Eating Safe at Weddings

You’re invited to a wedding. Wonderful, except for the looming question: what will you eat?

Weddings are beautiful. Wedding food with celiac is complicated. Here’s how to handle it.

Before the Wedding

Check for Meal Options

Many wedding invitations include meal choices:

• Look for GF option
• If not listed, RSVP with a note
• Contact the couple or their coordinator

How to ask:

“I’m so excited for your wedding! I have celiac disease and need a gluten-free meal. Is it possible to arrange that with your caterer?”

Don’t Assume You’ll Be Accommodated

Even if you request GF:

• The message may not reach the caterer
• The caterer may not understand celiac
• The food may not be safe

Prepare backup plans regardless.

Know the Venue/Caterer

If possible:

• Find out who’s catering
• Research their GF capabilities
• Call them directly if you can

Your Backup Plan

Always Eat Before

Have a substantial meal before the wedding:

• You won’t starve if wedding food doesn’t work
• You’ll be less anxious
• You can enjoy the event without food stress

Bring Snacks

Pack in your bag:

• GF bars
• Nuts
• Something substantial

For when the meal isn’t safe.

Know Nearby Options

Research ahead:

• GF-friendly restaurant near the venue
• Grocery store for emergency food
• Post-reception dining options

At the Wedding

Cocktail Hour

Potentially safe:

• Fresh fruit
• Plain cheese (if not near crackers)
• Plain vegetables
• Shrimp cocktail
• Items with obvious ingredients

Usually unsafe:

• Bread-based appetizers
• Anything breaded or fried
• Items with unclear sauces

The Reception Dinner

If you arranged GF ahead:

• Remind your server
• Verify when the food comes
• Don’t eat if something seems wrong

If you didn’t arrange:

• Ask your server what’s available
• Order the simplest option
• Eat what’s obviously safe
• Skip what you can’t verify

Common safe options:

• Plain grilled meat
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice (if available)
• Salad (without croutons)

The Wedding Cake

Unless the couple ordered GF cake (rare), the cake isn’t safe.

Options:

• Skip it gracefully
• Bring a GF treat for yourself
• Eat something else as “dessert”

No one will notice if you don’t eat cake. They’re watching the couple.

Managing Socially

Being Discreet

You don’t need to announce your celiac status:

• Handle your food needs quietly
• Don’t make it a conversation topic
• Focus on the celebration

When People Ask

If someone notices you’re not eating:

“I have a dietary restriction. I’m fine, don’t worry about me!”

Keep it light. Move on.

The Bread Basket Problem

When passed:

“No thank you.”

No explanation needed.

The After-Party

If there’s late-night food:

• Same principles apply
• Pizza and late-night snacks are often unsafe
• Have your snacks ready

If You’re in the Wedding Party

Special Challenges

• Less control over timing
• May need to eat what’s provided
• More visible during meals

Planning Ahead

Tell the couple:

“I want to make sure my dietary needs don’t cause any stress on your day. Here’s what would help…”

Bring your own food:

• For the getting-ready time
• For any time the schedule runs long

Arrange your meal:

• Work with the coordinator directly
• Be specific about needs

If It’s Your Wedding

If you’re the one getting married:

You’re in control:

• Choose a caterer who understands celiac
• Have the meal be GF-friendly
• Ensure your own food is safe
• Consider a GF wedding cake

Don’t sacrifice your health:

• It’s your day
• You should be able to eat
• Prioritize your needs

A Prayer for Wedding Days

Lord, bless this couple.

Let their love grow. Let their marriage flourish.

And help me enjoy this celebration, not just the food, but the joy, the dancing, the community.

If the food doesn’t work out, let that be minor. Let me be present to what matters.

Amen.

The Bigger Picture

Weddings aren’t really about the food. They’re about:

• Celebrating love
• Supporting the couple
• Community and joy
• Dancing (when you’re not worrying about dinner)

If you eat a great meal: wonderful. If you eat snacks from your purse: you were still there. You still celebrated. That’s what counts.

Go to the wedding. Handle the food as best you can. Focus on what matters.