Nonchalant
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Wedding Inspo

Planning your own wedding? Let’s talk about the one thing everyone forgets: fridge space

You’ve booked the venue. You’ve locked in the outfits. You’ve agreed (after discussion) on the playlist.
But here’s the bit no one really talks about when planning a wedding or big celebration: where the hell is all the food actually going to go? And especially that multi-tier wedding cake.

Whether you’re planning a wedding with your favourite person, hosting a post-ceremony party for your chosen family, or throwing a big DIY reception that feels very you, fridge and freezer space can quietly become the thing that derails the day if you don’t think about it early.

So let’s get into it – calmly, practically, and without pretending you’re running Glastonbury.

Before you panic-Google “industrial freezer hire” at 1am while your partner is asleep next to you, take five minutes to think about what you actually need to keep chilled or frozen.

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Ask yourself:

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  • How big is your wedding or event? More guests = more food, more drinks, more ice. It adds up fast.
  • What’s on the menu? Desserts, ice cream, seafood, meat, vegan options – different foods need different temperatures.
  • How early are things arriving? If food’s being delivered days in advance, your standard fridge won’t cut it.
  • Can the catering company advise on what they need?

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Once you’ve figured this out, logistics come into play. Depending on your setup, you may need to arrange mobile cooling equipment for your event, especially if you’re dealing with a large guest list, an outdoor venue, or a venue that promised “ample kitchen space” but meant something else.

When a normal fridge just isn’t going to cut it

Domestic fridges are cute. They are not built for weddings.

If you’re hosting a large reception, outdoor celebration, or anything where caterers need proper storage, arranging mobile cooling equipment for your event can genuinely save your sanity. Think mobile fridge or freezer units – the kind professionals use, but available to hire just for your day.

They’re especially useful if:

  • Your venue has limited kitchen facilities
  • You’re storing food and drinks on-site for multiple days
  • You want drinks cold without playing fridge Tetris all weekend

It’s not overkill. It’s foresight.

Choosing the right setup (without going full event manager)

Here are some helpful tips if you’re also going a bit yolo and your friend (who is a chief) is catering your wedding. Good to know things. You don’t need to know industry jargon – just focus on what works for you and your people.

Your main options:

  • Standard fridges/freezers: Fine for smaller, indoor events with limited food.
  • Mobile fridge or freezer units: Ideal for weddings, outdoor venues, or big guest lists. They hold a lot, stay cold, and don’t rely on squeezing things into someone’s Airbnb fridge.
  • Cool boxes and ice bins: Good for short events or drinks-only situations, but not reliable for full catering.

A few simple rules:

  • Group similar items together (desserts with desserts, mains with mains)
  • Label things clearly so no one is guessing
  • Do quick temperature checks throughout the event – especially if it’s hot

This isn’t about being intense. It’s about not discovering melted ice cream right before speeches or during that moment you finally get five minutes together. Food safety (the unsexy but important bit)

No one wants their wedding remembered for food poisoning.

Basics to stick to:

  • Fridges below 4°C, freezers at -18°C or colder
  • Clean hands, clean surfaces, always
  • Thaw food slowly and safely – never just “leave it out and hope”

If you’re working with caterers, make sure they know what storage is available so they can plan prep properly. Less waste, less stress, better food — for everyone you love.

Final thoughts

Planning a wedding already comes with enough decisions – fridge space doesn’t need to be one you regret later. It’s not glamorous, but it is one of those behind-the-scenes choices that lets you actually enjoy the day together.

You’ve got enough on your plate. Make sure there’s somewhere cold to put it.
Nonchalant x

Nonchalant Magazine
Nonchalant Magazine

This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.