The Ultimate Guide to Catering for Dietary Needs at Weddings
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, however it is also one that is filled with countless decisions, from selecting the perfect dress to choosing the ideal venue. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning that is easy to overlook is catering to your guest’s dietary needs. Accommodating various dietary requirements is not just considerate, it's essential, and they good news is that it does not have to be a difficult process.
Understand Common Dietary Requirements
Before you start deciding on your wedding menu, it's important to understand the different dietary needs your guests may have. Below are some of the more common dietary requirements your guests may have.
- Vegetarian: Do not eat meat or fish, but may eat dairy and eggs.
- Vegan: Do not eat any animal products, including meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Pescatarian: Will eat fish and seafood, but not any other meats.
- Allergies: Can range from nuts, shellfish, dairy, to other food items that can cause mild to severe allergic reactions.
- Intolerances: Such as lactose intolerance, which requires dairy-free options, or gluten intolerance, which requires gluten-free options.
- Religious Dietary Laws: Includes diets like Halal and Kosher, requiring food prepared according to Muslim and Jewish laws respectively.
Gather Dietary Information from Your Guests
As part of your wedding planning checklist, you will be sending out RSVPs. In your RSVPs, whether they’re physical or online, include a section for guests to note any dietary restrictions or allergies. This proactive approach will ensure you have all the necessary information to share with your wedding venue or caterer to accommodate everyone's needs.