It’s impossible to please all your guests. But out of all the complaints about American weddings, there seems to a nearly universal one:

The food was terrible.

It’s such a common complaint that the Huffington Post featured it as one of ten most common and irritating things guests dislike.

Is wedding food really that terrible, or are guests just being picky about it? And what control do you really have if you’re relying on a professional cater? More than you might think.

Mistake #1: Not being considerate of dietary restrictions

Imagine you’re a guest at a wedding. You haven’t eaten dinner, and by the time the reception starts, your stomach is growling. But when you get to the buffet, nearly everything has some sort of dairy product in it, from the stuffed potatoes to the chicken casserole to even the dessert (cheesecake).

While this might seem like an extreme example, it illustrates a point. If you are having a large wedding, likely with people you do not know as well, you need to make sure there is at least an option or two for a variety of lifestyles and dietary restrictions. That means offering, if possible, gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian, to start.

           Mistake #2: Not asking for what’s in season

You might dream of having seafood, but if you live nowhere near water, chicken might be a better option. If you can afford it, ask for locally source ingredients. You should also consider a menu based on what’s in season. It may be different than your favorites, but it’s likely to be fresher (and cheaper!)

Mistake #3: Quantity over quality

One reason buffets are popular is because they tend to be more cost effective, and can easily feed a crowd. But large amounts of food tends to result in a compromise in quality. Even if you still want a buffet, you can opt to serve more, and smaller dishes than a few very large ones.

Mistake #4: You only consider all-inclusive

Yes, going with one cater will save you time and headaches. But if you want to go an extra step, think outside the box. Order signature dishes from different restaurants or chefs. (If you go this route, make sure you have a planner, or at least day-of coordinator to make sure things run smoothly).

If nothing else, make sure your wedding reflects you and your partner. Personal touches, like a signature drink ot dish, really stand out.


Photo by Rachel EH Photography