Planning A Wedding With Food Allergies: A Guide

Planning a wedding menu that caters to everyone's dietary needs can be tricky, especially when you have to consider your guests' allergies and restrictions. It's important to be upfront with your guests about their food allergies so you can plan a menu that's safe and enjoyable for everyone. Asking your guests to inform you of their allergies in advance through the invitation or RSVP cards is a convenient way to do this. You can then address each allergy on a person-to-person basis and ensure there are scrumptious alternatives for anyone who can't partake in certain dishes.

Asking guests about allergies on their invitation

If you are planning to have a buffet, it is a good idea to keep some food set aside for those with allergies or to find a way to send allergic guests first to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. You could also provide unscented hand wipes for use after the meal to minimise food spills on fancy clothes and food on allergic guests.

It is also important to talk to your caterer about their plan to use gluten-free (or nut-free, dairy-free, etc.) equipment and keep it separate and sanitary. You could also include small signs for what's what when dinner is served.

Finally, remember that it is your wedding menu, so if someone has a food allergy, you don't need to cater to their limitations. Just make sure there are scrumptious alternatives for anyone who can't partake.

Planning a menu that's safe and delicious for everyone

Once you know about any allergies or restrictions, you can plan your menu accordingly. You don't need to cater specifically to each person's needs, but you should make sure there are alternatives for anyone who can't eat certain foods. For example, if someone has a gluten allergy, you could offer a gluten-free option, such as a mini spelt cake.

It's also important to talk to your caterer about their plans to keep food separate and sanitary. Ask them about their use of gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free equipment, and make sure to label dishes clearly when they are served. If you're having a buffet, keep some food set aside for those with allergies, or let them go first to avoid cross-contamination.

Finally, consider providing unscented hand wipes for guests to use after the meal. This can help to minimise food spills on fancy clothes and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Talking to your caterer about their plan to use gluten-free/nut-free/dairy-free equipment

It's important to talk to your caterer about their plan to use gluten-free/nut-free/dairy-free equipment. Ask them to keep these separate and sanitary, and to label dishes clearly. You could also ask them to keep some food aside for those with allergies, or to send allergic guests through the buffet first, to avoid cross-contamination.

You should also consider the cocktail hour, which can be tricky for those with food allergies as passed appetisers are often rolled, wrapped or just too small.

It's a good idea to ask your guests about their allergies in advance, either on the invitation or RSVP cards, so you can plan a menu that's safe and delicious for everyone. You don't need to cater to their limitations, but it's important to be upfront with your guests so they know what to expect.

Keeping some food aside for those with allergies at a buffet

If you're planning a wedding with a buffet, it's important to consider your guests' allergies and dietary restrictions. While you don't need to cater specifically to their limitations, it's a good idea to be upfront with your guests and ask them to inform you of any allergies or dietary concerns in advance. This can be done through the invitation or RSVP cards, or on your wedding website.

When it comes to the buffet, keep some food set aside for those with allergies to avoid cross-contamination. You could also consider sending allergic guests to the buffet first. Make sure to talk to your caterer about their plan to use gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free equipment and keep it separate and sanitary. Include small signs to indicate which dishes are suitable for which allergies.

It's also a good idea to provide alternatives for anyone who can't eat certain foods. For example, if someone has a gluten allergy, you could offer a gluten-free option or ensure there are scrumptious gluten-free alternatives available.

Providing unscented hand wipes for use after the meal

You could place a small bowl of wipes on each table, or have a larger bowl at the entrance to the dining area, with a sign encouraging guests to help themselves. This will ensure that guests feel comfortable and able to enjoy the meal, without worrying about spills or cross-contamination.

It's also a good idea to talk to your caterer about their plans to use gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, etc. equipment, and to keep it separate and sanitary. You could also include small signs to indicate which dishes are suitable for which allergies.

In addition to providing hand wipes, you may also want to consider a non-edible wedding favour, or at least ensure that any food-based wedding favours are not placed onto clean dishes, to avoid any potential cross-contamination.

Frequently asked questions