Alternatives

Cake Alternatives for Your Canadian Nuptials

There are alternatives to a wedding cake. Many wedding receptions feature a towering, multi-tiered cake with white frosting and elaborate details, and Canadian marriage ceremonies are no exception. While this cake stands as an iconic symbol of Western weddings, you might prefer to represent your homeland for your special day. You can add a touch of Canuck to the festivities with wedding cake alternatives that are distinctly Canadian. Consider these options for your reception.

1. Nanaimo Bars As Alternatives

Named for the town of Nanaimo in British Columbia, this no-bake dessert may be one of the most well-loved Canadian sweet treats. This dessert is made of three layers, starting with a crust of chocolate, coconut, and graham cracker. The middle layer is rich and creamy yellow custard, topped by a gooey layer of chocolate ganache. The earliest recipe for this treat dates back to the early 1950s, but today’s Nanaimo bar has been modified to include other flavors such as mint, mocha, and peanut butter, among others. Dress this dessert up or down as appropriate for your celebration.

2. Saskatoon Berry Pie

Some people prefer a flaky top crust and a sweet berry filling to kick off a life together. Saskatoon berries resemble blueberries, but they’re smaller and sweeter, with a slightly nutty flavor that is reminiscent of almonds. Also known as juneberries or prairie berries, Saskatoon berries are abundant during the summer months in Canada’s prairie region, including Saskatchewan. Serve whole pies to be cut into slices or individual pies.

 3. BeaverTails

When it comes to Canadian desserts, you can’t go wrong with a treat named for the national animal. This sweet treat is made from hand-stretched, fried dough that is topped with chocolate, hazelnut spread, maple butter, and more. Shaped like the tail of a beaver, this fried snack has been a national favorite for over 40 years. Even former US President Barack Obama enjoys this Canadian treat whenever he visits. BeaverTails can also be served as savory snacks, topped with cheese, ham, and other proteins instead.

4. Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are some of the oldest Canadian confections around. Dating back to Canada’s pioneer days, these handheld tarts are almost like pecan pies without the pecans. Hugely popular on the east coast, these pastries are made of butter, cream, sugar, and eggs — everything we love in a dessert. The most common flavor is a filling made of maple and vanilla, but for your nuptials, you could opt for alternative fillings, especially flavors or colors that hold significance.

5. Tiger Tail Ice Cream Alternatives

Exclusive to Canada, this ice cream gets its name from its appearance. It is orange-flavored ice cream swirled with black licorice ribbons, resembling the signature orange and black-striped look of a tiger. While this ice cream peaked in popularity between the 1950s and 1970s, it is still available. Whether you serve it as a snack or as a complement to another dessert, you’re sure to score points with guests, especially those who are nostalgic.

6. Persian

Although the name might make you think otherwise, this dessert actually comes from the city of Thunder Bay in Northwest Ontario. The best way to think of a Persian is as a love child of a cinnamon bun and a donut. Persians are typically oval-shaped and cinnamon-flavored. They’re usually served covered in pink frosting with either a strawberry or raspberry flavor. Consider this treat for your reception menu, especially if pink is a part of your color scheme. 

When you’re tying the knot in front of loved ones, you want to make sure that the event is one that everyone recollects fondly. Choosing a menu that makes you and your spouse-to-be happy goes a long way toward that goal. Canada offers several types of desserts that are sure to make your day of celebration extra sweet and super special.

Alternatives to Diamonds for Engagement Rings

Diamonds are beautiful, however there are many beautiful stones that exist.

Though diamonds are a girls best friend, there are plenty of other beautiful stones out that are more budget friendly and will surely stand out.

Wedding and engagement rings have a long history, probably from Roman customs where a woman would wear rings attached to small keys, which demonstrated her ownership by her husband. Women were considered property for many years, and we’re fortunate that this has changed. The first rings with diamonds were recorded in the late 1400s. Maximilian I, the King of the Romans and Holy Roman Emperor, commissioned a diamond ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy.

Maximilian is responsible for the diamond engagement ring trend, but it was the Victorians who popularized the ornate designs and beautiful settings that we know today. However, diamonds were largely inaccessible to the masses until De Beers began mining in the late 1800s. The demand for diamonds dropped during the Depression, but De Beers Company fought back by using the movie stars of the time to advertise the diamonds.

Are Diamonds Really a Girl’s Best Friend?

In the 1953 film, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Marilyn Monroe sang:

“The French are glad to die for love.

They delight in fighting duels.

But I prefer a man who lives

And gives expensive jewels.

A kiss on the hand

May be quite continental,

But diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

Diamonds might be considered traditional, but not everyone can afford these rare gems. Some people don’t want to support the industry. There are a lot of other gemstones that can be made into beautiful rings. Here are some of the best alternatives.

Alternative Stones

  • Garnets come in shades of pink and red most commonly, but you can also find them in other colors. Although garnets aren’t as hard as other gems, only a 7.0 on the Mohs scale (a diamond is a 10), you’ll be able to get a bigger gem for a fraction of the cost.
  • Sapphires are most commonly a blue gem, but you can find them in other hues. The best part is that sapphires are generally one-third of the price of diamonds. You can get a larger stone, but make sure it’s well cut.
  • Emeralds come in beautiful shades of green, and although they aren’t one of the more popular gems these days, they can look chic and timeless in a ring setting that will last forever.
  • Pearls are an iconic look, but they do tend to scratch and tarnish easily. You can find very elegant pearls at a good price, but don’t plan on wearing the ring every day to make it last.
  • Opals can reflect the entire rainbow as they move in the light. No two opals look the same, but they are in the middle of the Mohs scale. Opals don’t stand up to daily wear like a diamond might, but they still make a beautiful ring.
  • Onyx is generally black in color, but it can come in a variety of colors for fine jewelry. The black stone pairs with anything you wear and it looks timeless and chic.
  • Sunstones are a very abundant gemstone and come in a variety of shades including peach, red, orange and green. Many are found just south of the border in Oregon.
  • Amethyst is a pretty, purple gem that is durable but less expensive than diamond. The gem is beautifully paired with gold or silver for a classic look.