Conveying Plated Dinner Options For Wedding Guests: A Guide

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many elements to consider, from the request to attend to the reception information. One important aspect that should not be overlooked is conveying the meal style, especially if it is a plated dinner. While plated dinners are the most traditional and popular option for weddings, it is essential to clearly communicate this to your guests on the invitation. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to effectively convey a plated dinner for your wedding invitation.

Include a separate card for guests to select their meal

If you're planning a plated dinner for your wedding, it's a good idea to include a separate card for guests to select their meal preferences. This way, you can ensure that there is something for everyone and reduce food waste. Here's how to do it:

The RSVP Card

The RSVP card is a crucial component of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to confirm their attendance and make their meal selections. Include one RSVP card per invitation, along with a stamped and addressed envelope for guests to return it. On the card, guests can indicate their meal choices by initialing or writing their names next to the options. For example:

> "Please initial your meal choice below:"

> Chicken ___

> Fish ___

> Beef ___

> Vegetarian ___

If there are multiple guests per invitation, they can list their names on the RSVP card and then initial their respective meal choices. Alternatively, you can create a separate line for each invited guest, where they can write their name, indicate their attendance, and circle or initial their entrée choice.

Meal Options

When listing the meal options, you can simply state the type of protein, such as "chicken," "fish," or "vegetarian." However, if you have finalised your wedding menu before sending out the invitations, you may want to include more detailed descriptions of each dish. This can help your guests make a more informed decision. For example, instead of just "chicken," you could specify "roasted herb-crusted chicken."

Dietary Restrictions

In addition to meal preferences, it's essential to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. Include a section on the RSVP card or your wedding website where guests can provide this information. This will allow you to accommodate their needs and ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal safely.

Place Cards

If you're offering plated meals with multiple options, it's a good idea to have place cards at the reception. These cards will designate each guest's seat and meal choice, making it easier for the catering staff to serve the correct dish to the right person. You can include small icons or stickers on the place cards to indicate the chosen entrée, such as a chicken, fish, or vegetarian symbol.

Advantages of Separate Meal Selection Cards

Including a separate card for meal selections has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces food waste by allowing the caterers to prepare the appropriate amount of each dish. Secondly, it streamlines the dinner service, as waitstaff won't need to take orders at the tables. Additionally, most caterers prefer having this information in advance to plan accordingly. Finally, it ensures that your guests' preferences are considered, making their dining experience more enjoyable.

Disadvantages of Separate Meal Selection Cards

One potential disadvantage of separate meal selection cards is that guests might change their minds about their choices by the time of the wedding. To accommodate this, caterers can bring a few extra servings of each dish to account for last-minute changes. Additionally, there is the added cost and effort of providing place cards to indicate each guest's meal choice. However, place cards can also serve as a thoughtful touch, adding to the overall experience.

List meal choices on the RSVP card

If you're planning a plated dinner for your wedding, it's important to include a meal selection on your RSVP cards. This will help you and your caterer know how much of each dish to prepare and avoid food waste. Here are some tips and ideas for listing meal choices on your RSVP cards:

Provide Enough Options

It's common to offer guests a choice between chicken, beef, fish, or a vegetarian option. You can also include more specific options, such as "filet mignon" or "mahi-mahi," to make the selection clearer and more appealing. If you're offering a duet or duo plate with two proteins, make sure to indicate that as well.

Create a Clear System for Guests to Indicate Their Choices

On your RSVP card, provide enough space for guests to write their initials or names next to their meal choice. You can also ask them to circle or initial a picture of the protein they prefer, such as a chicken, cow, fish, or vegetable icon. If you have guests with the same initials, you may need to ask them to clarify or figure it out among themselves at the table.

Consider Online RSVP Options

If you're using an online RSVP system on your wedding website, you can easily create additional fields for guests to indicate their meal choices. This saves paper and can make it easier to collect everyone's food orders.

Be Mindful of Dietary Restrictions

Even if you're offering a plated dinner with limited options, it's important to ask about dietary restrictions or food allergies on your RSVP card. Provide enough space for guests to write down any allergies or restrictions, and consider following up with guests who have serious allergies to ensure there will be something safe for them to eat.

Plan Ahead for Last-Minute Changes

Keep in mind that guests might change their minds about their meal choices on the day of the wedding. It's hard to predict what someone will feel like eating weeks in advance. You can ask your caterer to bring a few extra servings of each dish to accommodate these last-minute changes.

Use Place Cards to Indicate Meal Choices

If you want to avoid confusion, consider using place cards to indicate each guest's meal choice. You can include a small icon of a chicken, fish, etc., on the place card so that your catering team can quickly identify which dish goes to which guest.

Sample Wording for RSVP Cards

"Please initial a meal choice for each guest: Chicken _ Fish _ Beef _ Vegetarian _"

"Please write the name of each guest next to their meal choice:

Vegetarian: ___________

Child's Meal: ____________"

"Please initial your meal choice:

Chicken: ____

Beef: ____

Vegetarian: ____"

Remember to include clear instructions and provide enough space for your guests to indicate their meal choices. You can also include a separate line for each invited guest to make the entrée choice even clearer.

Provide pictures of the animal to be eaten

When it comes to wedding invitations, the wording and phrasing you use can indicate the level of formality of the event. For instance, if you're telling guests to \"come eat cake\" with you, it's reasonable for them to assume a certain level of informality.

If you're serving a plated dinner, it's customary to highlight this on the wedding invitation. The RSVP card, in particular, will relay this information and preference options.

Option 1: Playful Phrasing

"Come wine and dine with us as we celebrate our love. Join us for a plated dinner, featuring [animal name], and dancing the night away."

This option uses playful phrasing to invite guests to a plated dinner, with a hint of whimsy in the mention of the animal to be served. It also sets the tone for a fun and celebratory event.

Option 2: Elegant Illustration

Include an elegant illustration or sketch of the animal to be served as part of the dinner. This could be a subtle hint, with a small drawing in one corner of the invitation, or a more prominent feature, perhaps with a witty phrase or caption.

Option 3: Whimsical Wording

"A delicious plated dinner awaits, with [animal name] taking centre stage. Join us for an evening of culinary delights and celebration."

This option uses whimsical wording to draw attention to the plated dinner and the featured animal, adding a touch of humour and creativity to the invitation.

Option 4: Rustic Charm

If your wedding has a rustic or outdoor theme, you could incorporate pictures of the animal to be served in a more casual manner. For example, a sketch of a chicken with the phrase "Fresh farm fare" or a cow with "Hearty meals ahead". This approach adds a touch of charm and a connection to the food's origin.

Option 5: Creative Collage

Create a creative collage or montage of images, including pictures of the animal to be served, other food items, and wedding-related motifs. This option allows for a more artistic and eclectic invitation design while still conveying the key information about the plated dinner.

Remember, the goal is to provide a hint or indication of the animal to be eaten in a creative and tasteful manner. You can adapt these ideas to fit the tone and style of your wedding, whether it's elegant and traditional or playful and modern.

Additionally, consider including a separate details card or using your wedding website to provide more information about the dinner, especially if you want to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.

Specify the exact dish to discourage non-vegetarians from picking the vegetarian option

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule of thumb is to include the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and the reception information. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the level of formality desired.

If you're serving a plated dinner at your wedding and want to discourage non-vegetarians from choosing the vegetarian option, it's important to provide clear and detailed information about the meal options on your invitation or RSVP card. Here are some suggestions for how to specify the exact dish to achieve this:

• Include a detailed description: Provide a mouth-watering description of the vegetarian option to make it sound appealing to vegetarians while clearly indicating that it is meat-free. For example, "Grilled vegetable stack with portobello mushroom, zucchini, and eggplant, drizzled with balsamic reduction." This will help non-vegetarians understand that the dish is tailored for those who don't consume meat.
• Offer multiple vegetarian options: Instead of a single vegetarian option, consider offering two or three choices specifically for vegetarians. This will not only cater to different tastes but also convey that these options are intended for guests who follow a vegetarian diet. For instance, you could offer "Veggie lasagna" or "Grilled tofu with ratatouille and roasted vegetables."
• Indicate dietary restrictions: On the RSVP card, provide a space for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or preferences. This will allow non-vegetarians to opt for the vegetarian option if they have a specific dietary need, such as an allergy or intolerance. It also helps to ensure that those who require a vegetarian meal for ethical or religious reasons can be accommodated.
• Use clear labels: Clearly label the vegetarian option as "Vegetarian" or "Meat-free" to discourage non-vegetarians from choosing it. This direct approach ensures that guests understand the intention behind the option.
• Provide a note: Include a polite note on the invitation or RSVP card, requesting that guests choose the vegetarian option only if they follow a vegetarian diet. For example, "Please choose the vegetarian option only if you do not consume meat. We kindly ask that our non-vegetarian guests select from the other delicious options available."

"For your dining pleasure, we offer the following entrée choices:

• Pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce (fish option)
• Wild mushroom risotto topped with truffle oil (vegetarian option)
• Chicken tikka masala served over basmati rice (meat option)

Please indicate your selection when responding. For any dietary restrictions or special requests, feel free to contact us directly, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs."

Remember, it's essential to provide clear and concise information about the plated dinner options while also ensuring that guests with dietary restrictions feel included and accommodated.

Include meal choices on the wedding website

Including meal choices on your wedding website is a great way to streamline the planning process and ensure your guests feel valued. Here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate meal options into your wedding website:

Collect Guest Meal Choices in Advance

Including meal preferences on your wedding website's RSVP form is a convenient way to gather this information. This approach allows guests to select their preferred options and provide any necessary dietary restrictions. Collecting this information in advance helps with planning and ensures your caterer has the necessary details.

Design the RSVP Form to Your Preferences

You can choose to include only the main course options or provide selections for starters and desserts as well. Most couples opt to include only the main course, giving guests flexibility with their starters and desserts on the day of the wedding. You can also include children's meal options on the RSVP form, ensuring that younger guests' preferences are considered.

Consider Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

It is essential to provide a way for guests to communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. From peanut allergies to oyster allergies, you may be surprised by the number of guests with specific dietary needs. This information is crucial for your caterer and venue to know, so be sure to include a section for guests to provide this information.

Utilize RSVP Reports

Take advantage of RSVP Reports, which are available with premium wedding website services. These reports allow you to easily view all your guests' meal selections and forward this information to your venue. This ensures that your venue and caterer have a record of your guests' preferences.

Choose a Wedding Website Platform that Meets Your Needs

Select a wedding website platform that offers the features you require. Some platforms provide customizable meal options, caterer-ready reports, and invitee-specific menus. These tools can help you manage different menus for different types of attendees, such as children's meal options or special VIP guest options. Additionally, look for platforms that allow you to set quantity limits and prices for menu choices.

Provide Clear Instructions to Guests

Ensure your wedding website includes clear instructions for guests regarding how to select their meal choices and submit their RSVPs. You may also want to include a deadline for responses to help with your planning and coordination with the venue and caterer.

By incorporating these tips, you can effectively include meal choices on your wedding website, making the planning process smoother and ensuring your guests feel valued and accommodated.

Frequently asked questions