Wedding Invite Etiquette: Dietary Requirements, How To Ask?

When it comes to weddings, it's important to ensure that all guests are well fed and their dietary requirements are met. The best way to do this is to include a line on your RSVP cards for guests to note down any dietary requirements they may have. This could be allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices such as vegetarian or vegan. Asking for this information directly on the RSVP card is a simple and effective way to collect the details you need to plan the wedding menu and ensure that all guests are catered for. It's also a good idea to give guests the option to specify their menu choices if you are offering a variety of options for the wedding breakfast. This way, you can be sure that everyone has a positive dining experience on your big day.

Ask about dietary requirements on RSVP cards

Asking about dietary requirements on your wedding RSVP cards is a great way to ensure you get timely and complete responses from your guests. Here are some tips for including this information:

Be Direct and Specific:

Explain exactly what you need to know. For example, you can ask, "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies." This straightforward approach will remind your guests to inform you if they are vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies or intolerances.

Provide a Line or Section:

Dedicate a specific line or section on the RSVP card for guests to write down their dietary needs. This can be an open-ended line where they can describe their requirements, or you can provide checkboxes for common options like "vegetarian," "vegan," "gluten-free," or "food allergies."

Include a Response Deadline:

It's important to set a deadline for guests to return their RSVP cards. Choose a date that gives you enough time to finalise details with your caterers and venue. Aim for a deadline of about 6 to 8 weeks after sending out the invitations. This will help ensure you receive timely responses and have the information you need.

Offer Menu Choices:

If you're providing a seated meal with multiple options, include the full menu within the invitation and ask guests to make their selections on the RSVP card. This way, they can choose dishes that align with their dietary needs. Be sure to clearly mark any gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian options.

Communicate with Your Caterers:

Once you've gathered information about your guests' dietary requirements, communicate this to your caterers or venue. Ask if they can accommodate different dietary needs and provide options to suit everyone. It's essential to give them ample notice to ensure they can prepare the required meals.

Remember, the key to successfully accommodating dietary requirements is effective communication. By including this information on your RSVP cards, you'll be able to gather the details you need to make your guests feel welcomed and taken care of on your special day.

Label place cards with dietary requirements

When it comes to wedding planning, it's important to ensure that all your guests are well looked after, especially those with dietary requirements. Here are some tips for labelling place cards with dietary requirements:

Include a Line for Dietary Requirements on the RSVP Card:

It is essential to ask your guests about their dietary needs on the RSVP card. A simple phrase such as "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements" will suffice. This gives guests the opportunity to inform you of any allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions they may have.

Decide on the Type of Label:

For the place cards, consider using small cards, folded cards, mini-stands, or even chalkboard picks to indicate each guest's dietary requirements. Choose an option that fits well with your wedding aesthetic and is easy for your guests and catering staff to identify.

Abbreviate or Spell Out Dietary Requirements:

Common abbreviations for dietary requirements include V (Vegetarian), VG (Vegan), GF (Gluten-Free), DF (Dairy-Free), and N (Nuts). Using abbreviations can save space on the place cards, but it is also helpful to write out the full requirement to ensure clarity, especially for more unusual dietary needs.

Label by Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions:

It is crucial to label dishes by their ingredients to prevent allergic reactions, as some guests may have severe allergies. Indicate the presence of common allergens such as nuts, gluten, dairy, shellfish, or eggs. Also, consider the different types of dietary restrictions, such as veganism, vegetarianism, pescetarianism, or religious dietary laws like Halal and Kosher.

Notify Your Caterers in Advance:

Be sure to give your caterers ample notice about the dietary requirements of your guests. Provide them with a final table plan, so they know which guests have specific requirements. This will ensure that your guests with dietary needs are well-fed and fuel them for the rest of the wedding.

Don't Make a Fuss:

While it is important to cater to your guests' dietary requirements, avoid making a big fuss about it. Have a quiet word with your guests to double-check that they are well-fed, but refrain from making announcements about their dietary needs in front of other guests. Respect their privacy and make them feel comfortable.

Label buffet dishes

Labelling dishes at a wedding buffet is an important part of ensuring your guests' dietary requirements are met. Here are some tips and ideas for creating effective buffet labels:

Provide Clear Information:

Ensure that your buffet labels clearly indicate the name or type of dish, and any key ingredients. This helps guests, especially those with dietary restrictions, make informed choices. For example, a label for a vegetarian dish might read "Veggie Delight: Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Tomato Salsa".

Highlight Allergens and Dietary Options:

It is essential to clearly label dishes that cater to specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free options. You can use symbols or colour-coding to indicate these options, making them easily identifiable. For example, a small vegan symbol or a green border around the label can signify a vegan dish.

Consider a Description or Ingredients List:

Including a brief description or a list of key ingredients can be helpful, especially for dishes with less familiar names. This adds context and helps guests make their selections. For instance, "Chicken Tikka Masala: Tender chicken pieces in a creamy tomato and spice sauce, served with rice."

Design and Aesthetics:

Buffet labels can be designed to complement your wedding theme or colour scheme. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as elegant acrylic signs, tent cards, or wooden buffet labels. Consider using a legible font in a suitable size to ensure guests can read the labels easily.

Practical Considerations:

Place the labels in a visible location near each dish, ensuring they are smudge-proof and weather-resistant if your wedding is outdoors. You may also want to include a small price tag or sticker on the label if guests are paying for their meals.

Online Resources:

Websites like Etsy and Zazzle offer customizable wedding buffet labels with various designs, materials, and price ranges. You can also find editable buffet card templates that allow you to print your own labels at home.

Remember to keep the labels concise and clear, focusing on providing your guests with the information they need to make informed dining choices, especially those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Vary canapes options

Canapés are a great way to showcase your wedding menu and delight your guests. They are also a good way to accommodate guests with dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for varied canapé options:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

It is important to cater to guests with different dietary preferences and restrictions. For vegetarian and vegan guests, you can offer canapés such as:

• Mini vegetable tarts
• Pea and prawn crostini
• Spicy salmon and guacamole cones (for vegetarians)
• Beetroot blinis with garlicky mushrooms
• Mini mushroom and onion frittatas
• Arancini rice balls with aioli

Gluten-Free Options

For guests who are gluten intolerant or have Coeliac disease, you can offer canapés such as:

• Smoked salmon and pea vol-au-vents
• Mini Parma ham veggie tarts (gluten-free if served without the bread)
• Mini lamb kebabs
• Cheese and chive puffs
• Moroccan chickpea cakes

Dairy-Free Options

For guests who are lactose intolerant or dairy-free, you can offer canapés such as:

• Chicken katsu skewers
• Mini vegetable tarts (without cheese)
• Beetroot blinis with garlicky mushrooms (without cheese)
• Mini lamb kebabs (without yoghurt dip)
• Moroccan chickpea cakes

Allergen-Free Options

It is also important to consider guests with food allergies. Some allergen-free canapé options include:

• Chicken katsu skewers
• Mini vegetable tarts (without cheese)
• Mini lamb kebabs (without yoghurt dip)
• Moroccan chickpea cakes
• Crispy duck on cucumber canapés

Other Options

In addition to the above, here are some more canapé ideas to cater to a range of dietary requirements:

• Smoked salmon blinis
• Mini quiches
• Cheese and chive puffs
• Mini Yorkshire puddings with beef
• Crispy fish bites

Offer drinks tokens

If you're offering a free drink or two to your wedding guests, it's a good idea to provide drink tokens to help regulate the tab and ensure everyone gets their fair share. You can give out physical tokens, or print drink tickets.

Drink tokens can be personalised with your names, the wedding date, or other details. You can also choose from a variety of colours and shapes. You can even have a separate colour for tokens you give out, compared to those your guests buy. That way, it's easy to tally up what you owe the bar at the end of the night.

Tokens can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, or poker chips. You can also have them made in the style of a scratch card, or as part of your wedding favours.

If you're looking to save money, consider only providing tokens for alcoholic drinks. That way, you can limit costs without seeming stingy, as your guests will still have access to unlimited soft drinks.

Frequently asked questions