Mini Pies For Your Big Day: A Wedding Treat

Mini pies are a delightful and charming alternative to a traditional wedding cake. They offer a touch of nostalgia and allow guests to indulge in a variety of flavours. Whether you're looking for a sweet or savoury option, mini pies can be a perfect choice for your big day. From classic apple to rich chocolate, or even shepherd's pie and chicken pot pie, the options are endless.

When it comes to serving mini pies at your wedding, you can opt for a dedicated dessert table or choose to serve them as a plated dessert. Presentation is key, and there are many creative ways to display your mini pies, such as stacking vintage cake stands or arranging them in a tiered formation.

Mini pies can also double as wedding favours, individually boxed or wrapped in personalised packaging, adding a special touch for your guests to cherish.

Whether you decide to bake them yourself or order from a bakery, mini pies are a unique and memorable way to sweeten your wedding celebration.

Choosing flavours: from apple to chocolate, the options are endless

When it comes to selecting a flavour for your mini wedding pies, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer traditional options like apple or want to indulge in something richer like chocolate, there's a flavour to suit every taste.

If you're a fan of the classics, apple pie is a perfect choice, especially for autumn weddings as apples are at their peak during this season. You could even present them in unique ways, such as tiny heart-shaped pies or individual mason jar pies. Cherry and pumpkin pies are also crowd-pleasing favourites that your guests are sure to enjoy.

For those with a sweet tooth, rich chocolate pies or tangy lemon meringue pies are sure to satisfy. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try something unique like salted caramel, mixed berry, or even peanut butter pie? The options are endless, and you can curate a selection that reflects your personal tastes.

Don't forget to consider the time of year for your wedding. Seasonal berries can make for delicious and fresh-tasting pies. For summer weddings, strawberries are an excellent choice, while autumnal nuptials could feature pies made with ripe apples or pumpkins.

If you want to offer a variety of flavours, creating a dessert bar with multiple pies is a great idea. This allows your guests to sample different options and ensures there's something for everyone. You can even include a mix of sweet and savoury pies, such as meat and vegetable quiches, to cater to a range of preferences.

So, whether you stick with traditional flavours or opt for something more unique, mini wedding pies are a delightful way to treat your guests and add a personal touch to your special day.

Presentation: stack them on vintage cake stands or arrange in tiers

Presenting your mini pies on vintage cake stands or arranging them in tiers is a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Vintage Cake Stands

Vintage cake stands come in a variety of styles and materials, such as glass, wood, or metal. They can add a touch of elegance or rustic charm to your dessert table. Look for stands with intricate details such as gold filigree, etched glass, or rustic wood slices. You can find vintage cake stands in antique stores, online marketplaces, or even make your own by upcycling old plates and cups.

Stacking Tiers

Creating a stacked tier display with your mini pies can be a beautiful and efficient way to present them. You can use different-sized stands or shelves to create varying heights, adding depth and dimension to your dessert table. This way, your guests can easily grab their favourite pies without having to wait for a plated slice. Consider using a decorative hutch or a vintage-looking table to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Combining Both

Combining vintage cake stands and tiers is another option to explore. You can use a mix of vintage cake stands of varying heights to create a unique, tiered display. This approach adds visual interest and allows you to showcase multiple pie flavours at different levels.

Presentation Tips:

• Use colourful flowers and greenery to decorate your vintage cake stands or tiers, especially for spring or summer weddings.
• Place your mini pies on apple slices and decorate with whole apples for a fun, seasonal touch.
• For a rustic wedding, present your pies on slabs of birchwood with garlands of evergreen.
• For a glamorous wedding, use lucite stands to display your pies.
• If you're serving multiple pie flavours, use signage to help guests identify each option.
• Mix and match mini pies with other desserts like cupcakes or a small wedding cake for a diverse dessert table.
• Don't forget to include some small utensils or wooden spoons for your guests to enjoy their pies!

Serving suggestions: hand out as wedding favours or serve plated with a dollop of cream

Mini pies are a delightful and charming alternative to a traditional wedding cake. They offer a touch of nostalgia and make a stunning addition to any wedding reception. Here are some serving suggestions for your big day:

Wedding Favours

If you're looking for a unique and delicious wedding favour, mini pies are a perfect choice. They can be individually boxed or wrapped in personalised packaging, adding a special touch that your guests will cherish. Consider attaching a note expressing your gratitude for their presence, making it even more memorable. Alternatively, you can place small dessert boxes or bags near the exit, allowing guests to choose their favourite flavour to take home and enjoy later. This is a delightful way to extend the celebration and leave a lasting impression.

Plated Dessert

Mini wedding pies can also be served as a plated dessert, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience. Each guest's plate can be garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of sauce, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a memorable moment for everyone. This option allows your guests to indulge in a variety of flavours while enjoying a beautifully presented dessert.

Display Ideas

When it comes to displaying your mini pies, you can opt for a dedicated dessert table adorned with an array of beautifully presented pies. This allows guests to choose their favourite flavours and sample multiple pies throughout the evening. To create a visually appealing display, consider stacking vintage cake stands or arranging the pies in a tiered formation. Adding fresh floral arrangements or personalised signage can further enhance the overall presentation.

Additionally, mini pies can double as a centerpiece for the dessert table. Display them on a decorative cake stand or a rustic wooden crate, surrounded by votive candles or fairy lights. This creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to gather around and enjoy the sweet treats.

Pie Varieties

The versatility of mini pies is endless, offering a range of flavours and fillings to suit any couple's tastes. From traditional flavours like cherry, pumpkin, and apple to more adventurous options like salted caramel, mixed berry, and peanut butter pie, there's something to satisfy every palate. You can even offer a variety of sizes, such as individual slices, mini pies, and whole pies, giving your guests the option to indulge in a petite pie or enjoy a larger slice.

In conclusion, mini pies are a unique and charming way to sweeten your wedding day. Whether you choose to hand them out as favours or serve them plated with a dollop of cream, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Timing: bake the day before so the pie sets and slices are neater

To ensure your mini pies are set and slices are neater, it's best to bake them the day before your wedding. This will give the pies time to set and make for easier slicing and serving. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Plan your baking: Organise your time efficiently by preparing the pie crusts and fillings in advance. You can make the crusts and freeze them in pie plates, then make the fillings one or two nights before. This will save you time and reduce stress on the day of baking.
• Choose the right pies: Consider selecting pies with fillings that set well and slice neatly, such as custard pies or key lime pie. Fruit pies, while delicious, can be messier when plated. If you have your heart set on fruit pies, baking them the day before will help the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Test and taste: Before your big day, it's a good idea to do a test run and taste. This will help you perfect your recipe and ensure that your pies are baked to perfection. Recruit friends and family to be your taste testers!
• Quantity considerations: It's better to have more pies than too few. Guests may be excited to try different flavours, so plan to have enough pies to accommodate multiple choices for your guests.
• Storage: Since you'll be baking the day before, have a plan for storing your pies. Ensure you have enough refrigerator space or a cool place to keep the pies fresh overnight.
• Presentation: To create an appealing display, consider arranging your mini pies on vintage cake stands or in a tiered formation. Add fresh flowers or personalised signage to enhance the overall presentation.
• Don't forget the toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream can elevate your mini pies and provide a contrast of flavours and temperatures.

Quantity: make more than you think you need—guests will likely try multiple flavours

When it comes to mini pies for your wedding, it's always better to make more than you think you need. Guests will likely try multiple flavours, so it's important to have enough pies to go around. Here are some tips to ensure you have enough pies for your big day:

Calculate the Number of Pies:

Start by estimating how many guests will attend your wedding. As a general rule, plan for about 70% to 75% of your guests to have one mini pie, as not everyone may want one. If you're offering multiple flavours, consider making more pies to allow guests to sample different options.

Variety of Flavours:

Offer a variety of flavours to appeal to different taste preferences. Classic options include apple, cherry, and pumpkin pies. If you want to get creative, try unique flavours like salted caramel, mixed berry, or even savoury pies like shepherd's pie or chicken pot pie.

Consider Dietary Restrictions:

Accommodate guests with dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options. Many bakeries now provide alternative crusts and fillings to cater to specific dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the treats.

Display and Presentation:

Create an eye-catching display by arranging pies on vintage cake stands or in a tiered formation. This adds visual interest and makes it easier for guests to select their desired flavour. Consider a dedicated dessert table adorned with an array of beautifully presented pies, allowing guests to sample multiple pies throughout the evening.

Individual Packaging:

If you plan to give mini pies as wedding favours, individually box or wrap them in personalized packaging. This adds a special touch, and guests can take their favourite flavour home to enjoy later, extending the celebration.

Recruit Help:

Baking a large number of mini pies can be a daunting task. Consider recruiting family and friends to help with the baking process, ensuring you have enough pies for all your guests. Alternatively, you can order from a local bakery, but be sure to place your order in advance and discuss customization options.

By following these tips and making more pies than you think you need, you'll ensure that your guests have a delightful experience sampling multiple flavours and that your wedding is a sweet success!

Frequently asked questions