Welcome back to another week at the Ottawa Wedding Edit! The city is quickly gearing up for upcoming wedding shows with the Capital Wedding Show taking place on Sunday October 19th and the Ottawa Wedding Show two weeks later on Saturday & Sunday November 1st and 2nd. Newly engaged couples have an opportunity to meet vendors (including yours truly🤗) while preparing for photoshoots and spending time on moodboards and Pinterest for their 2026 weddings.
Your final choice of menu may still be a few weeks or months away, but it is a huge part of the celebration. It’s a chance to share a meal with the people you love while creating memories and providing a fantastic experience for your guests. But what if the food you’ve so carefully chosen doesn’t end up being as popular with your guests as you’d hoped?
It’s a common fear, and for good reason. There will always inevitably be a “no-thank-you” and while you can’t please everyone, you can absolutely avoid some of the most common catering pitfalls. Here are a few dishes and concepts which frequently earn a spot on the ” Don’t Serve at Your Wedding ” list, and what to do instead.
1. The “Exotic” Appetizer
You’ve always dreamed of a menu that’s unique and memorable. You want to serve something no one has ever had before! But be careful. While a beautifully plated dish of seared scallops with a blackberry gastrique might sound amazing to you, it could be a turn-off for a large portion of your guests. Many people have allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply a fear of trying new things, especially in a formal setting.
My suggestion is unless you know your entire crowd well, keep things simple and try a twist on a classic. Familiar flavors are comforting and approachable, while the miniature versions add a touch of elegance and make them feel extra special.
2. The Unfamiliar Protein
While you may love bison, seafood or duck, it’s not guaranteed to be a fan favorite. For many, these proteins are an acquired taste. If you’re going to offer a single main course, a less common protein can leave a significant number of your guests with limited options.
Instead, I suggest allocating your budget towards offering your guests a choice. A classic “chicken or beef” option is a classic for a reason. You can elevate these choices with a unique sauce or execution. For your vegetarian guests, don’t just offer a plate of steamed vegetables. In 2025, caterers have colourful lists of offerings for your vegan and vegetarian friends so dont be shy to ask, A creative stuffed pepper can make a guest feel like their meal was given just as much thought as the others.
3. The Bland Buffet
A buffet can be a great way to offer variety, but it can also be a recipe for disappointment if the food isn’t ‘dressed to impress’. Bland everyday dishes can make your buffet feel more like a school cafeteria than a wedding feast. The biggest culprits? Dry chicken, mushy vegetables, and generic pasta salads.
So how do you make a buffet standout? Focus on quality over quantity. Choose a theme, like a taco bar with all the fixings, a slider station with gourmet toppings, or a “taste of Italy” spread with a variety of fresh pastas, sauces, and cheeses. If you are going with a buffet meal, consider elevating the main course to transform it from everyday fare into something worthy of a wedding celebration. This can be as simple as a BBQ chicken being cooked in a custom sauce or marinade. Ensure your caterer is dedicated to keeping the food hot and fresh—and, most importantly, that they understand this is your wedding day.
Roasted Chicken in a Cherry Based Red Wine Sauce
4. The “Trendy” Dessert
It’s tempting to go with the latest dessert craze, like deconstructed cakes or a dessert bar. While these can be beautiful and delicious, they can also be alienating for guests who are expecting a traditional slice of cake.
For years at TastersHUB, I have always suggested embracing tradition with a twist. A beautiful wedding cake is a timeless classic for a reason. You can still incorporate your personality by offering a variety of flavors, a stunning design, or a delicious filling. You can also have a dessert table with crowd-pleasers like mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, or a donut wall! These options offer variety while still being familiar and delicious.
5. The Overly Complicated Meal
A beautiful, multi-course meal can feel very luxurious. But if the courses are too long in between, or the dishes are so intricate that they’re hard to eat, it can become more of a chore than a pleasure. Dishes with lots of small, fiddly components can be a challenge for guests trying to eat and socialize at the same time.
Remember that the priority is your ease and enjoyment. Choose a plated meal with a simple but elegant presentation. The food should be easy to cut and eat, leaving your guests free to mingle and enjoy the celebration.
The Bottom Line
When planning your wedding menu, the number one rule is that you are the Guest of Honor. Your guests are there to enjoy the party with you and for you. Think about what will make everyone feel happy, comfortable, and well-fed. Your wedding is about celebrating your love, and a delicious crowd-pleasing meal is the perfect way to share that joy. Do your best to avoid some of these common food faux pas, keeping in mind that your wedding day comes once.
Are you in the beginning stages of planning your ultimate Wedding Day Menu? DM us at TastersHUB and we’ll send you a list of foods to avoid as well as unpopular dishes to keep in mind for your special day. Sit down with your caterer and find alternatives for these items that almost always end with disappointment.📋
xoxo
-Nandini for TastersHUB Catering & Events
“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own”
—Robert A. Heinlein
