Bridesmaids' Breakfast: Fueling The Wedding With Delicious Eats

It's important to keep the bridal party well-fed in the lead-up to a wedding. A hungry bridal party isn't a happy bridal party, and you don't want anyone fainting during the ceremony! So what are some good options for food and drink? Well, it's a good idea to provide a mix of breakfast and lunch options, especially if you're all getting ready early in the morning and won't eat again until later. It's also a good idea to provide some snacks and drinks that people can grab throughout the day. So, what exactly should you feed your bridesmaids? Well, you could go for a continental breakfast with pastries, fruit, and yoghurt, or something more substantial like bagels and cream cheese, or egg and toast. It's also a good idea to provide some protein-rich foods like nuts, lean meats, and whole grains. If you want to provide lunch, sandwiches are always a good option, and you can get these pre-made from local cafes or supermarkets. Just remember to cater to any dietary requirements your bridesmaids might have, and try to avoid anything too messy or likely to cause bloat!

Breakfast foods: eggs, toast, fruit, pastries, bagels, etc

Breakfast is an important meal to fuel you and your bridesmaids for the day ahead. It can be easy to forget to eat on the morning of a wedding, but it's essential to keep energy levels up, especially if the day's celebrations will involve drinking alcohol.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in a variety of ways. You could offer scrambled eggs, an omelette, or poached eggs. If you're looking for something more substantial, a quiche is always a good option and can be made ahead of time. For a lighter option, you might want to consider a frittata or an egg white omelette.

Toast

Toast is a simple and versatile breakfast option. You can offer a variety of toppings, such as avocado, tomatoes, or nut butter. For a more indulgent option, you could provide ricotta toast with figs and honey or tomatoes and salt.

Fruit

Fruit is a healthy and refreshing option for breakfast. You could offer a selection of fresh fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, bananas, and apples. Another idea is to make a fruit salad or provide fruit smoothies.

Bagels

Bagels are a popular breakfast choice and can be served in a variety of ways. You could offer a variety of toppings such as cream cheese, butter, jam, lox, tomatoes, and onions. For a more indulgent option, you could make an "everything bagel breakfast casserole" by combining bagels with eggs, bacon, and cheese.

Pastries

Pastries are a tasty treat and can be served in a variety of ways. You could offer a selection of breakfast pastries such as croissants, muffins, or doughnuts. For a more indulgent option, you could serve French toast sticks or mini pancakes with fresh berries.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions your bridesmaids may have and provide a variety of options to accommodate different preferences and ensure everyone has enough energy to celebrate with you!

Lunch options: sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, etc

There are many options to consider when it comes to lunch for the bridesmaids. It's important to choose something that will be easy to eat and won't cause any mess or discomfort. Here are some ideas to consider:

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a popular choice for bridesmaids' lunches as they are easy to eat and can be tailored to different dietary needs. You could order a variety of sandwiches from a local deli, such as chicken salad, egg salad, or cucumber sandwiches. To make things even easier, ask for them to be pre-cut and wrapped. If you're looking for a more elegant option, consider tea sandwiches with fillings like tuna, egg salad, cucumber, or cream cheese and lox.

Salads

Salads can be a refreshing option, but some people may find them too light or messy. If you decide to go with a salad, choose a heartier option such as a chicken caesar salad or a caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. You can also add some substance to a salad by including grains like brown rice or quinoa.

Charcuterie

A charcuterie board is a beautiful and versatile option that can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Include a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, nuts, and fruits. For an easier option, create individual charcuterie cones for each bridesmaid, filled with their favourite cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, and crackers.

Other Options

• Wraps: These can be a good alternative to sandwiches, as the tortillas are lighter than bread but still filling.
• Veggie strips with dip: Cut up some peppers, carrots, and cucumbers into strips and serve them with a delicious dip.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola for a nutritious and easy-to-eat option.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit is always a good option, and it can be paired with nuts or cheese for a more substantial snack.

Snacks: fruit, nuts, protein bars, etc

Snacks are a great way to keep energy levels up throughout the day, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Fruit is a fantastic snack to have available for the bridal party. It's easy to digest, and a great source of energy and hydration. Watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, bananas and apples are all good choices. Fruit is also a great option for anyone who is pregnant and might be feeling nauseous.

Nuts and trail mix are another excellent snack option. They're filling and provide a good source of protein and healthy fats. You can add in some raisins or chocolate-covered nuts for a touch of sweetness.

For a more substantial snack, consider protein bars. These are a good option for anyone who might not feel like eating a full meal, but still needs something to keep their energy up.

If you're looking for something savoury, crackers and dips like hummus or tzatziki are a good option. You could also provide some sliced vegetables like peppers, carrots and cucumbers, and a selection of meats like salami, prosciutto or chicken slices.

Drinks: water, tea, coffee, mimosas, etc

When it comes to drinks, it's important to keep the bridal party hydrated throughout the day. Here are some drink options to consider:

• Water: It is crucial to have plenty of water available to ensure everyone stays hydrated. You can offer mini bottles of water, or set up a dispenser with water, lemon, and cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
• Tea: A variety of hot teas can be offered, especially if anyone is looking to avoid caffeine.
• Coffee: Coffee is a great option for a morning pick-me-up, but be mindful of caffeine intake and consider offering decaf options as well.
• Mimosas: Mimosas are a popular choice for a festive beverage. However, it's important to monitor consumption to avoid anyone getting too intoxicated before the ceremony.
• Fruit juices: Freshly squeezed orange juice or other fruit juices can be a nice addition, especially when paired with bubbly for mimosas.
• Bubbly: Champagne or other sparkling wines can be a fun way to celebrate, but remember to drink in moderation and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.
• Electrolyte drinks: For anyone who might have overindulged the night before, electrolyte drinks can be a helpful addition to rehydrate and replenish minerals.

Remember to provide a good mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and always ensure there is plenty of water available throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated and feeling their best.

Avoid: cruciferous vegetables, too much caffeine, and alcohol

It's important to watch what you eat and drink in the lead-up to a wedding. Bridesmaids should avoid certain foods and drinks to ensure they feel and look their best on the day.

Cruciferous Vegetables

While cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, kale, arugula, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are healthy, they are extremely high in fiber and can make you gassy, especially when consumed raw. This goes for any high-fiber diet, so be mindful of your intake in the days before the wedding. Instead, opt for softer greens like spinach, romaine, wheatgrass, and fresh herbs.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a major sleep disruptor, and when you're already struggling to sleep due to wedding-related stress, it's best to cut it out or at least reduce your intake. Caffeine can also cause dehydration, which will immediately show in your face—fine lines will be accentuated and the texture and brightness of your skin will suffer. Caffeine can also cause your body to overproduce stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can put your oil glands into overdrive, leading to breakouts.

Alcohol

Alcohol weakens the digestive system and can cause discomfort and bloating. It can also lead to a hangover, which is the last thing you want before a wedding. If you want to avoid bloating, it's best to stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

Frequently asked questions