Going To A Wedding - Now What?

[Lisa42]

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do at a wedding where the typical buffet will be served: fried chicken, rigatoni, lunchmeat and cheese, macaroni and potatoe salad, cake and cookies? I don't want to eat any of that, and I don't want to sit there eating nothing while its the dinnertime for everyone. So what is one to do?

[greeninlosangeles]

I would bring my own food and discretely put it on the plate. The only problem, other guests might start asking where on the table to get fruit or salad...

[Lisa42]

Bringing my own food and discretely putting it on the plate sounds good, but how does one "discretely" do that? It will be so obvious to everyone and that opens up another whole can of worms with the "why can't you just eat normal like everyone else?" The whole thing is going to be such a pain I'm starting to not want to go. It's a family wedding though and EVERYONE is going.

[greeninlosangeles]

Well, if you don't mind lying, you could just say you just had a stomach flu and still do not want to eat. And then go to dressing room to eat a piece of fruit or something.

[Smileen]

Lisa, might there possibly be a green salad or fruit tray?

[Lisa42]

I think I'll just get a plate of food and hope there is SOMETHING there worth eating and then put the rest on my husband's plate like I always do. He eats everything and anything and a ton of it.

[juliebove]

First, I have never been to a wedding where that was standard fare. But perhaps that is standard in the part of the country where you live. Most catered dinners have some kind of salad, although it might be hard to get it without dressing on it. And there is usually a raw vegetable or fruit platter.

Is the reception going to be at a place other than were the wedding takes place? If so, then stash some food in your car, in an insulated bag or cooler with ice, if necessary. Eat a little something on the way there.

If the reception is at the same place as the wedding, then excuse yourself a time or two for some fresh air. Go to your car and eat. Now this will be more difficult if you are at an outdoor wedding. But you can always find some excuse. You need to stretch your legs, make a quick phone call, whatever. Then go to your car and eat something.

Also, make sure to eat just prior to the wedding. It might not be like your regular meal, but at least you won't be hungry.

While the others are eating, you could get a plate and put a little food on it. You don't need much. Just a few little dabs spread out. Then toy with it while the others are eating. Chances are nobody will notice that you are not eating. I have very rarely had anyone comment on my not eating. But then I also have diabetes and people who know me know that I'm on a special diet because of that. If they do comment, I merely tell them that my blood sugar is too high and I can't eat right now.

I was working at my daughter's dance recital yesterday. She was in the 1st and 2nd shows. I was working at the first show. I had brought some Just Veggies and thought I could eat those while I was working. There was no time. I was just too busy. And sadly, none of the kids liked them so I had a ton leftover! I also had some nuts mixed with a bit of dried fruit and some celery with me. I'd brought a small cooler bag. My daughter needed lunch too. She had part of a sandwich (not raw) and some grapes. We only had 10 minutes to eat. I ate the nuts and fruit but didn't even have enough time to eat the all of the celery. I had my husband stick the bag in the car and then dashed inside to get us some seats before they were all taken.

We had dinner a few hours after the show so it was no biggie. I just figure every so often something like this is going to happen and I won't get a "real" meal.

[Lay-Lay]

Usually when I am going to a party or something I eat a large meal that is reallt filling and satisfy right before I leave and then I carry a bag with some nuts/seeds raisens and occasionally some fruit and avocado. I always have a little sea salt and olive oil tucked aways.

If there is just some salad greens at the wedding load your plate with them, sprinkle on some nuts or seeds and some avocado and dash of sea salt and olive oil and you should be in heaven. If not enjoy your fruit and nuts/seeds, yummy!

[JMD]

I usually call ahead the week before and see how accomodating to my diet they/the place/restaurant/hall can be/provide. If not much, then i do not mind bringing some or my own meal and eating it there or even in my car. It was weird at first BUT it felt so much better to go home clean, not overeaten and feel bad, and just have had fun dancing and focused on friends and family that were there.

Best,
JMd

[Gosia]

Lisa42,

Sensitive bride and groom will respect and cater for their guests' dietary needs, won't they? At our wedding (when we were cooked) we had a friend with gluten and diary allergies, and we made sure that he had nice foods to eat. Could you politely ask your family to assist in making sure that your dietary needs are catered for? Surely, making a big salad for one guest would not be a big problem. This could even make them decide to supply a salad for everyone else, surely an improvement to any cooked menu.

Gosia

[wisslewj]

heyya lisa

I am going to a wedding as well!! Its on june 17th....wow would be kewl if we BOTH were at the same one lol!! we could be raw buddies lol. I plan on plopping down my big pile of greens on a plate with some fruit. My family already thinks I am weird and well...who cares lol! If healthy is crazy sign me up for the mental hospital!! :P

(although I may be plopping down some nuts and seed pates as I am recently yellow from too much beta caratine lol :P )

In any event, no need to be discrete. Munch your greens with confident pride and if anyone asks about it, use it as a time to educate (poliely of course) them on the benefits of raw foods. (and if you are brave and not preachy, the negatives of the poisens they are eating lol....though you may wanna wait till AFTER the wedding for that as the bride might get mad!! ;) )

ANyway, god bless and good luck
Jeff

[Lisa42]

heyya lisa

I am going to a wedding as well!! Its on june 17th....wow would be kewl if we BOTH were at the same one lol!! we could be raw buddies lol. I plan on plopping down my big pile of greens on a plate with some fruit. My family already thinks I am weird and well...who cares lol! If healthy is crazy sign me up for the mental hospital!! :P

(although I may be plopping down some nuts and seed pates as I am recently yellow from too much beta caratine lol :P )

In any event, no need to be discrete. Munch your greens with confident pride and if anyone asks about it, use it as a time to educate (poliely of course) them on the benefits of raw foods. (and if you are brave and not preachy, the negatives of the poisens they are eating lol....though you may wanna wait till AFTER the wedding for that as the bride might get mad!! ;) )

ANyway, god bless and good luck
Jeff

Hiya Jeff,

Thanks for the reply - you have the right attitude. My family thinks I'm weird anyway too - so who cares? They don't care what I think about them eating whatever they eat. I guess I should quit making mountains out of molehills and focus on more important things of the day - like admiring the happy bridge and groom.

God bless and good luck
Lisa

[heabrook]

I have tried the whole "Thank you.. but I'm not hungry" bit but it doesn't work very well. In fact, it just makes the whole thing even more awkward and people get easily offended. It is best to notify them ahead of time to let them know you are bringing your own food.

Most of all, don't be embarrassed. Keep your head up high.