Cooking On Wedding Day: A Recipe For Marital Bliss?

The wedding day is a big day for the bride and groom, and there are many traditions and responsibilities to consider. While the couple may want to spend the day cooking together, it is generally expected that the bride and groom will not be cooking on their wedding day. Instead, they will likely be busy with other tasks and activities.

In some cultures, the bride and groom may be expected to fast on their wedding day, and it is common for the couple to be fed a special meal before sunrise. In other cultures, the bride and groom's families exchange gifts of food, with the groom's family sending an assortment of edibles to the bride's family. This is often seen as a token of familial affection and a way to welcome the bride into the family.

As for the groom's responsibilities on the wedding day, it is common for the groom to plan a group activity, give out gifts to the groomsmen, arrive on time for the ceremony, show appreciation to the guests, and support the bride throughout the day. It is also becoming more common for the groom to be involved in the wedding planning process, including contributing to the guest list, selecting vendors, and establishing the overall vibes for the wedding.

While there are no set rules, the bride and groom may choose to exchange gifts on the wedding day. These gifts can be practical, sentimental, or a combination of both. Ultimately, the decision to cook or not on the wedding day is up to the couple, and they should do whatever makes them happy.

The groom cooks the wedding meal

While it is uncommon for the bride and groom to cook on their wedding day, it is not unheard of. In fact, one groom, Marles Cooper, cooked for his entire wedding, including a two-tier red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.

Cooper, a dietary manager at a nursing home and a former line cook, sous chef, and baker, has a passion for cooking and finds it to be the best way to express himself. For Cooper, cooking was also an important part of his relationship with his bride, Jessica Allen. He cooked dinner for her on their first date, and the two continued to bond over home-cooked meals.

Allen created the menu for their wedding, and Cooper brought it to life. He whipped up 66 burgers, 100 servings of baked beans, 40 hot dogs, 30 pounds of chicken, and 32 pounds of potato salad. Allen noted that the homemade dishes made their big day even more special, and she was proud of her husband for continuing to carry out his passion.

If you are a groom who is passionate about cooking and wants to cook for your wedding, go for it! It can be a true reflection of your love story and a memorable experience for you and your guests. However, keep in mind that cooking for a large group is no easy feat, so make sure you have the proper experience and enjoy the process.

If you need some recipe inspiration, check out the Bride & Groom: First and Forever Cookbook. It offers 125 recipes, from everyday favorites to special occasion meals, and provides essential information on equipment and pantry staples.

The bride and groom can eat together

The wedding day is a whirlwind of activity and emotion, and it's easy for the happy couple to forget to eat. But eating together is an important part of the day and can help to keep energy levels up. Here are some tips for the bride and groom to ensure they eat together on their wedding day.

Firstly, it's important to start the day with a healthy breakfast. This will provide energy for the day ahead and prevent any hangry moments! Something light, like peanut butter toast with fruit or a small whole-grain bagel with light cream cheese, is a good option. It's also a good idea to include some protein and fibre, such as scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast or Greek yoghurt with fruit and granola.

Throughout the day, it's a good idea to snack as often as possible. Some easy-to-eat options include dried fruit and nuts, string cheese and whole wheat crackers, or fresh fruit like bananas, apples, peaches, and oranges.

When it comes to lunch and dinner, the bride and groom should try to eat whenever their guests are eating. Even a few bites can make a difference and help them stay energised. If possible, the couple should be served their meals first so they can eat before mingling with their guests. Alternatively, they could organise a receiving line following the ceremony so they can sit down and enjoy their dinner together.

It's also important for the couple to stay hydrated, especially if they are drinking alcohol. Drinking plenty of water will help prevent dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. So, remember to drink up and enjoy your special day!

The groom can give the groomsmen gifts

While it is not customary for the bride and groom to cook on their wedding day, it is traditional for the newlyweds to exchange gifts. The groom may also wish to give gifts to his groomsmen, the best man, ushers, ring bearer, officiant, and the fathers of the bride and groom.

Gifts for groomsmen are a way to show appreciation for their support and friendship and thank them for their role in the wedding. When choosing groomsmen gifts, it is important to consider the practicality of the gift, the group as a whole, and your budget. Gifts should be given in person, either at the bachelor or rehearsal dinner, the wedding ceremony, or the reception.

• Beer-related gifts, such as a short-term craft beer subscription or a personalised beer mug.
• Creative gifts, such as a personalised journal or a framed print.
• Practical gifts, such as a pocket-size survival kit or personalised tools.
• Tech-related gifts, such as leather bands for storing cables or personalised phone stands.
• Gifts for the next morning, such as a hangover kit or personalised sunglasses.
• Travel gear, such as a leather carry-on or a personalised toiletry bag.
• Wallets, money clips, bottle openers, coolers, grilling sets, or metal koozies.

The average amount spent on each groomsman's gift is $63, but this can vary depending on the groom's budget and the number of groomsmen. It is not necessary to give all the groomsmen the same gift, and it is often better to choose different gifts based on their individual personalities and interests.

The bride and groom can exchange gifts

While there is no tradition of the bride and groom cooking on their wedding day, it is a custom for the couple to exchange gifts. This can be a great way to calm nerves and share a private moment during the chaos of the day. Gifts can be exchanged before the wedding, on the wedding day, or even during the honeymoon.

• Gold 'Mrs.' Necklace
• Personalized Charcuterie Board
• Personalized Ring Dish with Initials
• 'Mrs.' Crewneck Sweatshirt
• Anniversary Journal
• Wedding Card
• 'Our Story So Far' Wall Art
• Custom Wedding Spoons
• 'You and Me' Scrapbook Journal

And some ideas for the groom from the bride:

• 'Letters to My Husband' Journal
• Custom Wedding Cufflinks
• A Nice Watch
• Engraved Compass
• Personalized 'Why I Love You' Wooden Puzzle
• Custom Leather Wallet
• Personalized Wooden Ring Dish
• Custom Wedding Handkerchief
• Personalized Cigar Humidor

There are also some gift ideas that can work for either the bride or the groom, such as:

• Personalized Memory Box with Photo Storage
• Custom Wedding Mugs
• Custom Book Stamp
• Personalized Vinyl
• Bucket List Book for Newlyweds
• Engraved Wood Cutting Board
• Hand-Written Love Letter
• Night Sky of Your Wedding Night
• Custom Wedding Photo Drawing
• Personalized Wedding Whiskey Decanter Set

The groom can support the bride by ensuring she eats

The wedding day is a whirlwind of activity and emotions, and it's easy for the bride to forget to eat or to avoid eating due to nerves or fear of bloating. However, eating well is essential to ensure the bride feels and looks her best. Here's how the groom can support the bride by ensuring she eats:

Before the Wedding

The groom can start supporting the bride by ensuring she eats well in the days leading up to the wedding. This means encouraging her to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. He can also remind her to eat balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs. Additionally, the groom can suggest that the bride avoid excessive sodium intake, which can cause bloating, and focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods.

On the Wedding Day

The groom can play an active role in ensuring the bride eats on their wedding day. Here are some ways he can do this:

• Encourage a Light Breakfast: The groom can remind the bride to eat a light breakfast, such as peanut butter toast with fruit or a small whole-grain bagel with light cream cheese. This will provide energy without causing bloating.
• Pack Snacks: The groom can prepare a small bag of snacks for the bride to have throughout the day. Options like dried fruit and nuts, string cheese and whole wheat crackers, or fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges are easy to eat on the go.
• Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of water is crucial, so the groom can remind the bride to stay hydrated and even provide her with a bottle of water to carry around. Avoiding carbonated drinks can also help prevent bloating.
• Eat Together: The groom can make sure that he and the bride eat together, especially during the cocktail hour or reception. They can also request to be served their meals first so they can eat without distractions.
• Pace Alcohol Consumption: If the bride chooses to drink, the groom can help her pace herself by reminding her to drink water and eat food between alcoholic beverages. This will help prevent dehydration and ensure she doesn't miss out on any important moments due to intoxication.

By following these suggestions, the groom can actively support the bride in ensuring she eats and has the energy to enjoy their special day.

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