Eat Green

Ideas & Inspiration

Edamame Timbale by Lisa Dupar Catering

Eat Green

For many Northwest couples, our verdant and agriculturally abundant region is synonymous with gourmet dining. By planning the wedding menu with a “green” caterer—one who strives to utilize local, organic and sustainable foods—brides and grooms can demonstrate that gourmet can equal delicious and good for the environment. But before you place your order for Willapa Bay oysters, Copper River salmon and organic Braeburn apple pie, what do you need to know about eating green? We asked local caterers to serve up their insights and advice to help couples make informed and cost-effective choices. Because ultimately you’ll want to ensure that your wedding menu is as good for you and your guests as it is for the earth.

'Tis the Season
Caterers agree that couples should express what matters most to them—choosing foods that are local, organic, seasonal or other specifications—to best realize their vision using the best resources available. To that end, expect the unexpected when dealing with local agricultural products and seasonality. For example, explains Lisa Dupar, owner of Redmond-based Lisa Dupar Catering, if there has been a slow season for berries and the wedding is in early spring, “we may have to resort to saying, ‘OK, we’re using [organic] berries but they’re coming from California.’ ” This, for many, is a preferable option to using overseas products, in terms of fossil fuel emissions and supporting the local economy.