Wedding catering is a huge part of your big day. However, planning food for lots of people can seem daunting — especially if you want to focus on sustainable, eco-friendly options. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to keep your guests and the planet happy. Read on for our top tips for eco-conscious wedding and event catering.
1. Consider local and seasonal produce
When planning your wedding menu, consider using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local farmers, this reduces your carbon footprint. It’s also a good idea to focus on seasonal ingredients — that way you can avoid racking up air miles by importing out-of-season fruit and veg. Plus, you can ensure your food is fresh and delicious.
2. Opt for plant-based options
Meat is often the star of the show at weddings, but it can be one of the most environmentally damaging parts of the meal. Consider incorporating plant-based options like tofu, lentils, and beans into your catering to lower your meat consumption. If you do serve meat, choose sustainable options like grass-fed beef or free-range chicken.
Similarly, if you opt for a pescetarian menu as a middle-ground, make sure to choose fish dishes that are unlikely to contribute to overfishing. Arctic Char or Hake are good options. Cod, salmon, and tuna, on the other hand, are very popular in the US, leading to unnecessary strain on these fish populations.
We always do our best to cater your wedding with sustainable, quality produce. With several years of experience under our belt, and if you are unsure we can recommend high-quality, environmentally-friendly proteins that will impress your guests.
3. Choose reusable and biodegradable dinnerware
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to choose reusable or biodegradable dinnerware.
Whilst many wedding parties opt to have a set dinner on standard plates, those who have more energetic (or buffet-style) wedding plans may choose to opt for paper plates — which is where biodegradable plates and utensils come in handy. Look for compostable materials instead of single-use plastic.
4. Offer tap water and refillable bottles
Similarly, it can sometimes be easier to opt for the most convenient option when it comes to keeping your wedding guests hydrated. Especially as your guests are likely going to be on their feet and moving about quite a lot from the ceremony to the reception.
Steer clear from unsightly, unsustainable plastic water bottles at your wedding. Instead, offer tap water and refillable bottles to your guests. This reduces the amount of plastic waste and the energy used to produce and transport bottled water.
5. Compost food waste
Composting food leftovers reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and produces methane gas. You can work with your caterer or venue to ensure that food waste is composted properly, and is an essential step to reduce the environmental impact of weddings and other large events.
By composting food waste, it can be converted into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow more food, reducing the need for harmful synthetic fertilizers.
Sustainable solutions with Robert J Events & Catering
If you’re searching for sustainable wedding catering options but aren’t sure where to start, look no further than Robert J Events & Catering. Keep your guests satisfied with sustainable hors d’oeuvres, dinner, or a late-night bite. We also offer buffet or plated services for every guest preference.
We’ll handle everything from menu selections, food and dessert displays, linens, crockery, rentals, timeline coordination, and chef and waiter services. Contact us today to start getting your big day sorted.
