Bridal Club Magazine

Going Gluten-Free for Your Wedding

Recently, we've seen a lot of couples gravitating toward a gluten-free menu for their wedding- particularly when it comes to cakes. Rachel Hough, owner of Pure Delite Cupcakery, says she's definitely seen an increase in their gluten-free products over the past year.

But exactly why would someone want to go gluten-free? Well, for some people, it's not exactly a choice. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, 1 in 133 people struggle with celiac disease - a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. That damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten.

Rachel attributes the increase in her gluten-free cakes to the rising awareness about these gluten allergies. "Gluten allergies are being attributed to a number of different health problems," she says. "Many people are at least trying to eat gluten-free in order to see if it improves their health."

Going gluten-free can take a number of forms at your wedding, too. You can have cupcakes or a few gluten-free treats available if some of your attendees have special dietary needs. If it's the bride or groom who's sensitive or allergic to gluten, your bakery can whip up a special groom's cake or smaller cake just for the two of you. You might even go all the way and serve everyone the same gluten-free cake!

Using alternative ingredients like potato and bean flours, bakeries today can create gluten-free cakes that taste just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Many traditional flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, carrot and lemon are available without gluten. (Note, however, that flavors that require dye - like red velvet - might not be an option.) It's important to talk to talk to your baker about your options.

"Going on a gluten-free diet is not easy," Rachel explains. "Gluten can be found in so many products -including non food-related products such as lipstick. We try to make this big and difficult lifestyle change easier by making a great tasting dessert you usually wouldn't be able to enjoy."

Proving the aforementioned point that gluten-free cakes bear a strikingly similar taste to traditional cake, she adds that Pure Delite has done entire weddings gluten free, and guests didn't even realize it until they were told by the couple.

Unlike in the past, there are many routes couples can now take when considering their cake and guests' dietary needs. "Many people at least know someone who is gluten-free who is coming to their wedding," Rachel says. "Now everyone can have options for cake!"