Much Ado About A Wedding

[Shell]

Hey people! I have a question...what do you do about weddings? This will be my first time as a raw guest at a wedding, and I'm not sure what to do. It's a family wedding, and I know that my stepmom will be sending the RSVP back soon, so I need to know what I should tell her as far as the meal goes. I'm not sure if we were given the "chicken or fish" option (I didn't see the invite), and I've been to numerous buffet style receptions, so that would be ok, but if we were given an option, should I just say 'no' on the dinner entirely? I would hate for them to spend money on a meal that I'm not going to eat! I would be ever so grateful for any input....well, not quite in the "I'll give you my first born" kind of way, but appreciative all the same! :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

I'd write a little note to go with the response... letting them know you are a raw vegan and so unless there is salad, which you will gladly take a large plate of... you are fine sitting with everyone while they eat and they can save on your meal.

then i would pack yourself something to eat so you aren't starving. (like lara bars or something you can eat in the car before you go in. LOL)

[alicia_2007]

I would just ask as many questions as possible. I just went to a birthday that was like a wedding it had a set menu. Before the night I organised with the host that they would make me a giant salad with no dressing and everything raw and they made me a fresh fruit salad too! I'd just find out whether it's a buffet or what the deal is then go from there. You could explain to them that you don't want to be difficult and are happy to not eat anything if that makes me feel more comfortable about it.

[River Mom]

I would just be a gracious guest and NEVER SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE FOOD or my diet needs EVER. Not before.... During.... or after.
That is the Brides day, You can eat before you go and then just take your plate (WHAT EVER'S ON IT) and blend in with the rest of the reception, it just draws attention to you what ever you do. Even if you pass totally. If they pay for one more dinner they will never know, just give a really nice gift to make up for it.


Well that's just what I would do.

River Mom

[Shell]

Thanks ladies! I've toyed with the idea of not saying anything, like river girl said....it's certainly easier that way! My main thing is, is that I don't want to stick out.....I'm thinking that would be the best way to go about that! All suggestions have been taken into consideration though.....I still have a little time to think about it!

[sport]

Weddings over here are always formal sit down dinners. I was at 2 in January and just took my own meal. I took an avocoda salad to both. I start to eat it during the first course and just eat slowly (as is usual for me) and am still eating when everybody else gets to the main course.
It was a great conversation starter at the table.

[verseaurainbows]

Not totally related because ive never been raw and been to someone elses wedding...

But im so excited because im having a RAW WEDDING on 12th March:D If anyones here is raw in the UK, come along! Hehe. Im making all the food myself and i dont even have a dehydrator. Im one crazy lady. But there are absolutely no raw/vegan chefs around, ive looked everywhere, and were on a budget

Anyway back to the question, id probably bring along my own snacks and be discreet so as not to look too rude:)

[Pop]

I think it would be appropriate to call the mother to ask if there will be a raw salad that you can eat. If there is, go from there, if there isn't take your own food (in fact, I'd take my own food anyway, just to be sure). Generally the host wants everybody to be pleased, and giving her the opportunity to do that for you will probably be appreciated. Better to know before than to have an awkward moment at the reception with her feeling bad because she didn't take care of you! Yes, it is the bride's day, but if she's a gracious person she will genuinely want everybody to be happy and to have what he/she needs, and really, planning a raw salad isn't very difficult, is it?

[subbacultcha]

Not totally related because ive never been raw and been to someone elses wedding...

But im so excited because im having a RAW WEDDING on 12th March:D If anyones here is raw in the UK, come along! Hehe. Im making all the food myself and i dont even have a dehydrator. Im one crazy lady. But there are absolutely no raw/vegan chefs around, ive looked everywhere, and were on a budget

Anyway back to the question, id probably bring along my own snacks and be discreet so as not to look too rude:)

Wow that's so cool! Is your fiancee raw as well?
Have you tried emailing Russell James (www.therawchefblog.com)? I have a feeling he does raw food dinner parties so he may be able to help you out.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i would think sitting there with your own food or not eating would stick out a whole lot more than arranging beforehand with the mother of the bride.

at my daughter's wedding in nov... we called the restaurant and made special arrangement for my little one. they were HAPPY to do whatever we needed to make her happy. no problem.

after all... do you realize how many diabetics, vegans, vegetarians, rawbies, no carbers, *insert food eating group here* there are around now?

[andra]

I had a beautiful sit down wedding reception at a botanical garden atrium in the area and it was vegan. And it would not have been difficult to accomodate somebody who was doing raw at the time. My caterer was vegetarian friendly and she really enjoyed the challenge and came up with beautiful food--soup, salad, main dish, dessert. And veggie appetizers passed and veggies/olive platter/dips like hummus for the pre-reception. Everybody raved about the food!!! (I know this is a bit off topic but it is still a highlight of my life--my wedding three years ago was totally perfect).

I think I would politely explain your situation and request as much accomodation as possible and be gracious and humble (which I am sure you are just by your post) and I am sure that the kitchen can make an extra large entree sized salad for you with lots of raw veggies. If you want to bring your own dressing you can do that or just ask for lemon and olive oil. And there will probably be fruit served (either as a desert option or as a pre-reception snack). You could get a small plate of that to have at your table and you can snack on that during dessert.

Enjoy yourself and have fun celebrating the marriage of the couple.

andra

[snowdrop]

the last wedding i went to they had appetizers on a table (including veggies & dip) i loaded up on the raw veggies. then at dinner i rsvp-d the prime rib knowing several guys who would love to trade my meat for their salad.
then on the dessert table was a fountain of chocolate with what do ya know raw fruit around it. loaded up on strawberries & fresh pineapple chunks...
it went well :)

[Shell]

Thanks so much everyone! I STILL haven't decided what to do, but with all of your wonderful suggestions, I'm sure I'll figure out what works best for me! I originally was just going to sit there and maybe give my plate to someone else, but I have a strong feeling that it's going to be buffet style, in which case, my dilemma will be over (assuming they have a green salad...:eek: ). I'm going to call my stepmom (it's her niece getting married), and see if she knows anything about the food. If not, I may e-mail the bride to find out. We shall see! Anyway, again, so helpful. Thanks all.

[beppa66]

Hey Shell.
It's a very common thing these days to have at least 1-2 vegetarians at every function so if it's catered your request should be no problem. However be sure to let them know pasta is not an option or likely that's what you'll get. Most times they start off with a salad, so you could ask them to just serve you double salad as well. PS. You'll look so rawkin hot they won't notice what you're eating. ( ;

[Shell]

Beps ~ thanks...that's actually a good idea too...just ask for more salad! Oh, and he he..you make me smile!