Wedding Dilemma: No Gluten-Free Options Available! What Should I Do?
By Steve
Weddings are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but sometimes they can also bring unexpected stress. That’s exactly what I’m experiencing right now with my cousin Julie’s upcoming wedding.
You see, Julie has decided to forgo the traditional sit-down meal and instead serve snack-type food throughout the day. Normally, I wouldn’t have a problem with that, but here’s the catch – I am gluten-free for health reasons. And to my surprise, the invitation clearly states that there will be absolutely no gluten-free options available on the day.
I must admit, I was completely shocked. As someone who is used to going “off-menu” or planning my meals in advance for weddings, I have never been in a situation where I am not catered for at all. It’s a bit disheartening, to say the least.
But what shocked me even more was Julie’s response when I expressed my concerns. She simply suggested that I order a takeaway and have it delivered to the venue. However, she made it clear that if I choose this option, I would have to eat it in my room because the venue does not allow outside food.
Feeling a bit lost and frustrated, I turned to my mom for advice. I asked her if I should make a fuss or try to talk to the venue directly. However, she dismissed my concerns, saying that I was being selfish and making too big of a deal out of it.
So here I am, unsure of what to do. Should I stand up for myself and try to find a solution, or should I just accept the situation and go along with it? I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
If you have a wedding problem that you need advice on, you’re not alone. Weddings can be incredibly stressful, and sometimes you just need a helping hand. That’s where Alison comes in. With 10 years of experience running a venue and helping couples plan their weddings, she’s here to offer guidance.
Don’t hesitate to email [email protected] to share your issue anonymously with Alison and get the help you need.
Dear Steve,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation – it sounds frustrating and challenging. While I can understand that you may feel like she’s being selfish, it is unlikely that she is trying to upset you.
Here are a few suggestions to consider to help solve your dilemma.
Firstly, it might be worth having another conversation with Julie. Ask her to clarify what is provided on the wedding day and which foods are gluten-free. Maybe only one or two items contain gluten and she isn’t aware that gluten isn’t in all foods.
It would help if you found out details on the menu well before the wedding, so you can make alternative arrangements if needed.
If the venue is unwilling to cater to gluten-free requirements, is it because they think it’s a severe allergy, or are they not prepared to risk providing gluten-free foods because their kitchen has wheat present?
It’s unusual for a wedding venue to strictly not cater to special dietary requirements but that is usually down to the severity of the allergy. In extreme cases, catering companies can decline to provide foods for specific requirements if their kitchen has a high risk of contamination, i.e., severe gluten-free allergy, and they work with flour.
Alison runs a wedding venue. Depending on how sensitive you are to gluten cross-contamination, it might be worth asking Julie if you can speak to the venue directly.
You could also offer to bring your own gluten-free snacks or meals. Ask Julie if there is any place for you to store your food and offer to bring cold snacks that do not require heating so that you will eat in a similar style to the rest of the guests.
If the venue is also opposed to outside food, you could double check with them that this is allowed.
You could also try to find out if there are other gluten-free guests.
Could you volunteer to help find gluten-free catering options? This proactive approach shows that you’re willing to help find a solution rather than just pointing out the problem.
I would suggest you speak to the venue directly to ascertain the best way to find solutions to accommodate you and your diet – with Julie’s permission, of course. Venues tend to be accommodating when they understand the specific requirements and the importance of health-related dietary restrictions.
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If they still can’t help, research nearby restaurants or cafes that offer gluten-free options and see if you can step out briefly to grab something to eat during the day. This way, you can still attend most of the event without going hungry.
If all else fails, consider attending the ceremony and critical parts of the reception but leaving later in the afternoon. This way, you can show your support and presence without enduring a long day without food.
Remember, you are not selfish to want to be accommodated for a legitimate health concern. Your wellbeing should be your priority, and if you feel that attending the wedding without proper food options will negatively impact your health, it is OK to decline the invitation.
Send a thoughtful gift and heartfelt message to Julie explaining your situation. Hopefully, you and Julie can find a way around this so that you can enjoy her wedding day.
Wishing you all the best.
ALISON
