Lyla Dejesus
When it comes to wedding planning, food is a crucial element that can make or break the event. It is essential to consider guests' preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies. Including meal options on wedding invitations or RSVP cards is a great way to show that you care about your guests' needs and wants. However, how do you ask about children's meal preferences without causing confusion or making the RSVP card too cluttered? Some people suggest individually contacting guests with children to ask about their preferences, while others recommend including a simple line on the RSVP card, such as _____ children under 12 preferring a child's entree. This way, parents are aware that a children's meal is available, and you can avoid any misunderstandings.
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What You'll Learn
Including meal choices on the RSVP form
Including meal options on the RSVP form is a great way to ensure that your guests' preferences are considered, and it's especially helpful for caterers to prepare accordingly. It's entirely up to you whether you want guests to select only their main course or include starter and dessert options.
When including meal choices for children, you could simply add a line for the number of children's meals required, without specifying an age limit. This avoids confusion and potential misunderstandings about whether children are invited. However, some guests may prefer more detailed information about the children's menu, especially if their children have specific dietary needs or preferences. In this case, you could add a line such as "Children's meal: please specify any allergies or preferences".
If you know which guests are likely to bring children, you could also consider contacting them individually to ask about their children's meal preferences. This may be a more straightforward option if only a few children are expected to attend.
[Guest name] will/will not be attending
> ___ Adult meals
> ___ Children's meals
Please specify any dietary requirements or allergies: [space for response]
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Wording the RSVP card
Keep it Simple
Some people prefer to keep the RSVP card concise and simple. You can achieve this by including a line for the total number attending and another line for the number of kids' meals requested, without specifying meal options. This approach avoids confusion and ensures a quick response from guests.
Specify Meal Options
If you want to provide meal options for children, you can list them directly on the RSVP card. For example, you could have a line that says, "Children's Meal Preference (please specify):" followed by options such as "Chicken Fingers," "Pasta," or "Vegetarian." This approach allows parents to choose a meal they know their child will enjoy.
Indicate Age Range
It can be helpful to specify an age range for the children's meals to ensure that younger children receive a meal suited to their needs. For example, you could write, "Children under 12": This provides clarity for guests and helps the catering team plan accordingly.
Contact Guests Directly
Another option is to forgo the children's meal question on the RSVP card altogether. Instead, you can contact guests individually after receiving their RSVP to inquire about their children's meal preferences. This approach allows for a more personal touch and ensures that only those bringing children receive this information.
Online RSVP Forms
If you're using online RSVP forms or a wedding website, you can include more detailed information about the children's meal options. Guests can select their preferred meal and indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. This method simplifies the process and provides a convenient way to gather information.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between providing enough information for your guests to make informed choices while keeping the RSVP card concise and elegant. Choose the wording that best aligns with your wedding style and theme.
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Meal options for children under 12
When it comes to meal options for children under 12 at your wedding, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some ideas and considerations to help you make the best decision for your big day:
Including Meal Options on the RSVP Card
One option is to include meal choices for children directly on the RSVP card. This can be done simply by adding lines for the number of adult and children's entrees requested, without specifying the exact meal options. This approach keeps the RSVP card concise and elegant. However, some guests may find it confusing, especially if children are not invited or if there are limited meal options for children.
Reaching Out Individually to Guests with Children
Another option is to forgo the question about children's meals on the RSVP card altogether and instead, individually contact guests with children to inquire about their meal preferences. This can be done through phone calls, texts, or emails. This approach allows for more flexibility and personalization, ensuring that each child's preferences and dietary restrictions are accommodated.
Working with Your Caterer
It is essential to collaborate with your caterer to create a children's menu that is diverse and accommodating. Many caterers offer children's meals at a discounted rate, and they may be willing to customize the menu based on the children's ages and preferences. Common children's meal options include chicken fingers, fries, pasta, pizza, and healthier alternatives like salad or vegetables.
Considering the Age of the Children
The age range of the children attending your wedding will also influence the meal options. Younger children, such as those under 9, may be automatically served a specific children's meal by the venue. For older children, you may consider offering a choice between a children's meal and an adult meal. Some venues charge a reduced price for children under a certain age, such as under 12 or 21.
Providing a Separate Kids' Table
If you're serving a buffet or family-style meal, consider setting up a separate table for children's food. This can make it easier for parents to access kid-friendly options and avoid holding up the line.
Sample Wording for RSVP Cards
If you decide to include meal options for children on your RSVP cards, here are some suggested wordings:
- "Would any children under 12 prefer a child's entree?"
- "# ____ children under 12 preferring a child's entree"
- "# ____ Adult Entrees, # ____ Children's Entrees"
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Contacting guests individually about children's meals
If you're opting to collect meal preferences via an RSVP card, there are a few ways to go about it. One way is to simply add the number of adult and children's meals requested, without specifying meal options. This avoids confusion and centres the reception on the adults, rather than the children.
However, some people prefer to offer meal options on the RSVP card, so that parents know what is available for their children. You could include a line such as “Children 12 and under will be served the children's meal”. If you're offering a choice of meals, you could also add a line such as "Number of kids' meals requested", or "Would any children under 12 prefer a child's entrée?".
If you don't want to include meal options on your RSVP card, you could contact guests individually to ask about their children's meal preferences. This can be a good option if only a few children are attending, or if you don't want to include too much information on the card. This approach ensures that you can offer a child's meal option only to those who are bringing their children, avoiding any confusion or assumptions about children being invited.
If you go for this option, it's a good idea to first send out RSVP cards without meal options, and then follow up with those who indicate that they are bringing children. You can then ask them if they would prefer a child's meal option, and if so, what specific dietary requirements their child has. This ensures that the caterers can prepare accordingly and that each guest's preferences are considered.
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Creating a wedding website with an RSVP form
Online-rsvp.com
This website offers a modern and elegant template designed by professionals, or you can create your own. You can pick your colors, fonts, and photos, and even upload your own design to match your paper invitations. It takes just 3 minutes to set up your event. There is no subscription or recurring fee, and all features are included.
OurBigDayInfo
OurBigDayInfo offers customizable RSVP forms where you can decide what meal information to include. You can include meal choices for children, and guests can indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions. They also offer RSVP Reports, which allow you to download all RSVPs and easily view and share your guests' meal selections.
Joy
Joy offers free wedding websites with beautiful templates and an RSVP feature. You can create custom questions and RSVPs for multiple wedding events, and track responses in their free guest list manager. You can also create an FAQ for your guests, provide travel information, and introduce each member of your wedding party with their own photo and details.
When creating your wedding website and RSVP form, consider the following:
Wording and Content
The RSVP form should include the total number of attendees and the number of children's meals requested. You can also ask guests to select their meal choices, including starters, mains, and desserts. It is important to consider any food allergies and special dietary requirements when planning your wedding menu. Additionally, you can include other questions such as song requests.
Privacy
Ensure that the website you choose has adequate privacy settings so that you can control who sees what information on your website.
Reminders
Consider sending reminders to your guests to confirm their attendance and send in their RSVP details.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to be clear and concise. You could simply add a line for the number of children's meals required. If you want to specify an age limit, you could say "Children 12 and under will be served the children's meal".
It's a good idea to give parents an idea of what the children's meal will be so they can decide if their child will enjoy it. However, you don't need to include a full description, a simple "Child's Meal" or "Children's Entree" will suffice.
If you're unsure if children will be in attendance, it's best to leave the question off the RSVP. You could instead contact those guests individually to see if they plan to bring their children and what their meal preferences are.
If you're collecting RSVPs via post, include clear questions with meal options and ask guests to initial their preference. If you're using a wedding website, include an RSVP form where guests can select their meal and list any dietary restrictions.
