i am in a bit of a pickle.....

I would discreetly bring up the topic and mention how you sick you got and how you wont eat it

View Quoted Comment

I've never heard of side dishes being a problem, as they almost never contain any meat. I'm sure the chicken was the problem.

I would stay away from that, and try to nibble a little of the other stuff, just to not seem rude. Look for salad, pasta, fruit, or anything else that is generally "safe" no matter how it's prepared. So sorry you have to deal with this! Really kind of sad, since your boss has put this together for you. That's such a sweet thing to do!! Good luck!

I would avoid any of the foods with meat or dairy!

I'd definitely be cautious given your previous experience, and if you make a point of mingling and talking to people it should be pretty easy to not eat (much) and/or be really picky about what you do nibble on. At the same time, if you got sick from the food a few years ago, and the place is still in business, I'd guess it was more than likely a freak occurrence. If people were routinely getting sick from their food, either the health department or really bad word of mouth would have shut them down by now (you'd think!). That doesn't mean in your situation I would want to eat it, but, hopefully, the caterer won't bring a plague with them. Besides the food, enjoy your party!

They probably won't even question it. Just don't eat. Say you're full if someone asks.

Most definitely not! If they ask, just tell them the truth. They should understand why you're hesitant.

I'd say pop some on a plate and pretend to pick at it.

View Quoted Comment

This, I agree. I do the same thing when I don't like something or don't want to eat it.

Thank you everyone for the comments and advice! They had multiple side options and a salad and I just made a meal out of that!

If it were a food poisoning thing, and kept happening, more people would be sick, wherever they served. So if just you, it may be some ingredient that they use that makes you ill. Things you do not think about. Like some people are allergic to shrimp caught during their spawning season, and with frozen things, who knows? So it very really did make you sick, but not food poisoning. If I were you I would plead nervous stomach, say your nerves are in such a bunch, you can only eat yogurt or cottage cheese and crackers. And bring a container for yourself. Everyone understands being unable to eat much when feeling indigestion due to nerves. And you are about to be married. Have a good time. 😊

View Quoted Comment

I agree with this post. I wouldn't jump around the topic saying 'I'm concerned about my figure." Let them know how thankful you are for their handwork, but you are concerned about getting food poisoning from them again.

I have dietary restrictions, so whenever I am at an event where there is nothing I can eat, but the host encourages me to eat something, I grab a small plate with a few food items and walk around for a bit with it. Then I either give it to my FH to eat or throw it out. It's wasteful, but I don't want the host to notice I didn't eat anything and feel bad. Or, I will just politely tell them I ate beforehand and am too stuffed to eat anything else. "I had a huge breakfast and I did not expect I would stay full this long".

I like what Mandi said. Put small amounts of food on your plate and move it around, cut it up. If you can eat something (like a slice of apple or veggie) then do so. Just make it look like you're eating. If they ask why you aren't eating much, say you are starting to get nervous.

Or, maybe you can say you are on a strict, clean-eating diet and can only eat certain foods until your wedding day.

So not eat it

You dont have to pretend to eat!! “ no thank you im not hungry” is fine!!!!

Nope! Do not eat it. Say you are on a diet.

Obviously no. Just make sure you eat beforehand. Keeps some snacks at your desk so it's not so obvious. Wear pants with pockets so you can keep some snacks in your pockets to eat at the party. Or just say you aren't hungry.

Sometimes honesty is the best policy. You are more likely to hurt someone's feelings by not being forthcoming and it being found out. You don't have to be harsh or rude about it:

"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness with the party. It means the world to me that you put so much effort to do this for me. However, I have gotten sick previously from eating food from them and I don't want to risk getting sick again and not feeling well on my big day! I will gladly sit and talk with you guys but I would prefer not to risk eating. Thank you again for your consideration."