10 Foods You Should Never Serve At A Wedding

I’m all about doing whatever works for you, but there are definitely some foods you should never serve at a wedding.

Now, I’m not talking about my personal taste. Of course, there are foods that I, personally, would not serve at a wedding, because they aren’t my style. I’m not even talking about unpopular foods. I’m referring to foods that can cause issues. Real issues, if you know what I mean.

Long story short, there are just some foods you should never serve at a wedding. If you do serve them, you’re creating risk. And, subsequently, issues. Risks and issues that may have to do with safety, guest experience, and having your best wedding ever. With all the possible foods out there, it’s not worth it. Some foods should just stay in their lane, so to speak.

10 Foods You Should Never Serve At A Wedding

This post is going to share ten foods you should never serve at a wedding. Remember, you can take this advice or leave it. In some cases, you may know what you’re doing, and you know your wedding guests. You may decide to go against this advice and serve one of these types of food. If so, do it at your own risk. You’ve been warned.

Let’s get into it!

1. FOODS THAT DON’T ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

It may be that I live in California, but I know a lot of people with dietary restrictions.

Some are serious, and some are a choice.

In either scenario, it’s important to account for dietary restrictions when you plan out your wedding day menu. Essentially, if you have guests who can’t eat gluten, are lactose intolerant, or vegan, you should have options for them. Don’t only serve food that those guests won’t eat. It won’t be ideal for them, and in some cases, they can get sick if they try.

Be sure and ask your guests ahead of your wedding if there are foods they can’t have, and accommodate as needed. Don’t serve meat-only meals, if you have vegetarians. Be sure to provide details about butter and cream, if someone can’t eat dairy. Have a gluten free option. Be a good host.

For more details on creating a menu to accommodate those with dietary restrictions, check out this post.

2. FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER SERVE INCLUDE COLD FOOD THAT CAN’T BE KEPT COLD

Are you serving cold food at your wedding? Salads? Sushi? A yogurt bar?

If so, you need to make sure that the cold food stays, well, cold.

When cold food is cold, and then warms up to room temperature, it can create the potential for food poisoning. Even if food warms up, and is made cold again, the potential is still there. And, no one wants their guests to get sick from their wedding food.

So, if you have cold food at your wedding, make sure there’s a solid plan. If you have access to a working freezer or refrigerator, use them until the last second the food is served. If not, there should be ice on hand and a way to keep food at the right temperature. Make sure your caterer knows what to expect, so there is minimized risk and the food stays safe for consumption.

3. HOT FOOD THAT CAN’T BE KEPT HOT

Just like cold food needs to be kept cold, hot food should be kept hot.

Heated food that cools off is definitely on the list of foods you should never serve at a wedding. Not only does this, too, pose a health concern, but the food can become unappealing when it’s not kept warm. Unappealing food creates waste. Waste is not ideal for weddings, as you want your money to go as far as possible.

So, just like with cold food, have a plan for hot food. It should be warmed and served at the last possible moment. All efforts should be made to keep it warm, especially if you’re serving food via a buffet. Again, your caterer should have a plan for all of this.

4. NEVER SERVE INCREDIBLY SPICY FOODS

Some people love their spicy food. However, many people do not.

Spice can really make or break a dish. It can add flavor, and there are even health benefits to many spices. However, too much spice, or heat, can make food intolerable. If you are having a wedding and serving ethnic food, make sure there are ways to cool it off if some of your guests aren’t used to it. For example, have sour cream available, if serving spicy Mexican food. Or, have your food be appealing to just about everyone, and serve some hot sauce or spice on the side for those who like the heat.

5. FOODS THAT YOUR GUESTS ARE ALLERGIC TO

Foods that can cause allergic reactions are definitely foods you should never serve at your wedding. It really comes down to safety with this one.

When you plan your wedding, and send out your invitations, ask guests ahead of time if they have any allergies. You can do this on their return RSVP card, or on your wedding website. Once you know what people are allergic to, work with your caterer.

Inform your caterer of no-no ingredients, and see if those ingredients can be omitted altogether from the menu. This is easier than just making sure that one guest doesn’t eat the food. Cross contamination can happen, and you want to take every precaution necessary for extreme food allergies.

6. FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER SERVE INCLUDE THOSE THAT YOU, OR YOUR PARTNER, DON’T LIKE

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

Your wedding is about you and your partner.

Make sure you serve foods that you like to eat. Of course, there may be foods that you like and your partner doesn’t. Or, vice versa. And, this is okay. However, in general, if you both don’t like a food, don’t serve it. It’s okay to make your wedding menu match your tastes. You’re planning (and probably paying for) this wedding. Make it your own.

7. NEVER SERVE FOODS THAT CAUSE BAD BREATH

On a list of foods you should never serve at a wedding, this one has to have it’s spot.

Foods that cause bad breath shouldn’t be served at your wedding. Period.

And look, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have things like garlic and onions in the meals on your menu. Those foods add a lot of flavor, and are usually pretty popular. It’s just that they shouldn’t be the main star of the plate.

At weddings, guests get close and personal with each other. Music can be loud, and space between conversations can get close. The dance floor may be packed as well. No one wants to be near the guy who just downed a ton of onion dip, if you know what I mean.

In short, if you have to have food that causes bad breath at your wedding, do so with caution. And be sure to have some gum or mints handy for everyone. Wink, wink.

8. MESSY FOODS, ESPECIALLY AT COCKTAIL HOUR

Messy foods just aren’t for everyone.

People tend to come to weddings looking their best. Their clothes are fancy, they are looking good, and they want to keep it that way. And you know the quickest way to ruin someone’s outfit? Helping them spill messy food on it.

When you plan out the foods you’ll serve at your wedding, think about the practicality of them, and the space they are being eaten in. If you’re serving saucy meatballs at cocktail hour, be sure to have some high top tables and forks available for guests. Don’t have ribs on your menu if you’re not providing wet napkins. Use your common sense, and your guests will thank you for it.

9. FOODS THAT NEED INSTRUCTIONS TO EAT

Some couples get a little “excited” about their wedding menus.

If you’ve ever been to a fancy restaurant, you may have ordered food that needs a little explaining. The deconstructed salad, for example, The fish served with all the bones. Foie gras. You know, food that isn’t your usual run of the day meal.

Remember, food at weddings is supposed to be relaxing, not confusing. Just because you and your partner are foodies does not mean that your guests are. Be sure to serve food that your guests will know how to consume.

10. NEVER SERVE FOODS THAT ARE CONTROVERSIAL

It’s totally okay to serve food at your wedding that will cause guests to start talking. However, among the foods you should never serve at your wedding include those that cause controversy.

Certain types of meat, fish, and even fruit can cause some people to take a political stance against them. Not only do you want your guests to enjoy the food you serve, you want them to feel good about eating it. Plus, you want to make sure that guests don’t get into arguments about the foods themselves.

And, look, some playful banter about foods that do or do not belong at weddings or in certain places is okay (looking at you, pineapple on pizza). Many of your guests may balk at tarter sauce sitting near the salmon, or ketchup near steak. However, don’t fuel any fires by serving foods that can cause real concern.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Friends, there are definitely some foods you should never serve at your wedding. Remember, it’s totally okay to make your wedding about you, and your tastes. However, use common sense when it comes to your guests and their safety. Pay attention to the temperature of the foods, dietary concerns, and allergies. Don’t serve food that you know your guests won’t eat, or you yourself don’t like. You’ve got this. Happy wedding planning!