Photo: Adonye Jaja
From Grandma’s peach pie to your uncle’s famous mashed potatoes, every family has favorite recipes they look forward to digging into at special occasions. And what occasion is more special than a wedding? We asked our experts for a few tips on the best ways to include those family recipes in your wedding celebration.
Adding family recipes to your wedding menu is a great way to personalize your guests’ experience and honor your family’s traditions while you’re at it. If one of your favorite family recipes is a savory dish, talk to your caterer about whether he or she can incorporate it into your dinner menu. Top grilled chicken with your dad’s barbecue sauce, or set out baskets of those biscuits that are always the first thing to go at Thanksgiving dinner. You could also have one of your pre-wedding events, like the rehearsal dinner, be a home-cooked meal and invite your relatives to help you cook up a big batch for everyone to share.
For snacks and sweets, you have a few options. The first is to ask your relatives to help you cook and bake, and include the recipes in your welcome bags. From candy and fudge to cookies and savory crackers, a little bag of homemade treats is a great way to welcome your guests into town. Better yet, tuck in the recipe so guests can replicate it at home! You could also have these packaged treats set out as favors at the end of the night.
If you’re having a dessert table and your aunts or grandma are expert bakers, you could ask them to chip in to help you make cookies and brownies to display alongside slices of wedding cake, or ask your baker if they could scale up the recipe and whip up a few pans for you.
No matter how you incorporate the family recipes in your wedding, be sure to include a note explaining the importance of what guests are being served. If family members helped prepare the food, add a line thanking them for all of their help and hard work, and for making your wedding extra special!
See more: The Lowdown on Choosing a Wedding Caterer (and How the Tasting Process Actually Works)