Eating Thousands Of Wedding Cookies

Eating at your wedding is important, but it can be tricky to find the time. Many couples find themselves greeting and thanking guests for coming, continuously throughout the reception. However, it's crucial to make time to eat, and there are several strategies to help you do so.

Firstly, it's a good idea to eat whenever you can. This may sound obvious, but on your wedding day, there is so much going on, and you may not get the chance to eat much. A light lunch and regular snacks throughout the day are recommended.

One strategy is to eat when your guests eat. You could ask your coordinator to serve you your meal first, so you can eat before mingling. Having a table just for you and your spouse can also make it easier to eat without distractions. Alternatively, you could go through the buffet line first and have a sweetheart table, giving you a chance to finish your meal before your guests are done.

If you're having a receiving line, doing this after the meal can free up time to eat. You could also do a speech at the end of dinner, thanking everyone at once, instead of visiting each table.

If you're doing a cocktail hour, ask a friend or bridal assistant to grab you some hors d'oeuvres to snack on. You could also have a plate of appetisers set aside while you do photos.

Finally, don't forget to drink water throughout the day. It's easy to become dehydrated, especially if you're drinking alcohol, so aim for eight cups of water two days before and on the day of your wedding.

How to ensure you eat at your own wedding

Eating at your own wedding can be a challenge, but with some planning, it's definitely achievable! Here are some tips to ensure you get to enjoy your wedding meal:

Before the Wedding

Make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead. Opt for a combination of protein and fibre, such as whole wheat toast with scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs with fruit, or Greek yoghurt with fruit and granola. It's also a good idea to snack throughout the day as you may not have many chances to eat during the celebrations.

During the Wedding

Coordinate with your caterers and wedding planners to ensure you and your partner are served food first. This way, you can eat before mingling with your guests. If possible, have a private room where you can eat together before entering the reception. This way, you can avoid interruptions and enjoy a quiet moment together.

At the Reception

If you're having a buffet-style reception, consider eating together before joining your guests. This way, you can ensure you get something to eat without being pulled away by well-wishers. Ask your caterers to pack a meal for you to take with you, as you may be hungry later.

Throughout the Day

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and aim for eight cups of flat water two days prior to your wedding. Avoid carbonated drinks, which can contribute to bloating and gas. If you're feeling nervous, opt for something to settle your stomach.

Remember, it's important to make eating a priority. Even if you're pulled away from your meal, keep eating! With a bit of planning and coordination, you can ensure you enjoy your wedding feast.

How to avoid food poisoning at your wedding

Food poisoning is the last thing anyone wants at their wedding, and unfortunately, it is on the rise. To avoid food poisoning at your wedding, there are several precautions you can take.

Firstly, ensure your caterer is qualified and experienced. Ask them about their food handling license and any other relevant certifications. Inquire about their food preparation and storage methods, and how they transport the food to the venue. Make sure they are aware of any potential allergens in the food and that they can notify your guests of these.

Secondly, be mindful of the types of food you serve. Foods that are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning include proteins such as fish, shellfish, and fried chicken, as well as dishes containing eggs, homemade mayonnaise, milk, custards, and pudding. If possible, opt for pasteurized options and avoid leftovers.

Finally, pay attention to food temperatures and timing. Food should be kept at the proper temperatures—below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for chilled foods and 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for hot foods. Food should not be left out for more than two hours, and only one hour during hot summer temperatures.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your wedding guests stay safe and healthy, and that your special day goes off without any food-related mishaps.

How to avoid bloating on your wedding day

Bloating is the last thing you want to deal with on your wedding day. Here are some tips to avoid it:

In the days leading up to your wedding:

• Cut down on sodium – Sodium causes water retention, so reducing your intake of salty foods and processed snacks will help prevent bloating.
• Drink plenty of water – Water helps flush out excess salt from your body.
• Avoid carbonated drinks – Carbonated drinks contain gas, which can cause bloating. Opt for flat water or herbal teas like peppermint tea instead.
• Avoid chewing gum – Chewing gum causes you to swallow air, which can lead to bloating.
• Avoid drinking through a straw – Like chewing gum, drinking through a straw can cause you to swallow air, leading to excess gas and bloating.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently – Instead of eating large meals, opt for smaller portions more often throughout the day. This will help prevent that stuffed feeling and reduce bloating.
• Chew your food thoroughly – Taking the time to chew your food properly reduces the amount of air you swallow and slows down your eating, leading to smaller portions and less bloating.
• Avoid raw vegetables – Raw veggies take longer to digest and can make you feel bloated. Lightly steaming or cooking them can make them easier on your stomach.
• Incorporate probiotics – Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and tempeh can help with digestion and reduce bloating.
• Avoid extreme diets – Instead of crash dieting, focus on making sustainable changes to your diet. Cut out processed foods, sugars, and anything that's hard to digest. Opt for plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

The day before your wedding:

• Eat a healthy, balanced meal – Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid greasy, sugary, and salty foods, as they can cause bloating and disrupt your sleep.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking its best and reduce bloating.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol – Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep and cause dehydration, leading to acne breakouts.
• Get a good night's sleep – Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

What to eat if you're vegan

A vegan diet focuses on plant-based foods and beverages and excludes all animal products. Vegans do not eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. A vegan diet can be very nutritious, but it's important to be mindful of getting all the required nutrients. Here are some foods that vegans can eat to maintain a balanced and healthy diet:

• Fruits and Vegetables: All fruits and vegetables are vegan-friendly. Include a variety of colourful options in your diet to get a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and other essential nutrients. They are versatile and can be used in many dishes.
• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, are great sources of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. They can be eaten as snacks or used in recipes.
• Tofu and Other Meat Substitutes: Tofu, tempeh, and seitan are minimally processed meat substitutes that provide protein, iron, and calcium. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Plant-Based Milks and Yogurts: Opt for calcium-fortified plant-based milks and yogurts, such as soy or hemp milk, to ensure adequate calcium intake. These are usually fortified with vitamin D as well.
• Nutritional Yeast: Fortified nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamin B12, which is mainly found in animal products. It can be added to various dishes to boost nutritional content.
• Whole Grains, Cereals, and Pseudocereals: Whole grains like quinoa, spelt, teff, amaranth, and oats provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of energy and can be included in meals or snacks.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy plant-based fats in your diet, such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. These provide essential fatty acids and contribute to a balanced diet.
• Fortified Foods: To ensure adequate intake of specific nutrients, include fortified foods in your diet. Look for cereals, breads, and plant-based milk fortified with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.
• Herbs, Spices, and Condiments: Herbs and spices add flavour to your meals, while condiments like ketchup, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce can enhance your dishes.

Remember, a well-planned vegan diet is essential to ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients. It's also important to read labels and be mindful of hidden animal-derived ingredients in processed foods.

What to eat if you're gluten-free

If you're gluten-free, there are plenty of foods you can eat and still enjoy a varied and tasty diet.

Naturally gluten-free foods include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Dairy products (although check for added flavourings)
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats and oils
• Gluten-free grains, such as rice, corn, potatoes, and quinoa

Processed gluten-free foods are also available, such as:

• Gluten-free bread, pasta, and baked goods
• Gluten-free condiments, such as salad dressings
• Gluten-free sauces, broths, and marinades
• Gluten-free flours, such as oat, buckwheat, and quinoa

It's important to note that cross-contamination can be an issue, especially in restaurants or when buying packaged foods. Oats, for example, are often processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products, so it's important to look for a "gluten-free" label on the package.

When dining out, it's a good idea to choose restaurants with gluten-free offerings or that have been validated by a gluten-free program. It's also helpful to call ahead and speak to the chef about your dietary requirements, and to ask about ingredients and food preparation methods.

Overall, a gluten-free diet can be delicious and nutritious, but it does require some extra care and attention to ensure it is safe and well-rounded.

Frequently asked questions