How to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions At Your Wedding

It's nearly impossible to accommodate the personal needs of each and every one of your wedding guests, however, many people have serious allergies and dietary restrictions, and it's important to consider their well-being when planning your food service! Fortunately, most caterers are well aware of and know how to handle various restrictions like food allergies, gluten intolerance, vegetarian or veganism, or keeping kosher and can accommodate without any additional headache or serious costs. Here is how to deal with some common dietary restrictions, if you decide to at all. After all it's your wedding!

Ask on the invitation On the bottom of your RSVP card, you can add a space for guests to let you know of any special dietary restrictions. Most guests will appreciate your concern and will know to only mention serious issues, and not just put down any personal preferences.

Talk to your caterers If you know a larger portion of your guests will have dietary restrictions, then it's best to speak to your caterer early so they can accommodate their needs from the get-go. Most caterers should have no problem tailoring their menus to suit specific needs, and they will be able to provide helpful suggestions and options so that you won't ever feel like you're settling for something you wouldn't have wanted anyways! Keep food separate and label If you're having a buffet, make sure the food at your reception is separated and labeled appropriately to avoid cross-contamination. If you're having a plated dinner, make your guest understands whether or not their meal contains any issue for them. You'll need to coordinate place settings with the caterer.

Budget for cost Hopefully, dietary restrictions won't be an issue and most caterers should be able to accommodate at no additional cost. However, if you're for example ordering an entirely separate cake for a gluten-free option, or using almonds vs. peanuts in your dishes, you might need to account for some cost differences. Understand what you are and are not willing to accommodate and then figure out the budget with your caterer accordingly.

Don't forget about dessert While having a gluten-free cake is most likely not an option, potentially ask your baker if they would be willing to throw in a couple of gluten-free desserts to offer on the side if any of your guests have a gluten intolerance. It would be a nice gesture that wouldn't go unnoticed for these guests to also be able to indulge a bit too! Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.