Guide To Requesting Meal Preferences For Your Wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, and one important aspect is ensuring that your guests are well-fed. Including meal selection options on your wedding invitation is a thoughtful way to accommodate your guests' preferences and dietary needs. This guide will explore the various ways to approach this, from traditional response cards to modern online RSVP systems, ensuring your guests can make their meal choices known and your special day runs smoothly.

Include full menu options on an additional insert card

If you want to include full menu options on your wedding invitations, it's best to do so on an additional insert card. This way, you can provide detailed descriptions of each dish and give your guests plenty of options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you create these insert cards:

Layout and Design

Choose a layout that is easy to read and provides enough space for your guests to indicate their choices. You can include tick boxes or blank spaces next to each menu option for guests to initial or write their names. If you want to get creative, you can even use small icons or pictures to represent each menu item. For example, a chicken icon or a cow icon to indicate the protein option.

Wording and Details

When describing the menu options, be sure to include dish names and a brief description of each item. For example, instead of simply writing "beef", you could say "filet mignon". This helps your guests make a more informed decision about their meal choice. It is also important to include a section for any dietary restrictions or allergies, as this will help your caterers prepare alternative options if needed.

Managing Responses

If you're collecting responses by post, be sure to give your guests a deadline for submitting their menu choices, ideally 8-10 weeks before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalise the details with your caterers and ensure that everyone's preferences are accommodated.

Benefits of Full Menu Insert Cards

Including full menu options on insert cards allows your guests to make informed decisions about their meal choices. It also helps to reduce food waste, as your caterers will know exactly how much of each dish to prepare. Additionally, by collecting this information in advance, you can create personalised menu cards for each guest, adding a special touch to their place settings.

Other Considerations

If you're including children's meal options, you may want to add a separate insert card specifically for their choices. This can be tailored to the number of children attending and their families.

Ask about dietary requirements and allergies

Asking about dietary requirements and allergies on your wedding invitation is a convenient way to know your guests' needs in advance so you can plan your menu accordingly. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning:

Be Informed in Advance

It is essential to be informed about any food allergies or dietary restrictions as early as possible. This will give you ample time to plan your wedding menu and accommodate your guests' needs.

Include a Separate Insert or Note

Consider including a separate insert with your wedding invitations to ask about dietary restrictions or food allergies. This insert can be mailed back with the RSVP, making it convenient for your guests to provide the information. Alternatively, you can include a note at the bottom of your RSVP cards, asking guests to inform you of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Provide a Checklist

To simplify the process, provide a checklist on the insert or RSVP card with common dietary restriction options such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergens. You can also include an "other" option for guests to specify any additional restrictions or allergies.

Specify Medical Conditions and Preferences

It is important to differentiate between true medical conditions and dietary preferences. This distinction will help you choose caterers who can confidently meet these needs. For example, you may need to find a caterer who can provide a gluten-free meal that is safe for someone with Crohn's disease and ensure dedicated cookware to mitigate cross-contamination concerns.

Set a Deadline for Responses

To ensure you have enough time to plan your menu, set a deadline for your guests to respond. This will create a sense of urgency and help you gather the necessary information promptly.

Sample Wording for RSVP Cards

• "Please note any food allergies or dietary restrictions."
• "Please advise of any food allergies."
• "Please contact us by phone or email regarding any food allergies or dietary restrictions."
• "If you have any dietary restrictions, please leave a note on the back of this card."
• "Do you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements? Please let us know."

Provide a deadline for meal choices

When it comes to your wedding invitations, it's important to give your guests a deadline for their meal choices. This will help you gather the information you need and ensure your caterers are prepared. Here are some tips for setting a deadline for meal choices:

Set a Clear Deadline

Communicate a specific date for your guests to respond to their meal choices. This date should be at least eight to ten weeks before your wedding date. This lead time will enable you to compile the information and share it with your caterers, allowing them to plan and prepare accordingly. It's also a good idea to finalise your wedding menu before sending out your invitations so that your guests can make an informed decision.

Provide a Gentle Reminder

As your deadline approaches, consider sending a gentle reminder to your guests, especially those who haven't responded yet. This can be done through email, text, or even a phone call. A friendly reminder will help ensure that you receive all the necessary information on time and reduce the chances of last-minute surprises.

Include an Incentive

To encourage timely responses, you might want to include a gentle incentive. For example, you could mention that providing meal choices early will help you accommodate their preferences or special requests. This approach can motivate your guests to respond by the deadline, as they understand the impact of their timely response.

Be Organised with the Information

Once you start receiving responses, it's essential to stay organised. Create a system to record each guest's meal choice, especially if you plan to have place cards with assigned seats. This will help you communicate the information to your caterers and ensure that each guest receives their preferred meal option on your wedding day.

Communicate with Your Caterers

After the deadline has passed and you've compiled the meal choices, have a detailed discussion with your caterers. Go over the numbers for each dish and confirm that they have everything they need to prepare and serve the meals accordingly. This is also an opportunity to discuss any special dietary requirements or allergies that your guests may have.

By setting a clear deadline for meal choices and following these steps, you'll be able to manage your guests' preferences effectively and ensure that your wedding catering runs smoothly. It's all about timely communication and organisation, which will ultimately enhance your guests' experience on your special day.

Use tick boxes for each dish

If you want to give your wedding guests the option to choose their meal from a selection of dishes, it's a good idea to include tick boxes for each dish on your wedding invitation. This way, your guests can easily indicate their preferences, and you can get an accurate count of how many of each dish to order.

• Include the full menu: Provide your guests with a description of each dish so they can make an informed decision. You don't need to include a full menu, but giving a few details will help your guests choose more easily. For example, instead of just "beef" or "fish," you could say "filet mignon" or "salmon."
• Encourage guests to provide their names: Ask guests to write their names next to their chosen dish to ensure you know who has ordered what. This is especially important if you need to match their meal choices with place cards or seating arrangements.
• Allow for dietary restrictions: In addition to providing tick boxes for each dish, always include a section for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. This will help ensure that everyone can be accommodated and enjoy their meal on your big day.
• Consider the type of invitation: Pocketfold or concertina-style invitations work well for including menu options and tick boxes. These styles provide ample space for all the necessary information and allow for a neat and organised presentation.
• Think about including children's menus: If you're inviting families with children, you may want to include a separate section or card for their meal choices. This can be as simple as a small extra card with the children's options and a separate way to respond, such as their own reply card or a designated email address.
• Be mindful of changes: Keep in mind that guests might change their minds about their meal choices as your wedding day approaches. To accommodate this, you can ask your caterer to bring a few extra servings of each dish to account for any last-minute changes.

Using tick boxes for each dish on your wedding invitations is a practical way to gather your guests' meal preferences. It helps streamline the planning process and ensures that your guests' needs are met, allowing everyone to have a wonderful time at your wedding celebration.

Include meal choices on the reverse of an RSVP card

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to consider how to incorporate meal choices seamlessly. Here are some instructive tips for including meal choices on the reverse of an RSVP card, keeping the content detailed and focused:

Provide Clear Options:

On the back of the RSVP card, list the available meal options clearly and concisely. You can use a simple format such as:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Beef
• Vegetarian

Guests can then initial or tick their preferred choice. This ensures your guests know what to expect and makes it easier for your caterers to plan accordingly.

Include Space for Initials or Names:

Make sure there is enough space for guests to write their initials or names next to their meal choice. This helps identify who ordered what, especially if you have a large guest list. It also ensures that your guests can easily express their preferences without confusion.

Add a Deadline:

Encourage guests to respond by a certain date, such as "Please respond by [date]." This helps you gather the information in time to inform your caterers and finalize any necessary details. A recommended deadline is 8-10 weeks before the wedding, giving you ample time to organize.

Inquire About Dietary Restrictions:

It's essential to ask about dietary restrictions and allergies. You can include a line on the RSVP card that says, "Please advise of any food allergies or dietary restrictions." This ensures that all your guests can be accommodated and enjoy the meal.

Consider a Separate Card for Children's Meals:

If you're inviting families with children, consider including a separate card with meal options specifically for them. This can be included as an additional insert within the invitation. This approach ensures that parents can easily select age-appropriate meals for their little ones.

Work with Your Stationer:

Consult your stationer to determine if the meal choices can fit on the reverse of the RSVP card or if an additional insert is needed. They can advise on the best way to present the information clearly and aesthetically.

By following these tips, you can effectively include meal choices on the reverse of an RSVP card, making it a seamless part of your wedding invitation suite.

Frequently asked questions