My meal card - a bit bootleg
Last weekend I attended my fourth wedding of the summer, and was really impressed with the gluten-awareness level! They knew I was coming, so that helped – but they were prepared with a fully gluten free meal for me. And it wasn’t just a plate full of steamed vegetables, it was a full-blown, cream-filled, crabmeat-topped delicious meal!
So much butter, so little time
There was a virtual ocean full of crab meat soaked in butter on top of this salmon, which made up for the fact that I could only have a few appetizers. The broccoli and mashed potatoes were pretty generic, but if you loaded some of the crab meat heaven on top it stepped it up a notch.
Dessert is usually a let down at weddings as well. Can’t have the cake – which just sits there and taunts you with its sugary yumminess all night. And most other desserts are of the cheesecake/torte variety, which are also a no-no.
But – this wedding had chocolate-covered strawberries! And they were dipped to look like mini brides and grooms, so they were adorable. I was so happy when they brought them out I ate two whole bride-and-groom couples.
Then, just when I thought I was getting a bit tired on the dance floor, they brought out a CANDY BAR. I rarely have candy like gummy bears – but they gave me a quick boost to keep cutting a rug. I wish that they had actual candy bars in the candy bar, but that wouldn’t have been as pretty as the green and pink morsels they offered.
If/when I ever get married I’m going to try to get Udi’s to sponsor it – the amount of gluten free food will be staggering. I’ve gotten so many ideas of what to do and what not to do from my wedding tour this summer. But for now – at least I didn’t have to eat steamed veggies 🙂
Gluten Free? Gimme Three! 
I’m getting married next summer, and am totally pumped to gluten-free-ify it. If Chelsea can do it, so can I!
I am so glad I found your blog, especially this post! Do you have any advice for another wedding frequenter? I’ve got wedding #4 next weekend and I still haven’t got a clue as to what to do or ask the chef to do. What do you normally do when preparing for eating at a wedding?
Thanks for the comment! Here are a few pointers that I picked up: 1) If possible, inform the bride or groom ahead of time of your allergy. Most of the time venues can make a gluten free version of one of the entrees, as long as they have notice ahead of time. Then you just let them know who you are when you get there, and they’ll bring you your “special meal.” If you don’t know anyone, then you can try to find the wedding coordinator as soon as you get there and usually s/he can pull some strings for you (they’re the ones who are running around, usually with a walkie-talkie in their hands. And they’re usually really eager to please – that’s their job!). If the venue doesn’t know what you’re talking about, just ask for PLAIN everything. Plain chicken or fish, plain veggies, mashed potatoes or rice. 2) For hors d’oeuvres, I usually stick to the cheese plate, fruit, and veggies with no dip (unless they have hummus). 3) For dessert, the cake is out (unless you happen to be going to Chelsea Clinton’s wedding). But if they have a chocolate fountain, or some candy on the table you can indulge in that. 4) I always pack a Lara Bar in my purse just in case, and make sure to eat a full meal right before you go!
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions! And good luck!
Thanks for the advice! I called the venue ahead and the woman I spoke to seemed to have a pretty good handle on “gluten-free” so I didn’t grill her about the meal. When I got there I just let them know where I was sitting and that was it. I also always pack a larabar, or a few, when I go out somewhere. I didn’t have any appetizers or dessert there but I don’t care too much about that as long as I don’t starve to death while I’m out.