Have Leftovers From Your Reception? Make Good Use of Them With These 6 Tips

Your wedding reception is a magical event filled with love, laughter, beautiful decorations and plenty of food. The last dance is over, the farewells are said and the only thing left besides a heart full of post-wedding bliss is the mountain of leftovers.

Instead of throwing meals away, you can repurpose them in meaningful ways. Turn them into delicious treats, surprise your loved ones or even spread the love within your community.

Offer Take-Home Boxes

Order cute take-home boxes and customize them with a “Thank You” message and send guests home with a beautiful to-go package when the event is over. This is a thoughtful way to extend the wedding experience, as attendees get a chance to take home a taste of the celebration.

If you have unopened bottles, gift them to attendees. Add a personalized note or customize the labels to make it extra special. This will give them a memorable token of your big day.

Host a Post-Wedding Brunch or Cocktail Party

Invite family and close friends for brunch while turning the uneaten food and fruit into savory delights. Get creative with the remaining cake — make truffles, cake pops and even a trifle. Use smaller bits as ice cream toppings or parfaits.

What about the remaining drinks? Find ways to mix up cocktails from leftover champagne, wine and spirits. A cocktail party is ideal for catching up with loved ones over drinks. It’s a wonderful way to keep the party going while making more memories.

Save for Yourself

Stock your freezer with single-serving portions of your favorite reception dishes. This way, you can quickly whip up a delicious and familiar meal after your honeymoon, reminiscing on the big day with every bite. Generally, it’s considered safe to store cooked leftovers in the freezer for three to four months.

Wrap leftover cake properly to avoid freezer burn. Enjoying a slice of it a year later is a sweet tradition many cherish.

Share the Love

Food banks and shelters are always in need of prepared meals. By donating your leftover reception food, you minimize waste while nourishing those in need. Remember to contact them in advance and inquire about their donation policies and guidelines. Most will require that the food be delivered within a specific timeframe of preparation and by a particular time of day.

It doesn’t just stop at giving leftover food. Donating your reception decor and flowers can brighten communal spaces like hospitals, nursing homes and senior centers. Pack them in leftover gift bags instead of throwing them away. These facilities appreciate the extra cheer, meaning your decorations could bring joy to many.

If you like, you can preserve your wedding decor to create lasting memory mementos. This D.I.Y. project is a heartfelt way to commemorate your special day and can be a fun activity to do with your partner. Strategically place these items around your home as decorative pieces that tell your story. It’s a lovely way to share the beauty of your wedding with people who visit your home for years to come.

Repurpose Centerpieces

Don’t let those beautiful centerpieces go to waste. Give them new life as home decor to bring a touch of your wedding day into your everyday life. Alternatively, gift them to members of your bridal party as lovely souvenirs. This way, the beauty of your wedding ceremony can continue to brighten up your home and those of your family and friends.

Food for Thought

The secret to managing a lot of food is to be proactive. A little planning goes a long way in dealing with reception leftovers — and you need to come up with a plan before the wedding bells chime. Here’s how to plan for them:

• Communicate openly: Discuss with your wedding planner and caterer what to do with the remaining cake, food, beverages and even the decorations. Does the catering company have a system for safe and responsible donations? Having this talk beforehand ensures you’re on the same page and avoids any last-minute scrambling.
• Portion control is your friend: Work with your caterer to estimate food portions accurately. You might have to calculate your guest count in advance while considering any dietary restrictions and potential plus-ones. This minimizes over-ordering on specific dishes and helps create a thoughtful menu that satisfies everyone, leaving very few leftovers.
• Consider serving style: People are more likely to overfill their plates in a buffet than having servers pass around predetermined portions. Family-style service encourages attendees to take only what they need, minimizing plate waste. This is where large serving platters are placed on tables for guests to share.
• Opt for dual-purpose decor: Choose decor pieces that can also be used during the event. For instance, display trays can later be used for serving. Consult the caterer about whether it’s possible to use fruits, vegetables or bread as part of your centerpieces, as they can be repurposed as finger foods.
• Offer a late-night snack station: Instead of a full meal, set up a late-night snack station with smaller bites and finger foods. Guests can choose what they like, reducing leftover plates.

Make the Most of Your Leftovers

Finding ways to use wedding reception leftovers is practical and extends the joy and memories of your special day to others. These six tips can help you significantly reduce waste.

You’re not just saving money and positively impacting your family, friends and community. You’re demonstrating your commitment to sustainability. Now go forth, enjoy your day and conquer those leftovers!

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

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