Wedding Invite Dietary Requirements: A Guide To Writing Them

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to catering for your guests' dietary requirements. It's important to be mindful of any food allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions your guests may have. To make sure everyone is accommodated, you can include a line about dietary requirements on your wedding invitation or RSVP card. This could be something like, Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

If you're offering a set menu for everyone, it's a good idea to still ask about dietary requirements separately. This way, you can ensure that everyone is accommodated and your guests don't feel left out. You can also include a line for guest names on the RSVP card, so you know who has which requirements.

Some guests with dietary restrictions may reach out to you directly, but it's always a good idea to give your guests a prompt to let you know about any restrictions they may have. This will help you plan and ensure that your guests feel comfortable and well-fed on your special day.

Include a line for dietary requirements on the RSVP card

Including a line for dietary requirements on the RSVP card is a simple and effective way to prompt your guests to provide this information. This approach acts as a reminder for your guests to inform you if they are vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies that your caterers need to be aware of.

You can include a simple line such as "Dietary restrictions:" with a space for individuals to clarify their requirements. Alternatively, you could ask guests to tick a box next to relevant dietary requirements, such as "vegetarian", "vegan", "gluten-free", or "other". If you are offering a set menu, you could also include a line such as "Please select your preferred main course" followed by a list of options, with a final option of "Other (vegetarian, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions)".

If you are collecting RSVPs online, you could include a free-form text box for guests to detail their dietary requirements. However, this may not be possible depending on the platform you are using. In this case, you could ask guests to contact you directly via email or phone with their requirements.

It is important to remember that some guests may have more complex dietary requirements that require further communication. For example, those with Coeliac disease may need to ensure that their food is prepared in an environment where there is no risk of gluten contamination. In this case, it is a good idea to follow up with guests who indicate that they have dietary requirements to ensure that you have all the information you need.

Specify the number of people with dietary requirements

It's important to know the number of people with dietary requirements to ensure that the kitchen team can meet their needs. Here are some ways to specify this:

Include a line for the number of people with each dietary requirement

On your RSVP card, you can include a line for the number of people with each dietary requirement. For example, "Number of vegetarians _____, Number of vegans _____, Number of guests with allergies _____ (please specify)". This will help you know exactly how many people need to be accommodated and what their specific requirements are.

Provide a separate response card for dietary requirements

If you have a large number of guests, providing a separate response card specifically for dietary requirements can be helpful. This card can include a line for the number of people with each requirement, as well as space for guests to specify any allergies or additional restrictions.

Ask guests to write the number of people with dietary requirements next to their names

If you want to keep things simple, you can ask guests to write the number of people with dietary requirements next to their names on the RSVP card. For example, they can write "2 vegans" or "1 gluten-free" next to their names, indicating the number of people with those requirements.

Include a line for dietary restrictions with a request for the number of people

You can simply add a line on your RSVP card that says, "Dietary restrictions (please specify the number of people): _____". This will prompt guests to provide information about their dietary needs and the number of people who require accommodations.

Collect dietary information through your wedding website

If you have a wedding website, you can direct guests there to specify their dietary requirements. On the website, you can include a section for dietary restrictions and ask guests to provide the number of people in their party who require accommodations.

Remember to give your guests enough space to write down their dietary requirements clearly and provide any additional information that may be helpful for the catering staff. It is also a good idea to give your guests a deadline for submitting their dietary requirements, so you can inform your caterers in advance and ensure that everyone's needs are met.

Provide a contact email for guests to reach out to with specific requirements

When it comes to wedding invites, it's always a good idea to include a contact email for guests to reach out to with specific dietary requirements. This ensures that you can accommodate their needs and also gives your guests peace of mind. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

Provide Clear Instructions

Make sure your wedding invitation includes a line about dietary requirements, such as "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies." You can also include this information on the RSVP card or alongside the RSVP information. It's important to give your guests a clear instruction on what to do and where to send their requirements.

Create a Dedicated Email Address

Consider setting up a dedicated email address specifically for dietary requirements. This will help you stay organised and ensure that no requirement goes unnoticed. For example, you can include "RSVP by [date] to 'your wedding email' (please include dietary requirements)" on your invites. This way, you'll receive all the information in one place and can easily keep track of it.

Specify the Details You Need

In your invitation or on the RSVP card, be clear about the level of detail you need from your guests. For example, if you want to know the specific ingredients they need to avoid, the type of cuisine they prefer, or any other relevant information, make sure to mention it. This will help your guests provide the necessary information for you to plan accordingly.

Communicate with Your Caterer

Work closely with your caterer to understand their capabilities and limitations. Some caterers may be more flexible than others in accommodating special dietary needs. By having this information upfront, you can effectively communicate with your guests about their requests.

Respond to Your Guests Promptly

Once your guests start reaching out, make sure to respond to them in a timely manner. This will reassure them that their dietary requirements are being taken care of. It's also an opportunity to ask any follow-up questions and gain a clearer understanding of their needs.

Be Accommodating and Understanding

Remember that your guests with dietary requirements may already face challenges when eating out, and your wedding is no exception. Be empathetic and understanding of their needs. Go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable and valued. It's important that they feel well-fed and included in your special day.

Ask guests to list their dietary restrictions

Asking your wedding guests to list their dietary restrictions is a must-have on your wedding RSVP card. It is a straightforward way to remind your guests to inform you if they are vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies that you need to make your caterers aware of.

• Provide a dedicated space: Include a specific line or section on the RSVP card for dietary restrictions. This could be a simple line such as "Dietary Restrictions:" or "Special Dietary Requests:" followed by a blank space for guests to fill in their requirements.
• Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language when asking about dietary restrictions. For example, you can use phrases such as "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements" or "Dietary Requirements (if applicable):". Avoid using vague terms like "special requests" to ensure guests understand that this section is specifically for dietary needs.
• Offer specific options: Instead of an open-ended question, you can provide a list of common dietary restrictions, such as "Vegetarian," "Vegan," "Gluten-Free," "Food Allergies," or "Other." This helps guests easily indicate their needs and ensures that you receive consistent and organised information.
• Allow for additional details: If possible, provide enough space for guests to elaborate on their dietary restrictions. For example, if a guest has a gluten intolerance, they might specify "Gluten-Free (no wheat, barley, or rye)". This helps your caterers understand the specifics of each guest's dietary needs.
• Indicate the number of guests: If you are asking guests to select dietary options from a list, ensure there is a way to indicate the number of guests who require each option. For example, you can include a column next to each option for guests to write the number of people with that dietary restriction.
• Provide contact information: Include your contact information, such as an email address or phone number, and encourage guests to reach out to you directly for more complex dietary restrictions or allergies. This allows for a more private conversation and ensures you receive accurate information.
• Set a deadline: Specify a deadline for guests to respond by, especially if you are offering a variety of menu options. This helps your caterers plan and prepare accordingly, ensuring that they can accommodate everyone's dietary needs.

Notify your wedding venue and caterer in advance

It is extremely important to give your wedding venue and caterer ample notice of any dietary requirements. If you don't, they might not be able to provide the required meals, or they may end up throwing something together at the last minute, which probably won't be the best meal your guests have ever eaten! Each venue and caterer will have their own deadline for this, but as a rough guide, you should aim to have all this information ready a month before the wedding.

You should also provide them with the final table plan so that there isn't too much confusion when it comes to serving the meal. It's a good idea to let them know about pregnant guests, too, in case the menu features soft cheese, pâté, partially cooked eggs, undercooked meat, or other foods that they're advised to avoid.

If you've still got questions, get in touch with your guests to ask for more information. They will be well-used to reading through set menus with a fine-tooth comb and suggesting alternatives for foods they can't eat. Chances are, you'll feel much more confident about your wedding-day feast after you've had a chat with them.

If you have a guest with a serious food allergy, it's a good idea to follow up with everyone who marks "other" on their RSVP to see if it's a preference or an allergy. You might also want to ask them to contact you directly with any dietary requirements. That way, you can ensure you have all the information and can pass it on to your venue and caterers.

If you're using an online RSVP system, you can ask guests to email you with their dietary requirements. You can also include a line on your RSVP card for guests to write in their requirements.

Frequently asked questions