June marks the beginning of the summer weddings. “Wedding Styles” was published in 1985, so I didn’t buy it for my own wedding which would have been almost ten years earlier, so I think it was the photos of the wedding cakes that I was interested in at the time. Even though this is not a cookbook, the cake photos are lovely, and the food served at weddings is discussed and photographed. I thought those of you who are getting married this year, or those who just want to experience a little nostalgia of the 80’s might enjoy this book.
The first section is filled with a dozen or so wedding traditions from the romance of a Victorian wedding, to the mystique of a Japanese Shinto ceremony. Also included are a New England wedding, a Greek reception, a Hindu ceremony, and even a “chic 80’s” wedding.
I thought the above photo of a Hindu wedding feast was fascinating. Traditional Indian foods such as lamb, chicken, vegetable curries, yogurt dishes, chutney, mangos, and tea are served in individual portions to each of the guests. The decorative designs of the dinnerware eliminate the need for other decoration on the serving table.
A traditional Cajun wedding in New Orleans might serve traditional food such as crab, crayfish, chicken, oysters, gumbo, and extra-strong black coffee. When I saw the photo below, I thought – what a strange bride- is this a Cajun tradition?? Turns out that an unmarried older brother of the groom is supposed to perform a solo “broom dance.” Poor guy; I think he needs some strong coffee..
I imagine the New England wedding included a clam/lobster bake.
My dad was from Cajun country, and I still have many friends and relatives living in the area. I remember seeing broom dances at weddings.