles and spicy sauce) will keepevening-only guests sated – and stave off any early hangovers.

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Mac & WildBlack Watch, £31.17 The Scottish restaurant has just launched

a whisky-based espresso martini. Smooth and smokey, but with a coffee kick, this tipple is topped up with Talisker 10 – our favourite.

Tony ConigliaroNegroni, £35.47This one’s been around a while, but it’s still one of the best. Bar Termini founder Tony’s signature serve tastes like it’s just been mixed. We like the new bottle design too.

Aske StephensonGarden Bramble, £34.95

The Whistling Shop and Black Rock team also

serves its award-winning drinks by the bottle. Notes of sage cut through elderflower and blackberries for a sweet treat.

Hello, petalWe’ve been fans of Rosalind Miller’s (020 7635 5447) cakes for years, and her Floral Couture collection doesn’t disappoint. Our pick of the bunch is the English Country Garden (pictured) which is covered in hand-crafted sugar flowers. This striking three-tier version starts at £1,650, and will feed up to 95 guests.

Few can afford a whole host of mixologists at their wedding. So we’re pleased that some of our favourite cocktail shakers have now bottled their own signature stirs for easy pouring en masse. Here are three of the best.

TasTe TesT Pre-mixed drinks

keeP on trucking Celebrating British cheese, street food prosThe Cheese Truck serve up some of the best toasties we’veever had. Our favourite late-night party bite? Rosary goats’

cheese, with honey, walnuts and rosemary butter.

...these magnificent-looking wagyu beef tartare sliders by Bubble Food (020 7703 2653). The shallot vinegar pearls add a modern dash to the humble burger, while the gold-foil brioche will be a match for many a metallic colour scheme.

your beSt ShotFor a classier take on tequila slammers, try these shot glasses by Root 7 (0845 500 1215), made with 100% Himalayan pink sea salt. The reusable vessels will take the edge off any spirits, and are pretty enough to fit in with your colour scheme. Win-win.

fork outCouples can add a blast of colour to rustic wedding breakfasts and late-night feasting with these brightly painted wooden knives and forks. The 24-piece set by Meri Meri costs £9 and is available at Sisters Guild (sistersguild.co.uk).

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