Friday Night Dinner Blog

Watching two people fall in love can be like watching paint dry: you know it’s going to be beautiful when it’s done, but it bloody well takes its time.

Then they do, and you’re slightly envious (in a good way) of the excitement that comes with new love. 

The proposal follows and the excitement of watching two people you love who love one another plan their dream wedding is just so delicious.

So that’s where we were this past Friday: watching DW’s two good friends get hitched. 

When I first started down this road of food allergies, weddings were my nightmare: all that food, all those potential pitfalls, all that hassle.  After a good few years of having to navigate others’ nuptial meals, however, I can truly say that I no longer worry. 

Here are a few tricks I deploy so I can enjoy weddings as much as everyone else: 

1. Get in touch in advance: we all know that the bride and groom have a lot on their plate (no pun intended), but they also want to make sure that their guests are well provided for.  In my experience, the sooner you let the couple know that you need special attention, the less stressful it will be for them.
2. In addition to sending a list of what you can’t eat, be sure to include what you can and do eat.  When confronted with a long list of no-nos, many people feel overwhelmed, nervous and afraid to do the wrong thing.  However, when that same list is accompanied by ideas and suggestions about what is acceptable, people are more able to relax.
3. Keep it simple.  I know it’s a wedding and you want to indulge and celebrate like everyone else, but instead, why not plan a special meal for the next night in a great restaurant that you know and trust?  You want to be fed, but there’s no need to put even more pressure on the happy couple! 
4. Bring a stash of treats and backup snacks.  Just in case the dairy-free chicken meal comes doused in butter, or the “vegan” option turns out to be lamb, be sure to bring something to tide you over.  I usually make sure my emergency pack can also double as a sprucer-upper – so if the rice is plain and uninspiring, I simply sprinkle some of my spiced seeds on top and voila, the whole meal is transformed.

As I watched the beautiful couple cut their gorgeous cake, lovingly made by the bride’s super-talented sister, I quietly took a bite of my Picky Foodie friendly chocolate banana bread and smiled: it wasn’t wedding cake, but that didn't make it any less of a celebration.

Congrats guys!!!