Will your guests really notice?

By Sarah Byler, Registered Dietitian, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Here comes the bride and here come the calories. As summer wedding invitations go out and the RSVPs come in, those in charge of selecting the reception menu have the option of providing more nutritional foods and beverages for their guests.

As you plan your reception and review the menu choices, look past the cost and ask your caterer if they offer healthier, more nutritious options for your wedding guests to select from. Many vegetarian dishes actually cost less than meat dishes.

We have all seen at the bottom of the wedding invitation the phrase, “vegetarian item available.” The caterer creates menu items based on ease of preparation and cost per dish not, in most cases, based on providing the healthiest choices. So you need to step up and take action.

A totally random spot check of 15 caterers across the state found none of them offered even ballpark calorie amounts for the dishes they offered. Ask your banquet provider to give you a calorie count of the main dishes. You may find that you can offer main course dishes with as much as a third less calories by eliminating less fatting ingredients to the dishes. Will a ¼ pound less butter really change the taste of the au gratin potatoes?

It is becoming more and more popular to have an entire dessert table, in addition to a wedding cake. What if instead of offering more dessert, cake-pops and candy bowls, you replace them with a table of fruit kabobs, fruit bowls, or fruit fondue? Increase the nutritional value of your meal by asking your venue to serve a fresh, seasonal vegetable as a side. Perhaps cut some fat by offering poached salmon with seasoning instead of butter-drenched. Or skinless chicken, leaner cuts of beef, even sparkling water versus sugary punch all contribute to a lower calorie and healthier dinner for your guests.

Everyone wants their guests to have a great time at their wedding. It is possible for everyone to have fun and maintain a healthy lifestyle through all of lives celebrations by taking a few steps ahead of time to make healthy eating easy for everyone.