Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Should You List The Meal?

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding what to include on your invitations. One common question that arises is whether or not to list the meal options on the wedding invitation. While some couples prefer to keep the menu as a surprise, others believe that providing guests with meal choices in advance is a great way to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions. Including meal options can also help with planning and reducing food waste on the big day. However, it's important to strike a balance between providing enough information and keeping the invitation simple and elegant.

Including dietary requirements

Keep it Simple

It is important to keep your wedding invitation RSVP cards simple and concise. Too much information can overwhelm your guests, and they may struggle to fill them out. Instead of listing specific dietary requirements, you can use a simple phrase such as "Special dietary requirements (only if applicable): ___________". This allows guests to specify any allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions without making it too wordy.

Specify the Number of Guests

If you want to capture the number of people with special dietary requests, you can modify the wording to include the number of guests with each requirement. For example, "Number of vegetarians _____ vegans ______". This will help you understand the quantity of special meals required.

Provide Contact Information

If you prefer more detailed information about your guests' dietary needs, you can include your contact information on the RSVP card or alongside the RSVP information. You can also direct them to your wedding website, where they can provide more detailed information. This approach ensures you receive accurate and timely information.

Indicate Meal Preferences

If your caterer needs to know the entrée selection for each guest, you can add a phrase such as "Please initial the entrée selection of each guest" on the RSVP cards. Provide meal options such as "chicken/beef/vegetarian", allowing guests to initial their preference. This also helps your catering staff know which guest has which meal.

Leave Room for Special Requests

It is always a good idea to leave a line at the bottom of the RSVP card for any special dietary requests or restrictions. A simple phrase like "Dietary restrictions: ______" gives your guests the opportunity to specify any requirements that may not be covered by the provided meal options.

Notify Your Venue and Caterer in Advance

Once you have collected all the dietary information from your guests, be sure to notify your wedding venue and caterer well in advance. This will give them ample time to prepare and accommodate your guests' needs. It is recommended to provide this information at least a month before the wedding.

By following these suggestions, you can effectively include dietary requirements on your wedding invitation RSVP cards, ensuring that your guests' needs are met and everyone has a wonderful time at your celebration.

Menu options on RSVP cards

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's not necessary to include a menu unless guests need to pre-order from a number of options. However, if you're having a sit-down dinner with menu options, it's helpful to know your guests' meal choices in advance. This is where RSVP cards with menu options come in. Here are some tips and ideas for creating these cards:

Wording and Design:

• Include a food choice section on the RSVP card itself or provide a separate enclosure card.
• Ensure there is enough space for multiple guests to write their initials or names next to each entrée selection.
• You can use a simple wording such as "Please initial a meal choice for each guest: Chicken _, Fish _, Beef _, Vegetarian _".
• Alternatively, create a separate line for each guest with their name, attendance confirmation, and a way to indicate their meal choice, such as circling a picture of the dish.
• If you've finalised the menu, include a little more detail on each option, such as "Filet Mignon" instead of just "Beef".
• For online RSVPs, create fields for guests to input their meal choices.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Less food waste as caterers can bring the right amount of each dish.
• Caterers prefer this as it makes their job easier and saves time during the event.
• Less chance of last-minute changes as guests have already made their selections.

Cons:

• Guests might change their minds on the day, preferring a different dish.
• You'll likely need to have place cards so caterers know which guest ordered which dish.
• It may be seen as less traditional or "tacky" by some guests, although this is becoming more common and accepted.

Additional Considerations:

• Always include a section for guests to mention any dietary restrictions or allergies, even if you're not providing menu options.
• If there are children attending, you can include a separate card with kids' menu options and a separate way for them to respond.
• Pocketfold or concertina-style invitations work well for including menu options and response cards.
• Consider providing personalised individual menu cards on the day, detailing each guest's meal choice.

Meal preferences

It is not necessary to include meal preferences on your wedding invitations unless you plan to offer your guests multiple menu options. If you intend to serve the same meal to everyone, with adjustments for dietary requirements, it is not essential to list the meal on the invitation. However, if you are offering menu choices, including this information in the invitation can be helpful for your guests and caterers.

How to Include Meal Options

If you choose to provide meal options, there are a few ways to do so:

• Additional Insert Card: Include a separate card within the invite that lists the full menu options. This gives your guests a clear idea of what to expect and allows them to make an informed choice.
• Reverse of RSVP Card: If space permits, you can list the menu options on the back of the RSVP card. This approach keeps the invitation concise while still providing guests with menu details.
• Online RSVP: If you have a wedding website, you can include meal options as additional fields in the online RSVP form. This digital approach saves paper and makes it easy to collect food orders.

Collecting Dietary Requirements

Regardless of whether you offer menu choices, it is essential to ask guests about any dietary requirements or allergies. This can be done on their reply card or through the RSVP details. A simple line, such as "RSVP by [date] to [email/phone] (please include dietary requirements)," ensures that you receive this important information.

Timing and Finalizing Choices

It is recommended to set a deadline for guests to reply with their meal choices, allowing enough time to inform your caterers and finalize table stationery. A minimum of 8-10 weeks before the wedding is suggested to ensure everything is in order for your big day.

Pros and Cons of Collecting Meal Choices

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding whether to collect meal choices in advance:

Pros:

• Less Food Waste: By knowing your guests' meal preferences, your caterers can prepare the appropriate amount of each dish, reducing waste.
• Caterer's Preference: Providing caterers with meal choices in advance simplifies their job and eliminates the need for waitstaff to take individual orders during the reception.

Cons:

• Guests May Change Their Minds: Predicting meal preferences in advance can be challenging, and guests may opt for a different dish on the day of the wedding.
• Place Cards May Be Needed: Collecting meal choices in advance often requires the use of place cards to ensure caterers know which guest receives which dish.

In conclusion, including meal preferences in your wedding invitations is a thoughtful gesture that allows you to accommodate your guests' needs and preferences. While it may require some additional planning and consideration, it can ultimately enhance the dining experience for your guests and streamline the catering process.

Invitee-specific menus

Collect Dietary Restrictions and Preferences:

Ask your guests about any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have. This information is crucial for your caterers to provide suitable alternatives. You can include this request on their reply card or RSVP details. For example, "RSVP by 18th August to 'your wedding email' (please include dietary requirements)".

Manage Different Menus:

Use contact tagging or other organisational tools to differentiate between types of invitees. This helps you offer specific menus for children, VIP guests, or guests with dietary restrictions. For instance, you can provide a separate children's menu with options tailored to their preferences and age range.

Customise Menu Options:

Provide a detailed description of each menu option to help guests make informed choices. You can also use icons or symbols to make the selection process more engaging and intuitive. If you're offering a multi-course meal, allow guests to select their preferences for each course.

Utilise Reply Cards:

Encourage guests to reply with their menu choices and include their names. This ensures that you know who has ordered what. Reply cards can have tick boxes or a combination of tick boxes and space for additional notes, accommodating both pre-set options and special requests.

Consider Invitation Style:

Pocketfold or concertina-style invitations are ideal for including menu options and reply cards. These designs provide ample space for all the necessary information and allow for a seamless presentation.

Personalised Menu Cards:

Surprise your guests with personalised menu cards at their place settings. These cards can include their names and meal choices, serving as a thoughtful touch and a helpful reminder of their selected dishes.

Creating invitee-specific menus ensures that your guests feel valued and accommodated. It adds a layer of personalisation to your wedding, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Catering serving styles

The serving style you select will have a significant impact on your budget and the flow of your wedding reception. Here are some of the most popular catering serving styles:

Plated Dinner

Plated dinners are the most formal and traditional option. Guests typically order their meals when they RSVP or once they are seated. Servers then bring each guest their dishes in courses. This option ensures that guests are served at their tables and don't have to wait in line, but it usually comes with a higher price tag due to the extra staff required. It offers flexibility in meal choices and allows you to work closely with the caterer to execute your vision. However, it may be challenging for guests with dietary restrictions, and staffing fees tend to be higher.

Buffet

Buffet-style catering is a more casual option where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set up at a buffet station. It is often the least expensive serving style and allows guests to pick and choose their portions. It is a good choice to minimise food waste and can include dishes such as salmon fillets, pasta dishes, and salads. However, it may not be as visually appealing as other serving styles.

Family-Style

Family-style catering involves servers bringing large dishes to each table, and guests serve themselves and pass the trays around. This style creates a casual and inclusive atmosphere but can be a little messy and chaotic, especially for larger groups. It works well for more intimate and casual affairs, offering a variety of choices that appeal to different tastes and accommodating food allergies. Popular dishes for this style include salads, pasta, and skewers.

Cocktail-Style

Cocktail-style catering features a mix of passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations. Guests can move around and mingle while eating, creating a more interactive and engaging atmosphere. It is a cost-effective option, especially for weddings with large guest lists, as it does not require a full meal. However, older guests may be unfamiliar with this modern style, and it may not accommodate those who prefer a more traditional seated dinner.

Food Stations

Food stations are another interactive option, allowing guests to create their meals by visiting various food stations set up around the reception hall. This style offers a wide variety of choices, from sushi to crepes, and can be tailored to a specific cuisine or theme. It encourages guests to move around and engage with each other but may require more staff and can be costly in terms of rentals.

Frequently asked questions