Roll over to preview

It has been customary for June to be the most popular month for UK weddings going back almost 500 years. The popular theory is not the most romantic however as it is believed that all those years ago people took their annual bath as the weather warmed with summer’s approach, which meant that they were all relatively ‘fresh smelling’ for a June marriage. The origin of the Bride’s bouquet is also believed to be for a similar reason, so that any remaining underlying unpleasant odours might be masked and not spoil her special day. Thankfully times have changed and with this in mind we have some very contemporary wedding ideas for you in this issue, including a chocolate wedding cake, and a sugar bridal bouquet (which I admit would only taste, rather than smell sweet). With long summer days June is also a time when relatives often meet up for a party, and I am delighted to introduce new contributor Debbie Lynch, whose debut cake was inspired by the rise in popularity of researching your ancestors, but which could be perfectly customised for any large get together of disparate individuals.