Simple. The reason the women get the good stuff is so they can feed the 100+ cousins, sibs and neices / nephews (ages 10 and under)that cannot wait till 9:30 to eat supper.
That, and all the guys care about is the liquid refreshments anyways.
Salads and fancy cakes only put your tie / suit at risk for a major mess. Although, a sushi platter would be nice!