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Curious August 2020 Ontario

Rehearsal Dinner: Ordering Takeout for Picky Eaters

b.lisabeth, on February 5, 2020 at 16:49 Posted in Before the wedding 0 10

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Hi everyone,

I’m starting to think about our rehearsal dinner, and could use a little feedback. We are fortunate enough to have access to our venue for the entire day before the wedding, so we plan to have the whole bridal party and our parents there setting up and decorating. By 5-6 pm, we will start the ceremony rehearsal, but after that, I’m stuck on what to do about food. I considered going to a nice restaurant nearby, but decided that was a little too formal and expensive. The other option is for all of us to go back to our hotel, order takeout, and enjoy each others’ company for a relaxing evening (plus, then we don’t have to buy a bunch of drinks for people since we assume most people will already have what they want with them at the hotel).

The problem is, my FH’s mother, brother, and brother’s girlfriend are all picky eaters - gluten free, vegan, super healthy, whatever. Do I really have to go out of my way to order something special just for them? I was hoping to do something simple like pizza, but I have a feeling that’s not going to fly. Does anyone have another option for something we can order for delivery or takeout that would better suit everyone’s diet preferences? (I read some cool ideas like a Chinese food buffet, taco bar, etc. - these could work but I’m really not sure.)

Thanks in advance, and happy planning

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10 Comments

Latest activity by b.lisabeth, on February 10, 2020 at 08:34

Curious August 2020 Ontario
b.lisabeth · On February 10, 2020 at 08:34
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Since people would be there helping us set up the entire venue all day, we have to at least provide a full meal. Good idea, but it wouldn’t be enough
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Frequent user July 2020 British Columbia
Heidi · On February 10, 2020 at 08:28
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What if you do charcuterie/high tea style?
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VIP August 2020 Ontario
Ashley · On February 6, 2020 at 15:36
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Im doing something low key for my rehearsal as we do not want the extra added expenses. i would keep it casual at someones house and then order a variety of food so there is something to eat for everyone. pizzas also come in gluten free, cauliflower pizza and keto options just so you keep the cost down. i find hosting any type of event it adds up, food, drinks, event space etc..

https://www5.pizzapizza.ca/catalog/products/alternative-crusts-16700/store/1/delivery
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Top October 2019 Manitoba
Tori · On February 6, 2020 at 09:55
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I think that as long as you let them know ahead of time or even ask them to try and find a restaurant that they would be able to eat from their takeout menu that it would be fine. If they either tell you it doesn't matter or not to worry about it and they will pack something then just go with that. One of my BM is vegan and for our rehearsal dinner we let her know what it would be and that we would supply a vegan option but even then she still brought back-up food. As a vegan she knows how difficult her choice is and usually eats before events and packs her own food on trips.
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Curious August 2020 Ontario
b.lisabeth · On February 5, 2020 at 23:21
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That’s true! The only thing I would be worried about is having all our tables set up for the reception the next day and end up spilling something or making a mess. Of course we would take precautions but still... good point!!
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Newbie May 2020 Alberta
Matilda · On February 5, 2020 at 22:59
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If you have access to tables and chairs at the venue you could get your party to bring a food item and have a potluck! Cheap and pretty accommodating to a variety of food tastes
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Curious August 2020 Ontario
b.lisabeth · On February 5, 2020 at 18:39
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That’s true too... I’m just not sure my family would eat Thai food (the only ones coming to the rehearsal dinner are our bridal party, which is all of our siblings/their SOs, and our parents). Another issue too is location. We’re 45 mins away from our usual restaurants (hence the hotel), so we aren’t very familiar with the restaurants near our venue/hotel.
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Master October 2020 New Brunswick
Amelia · On February 5, 2020 at 18:32
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Thai food can be good for some sensitivities. My boss is dairy free/gluten free/ sugar free and gets cauliflower rice with stir fry veggies from Thai Express all the time. Thai would have lots of options for meat eaters and the vegetarians/vegans. Rice noodles are gluten free, or they could avoid the noodles and get rice. Peanut allergies are the one downfall to Thai food, they use peanut oil and peanut flour in a lot of recipes.
If you want something simple you could also ask where they would usually order food, or see if they want a specific meal ordered only for them.
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Curious August 2020 Ontario
b.lisabeth · On February 5, 2020 at 17:21
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That’s a good point. And they are pretty easygoing with that sort of thing, and usually end up ordering/making their own meal when we have family get-togethers. I guess it will just have to be a discussion where I tell them “this is what we’re ordering, if you can’t eat anything off that menu then we’ll have to figure something else out for you."
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Expert September 2020 Quebec
Shannon · On February 5, 2020 at 17:14
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Maybe when you send the invites you can add what you will be eating. This way they can choose to eat before hand. Or maybe they could bring something if they like. Seeing you would like a non formal atmosphere, I wouldn't see a problem with this way of handling the situation.
The way I see it, we are spending a butt load of money and are doing our best to keep guest comfortable. Remember you can not please everyone, all the time.
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