Weddings are beautiful events, leaving behind memories that can last a lifetime. Their mix of people, food, alcohol, and so many intricate details also make them opportunities for the unexpected to happen. Smart planning will likely eliminate most disasters when it comes to your food and drink, but unforeseen issues can always pop up. Understanding some common wedding-day catering and beverage problems can help you prepare and devise wise solutions to keep you and your guests happy.
How To Handle Mealtime Mix-Ups
You probably follow advice such as the tips offered by Brides contributor Carolyn Hsu in accommodating people who need kosher, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan cuisine. You won’t be able to please everyone, but you can likely craft a menu that gives your guests plenty of choices for a satisfying meal. Hopefully, you’ve also selected a reputable caterer who understands your needs.
Communicating effectively with your chosen professionals should minimize the chances of a mix-up, but you’ll need to act quickly should one of your attendees receive a meal that he or she can’t eat. Once you’ve been notified of a problem, it’s vital to speak to the manager on duty as soon as possible. Also, you or your wedding planner should have a list ready of your guests’ special dietary needs, including problematic ingredients and allergies. This list will aid in helping the on-duty chef prepare an alternative dish and avoid “no-go” foods that could make your guest ill.
Solving Last-Minute Cake Conundrums
The internet is replete with horrible tales of wedding cake disasters. Indeed, minor flaws or major accidents aren’t surprising when you’re dealing with a height-defying confection covered in fondant and frilly accents. Melted desserts, tumbling towers, and botched décor are just a few examples you’ll find. Fortunately, some creative workarounds can save the day. Your baker’s staff may be able to cover some last-minute imperfections or use flowers to hide any sudden flaws. Shifting the display so that the blemished area faces a wall is another way to keep it out of your cherished wedding photos.
Yet what can you do if the cake’s a total loss — for instance, it’s destroyed in transit or someone’s pooch decides to nosh on the sweet treat? InStyle writer Glynis Costin mentions that you can easily devise an impromptu solution, since dessert won’t be served until after your meal. Purchasing several batches of white cupcakes or a simple sheet cake and embellishing it with pretty décor is one option. Alternatively, you could try some freshly fried and dipped donuts or a few large pies arranged on fancy serving stands. Don’t forget to check on that hungry canine friend, since chocolate, nuts, and many sweeteners are toxic to dogs and can make them seriously ill.
Plan Ahead for Problems
Besides thinking outside the box to solve these kinds of problems, it’s wise to ensure you have the resources to make those solutions reality. With that in mind, be sure to take some smart steps during the planning process:
- Allocate around 5 percent of your total wedding budget for emergencies.
- Check your vendors’ contracts carefully. You need to know what to expect in terms of assistance or refunds if a foul-up is their fault.
- Chat with your planner about contingency strategies or enlist help for last-minute mix-ups.
- Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Standard policies usually reimburse for vendor no-shows, but add-ons may cover expenses such as replacing a damaged cake.
Your wedding is part ceremony, part celebration. As a host, you wish to offer your friends and family choice cuisine and delectable desserts. Nevertheless, unexpected issues can arise with your food, beverages, and sweets. Preparing for problems in advance, acting quickly to solve problems, and staying flexible can help you conquer any wedding-day food and drink challenges that come your way.
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