Accommodating Different Dietary Needs in Your Wedding Reception Menu
Feeding a large group of people can be challenging at the best of times. Throw in an increasing number of dietary restrictions and this task often becomes very stressful, very quickly. While it’s highly likely in 2024 that you’re going to have at least a few people at your wedding who can’t eat everything on a typical dinner menu, there are several things couples can do to help minimise stress and confusion.
First and foremost, get a clear understanding of your guests’ different dietary requirements
This means allergies or special dietary needs rather than personal preference. We also need to know the severity of these! At Peppers Creek Barrel Room and Chapel, we kindly ask that you reach out to all who have ‘RSVP’d ‘yes’ to your big day - ask if they have sensitivities or other food-related requirements, what exactly they entail, and whether they require total avoidance/preparation of meals completely separate to certain allergens or simply having an alternative, dietary requirement-friendly option available i.e., a vegetarian meal. Having this information handy is crucial for our kitchen team.
Plan, plan, plan!
Curating a menu that caters to dozens - if not hundreds - of people isn’t always possible. Realistically, it’s just not. That said, there’s usually a sizeable handful of guaranteed allergy-friendly options that can be included to ensure all your guests are accommodated for and leave feeling full. Liaising with both your wedding coordinator and caterer is often really useful in this regard, as their joint expertise and years of experience can take away a lot of the guesswork. If the majority of menu items suit everyone, chances are your reception will be fuss-free. All will be fed at the same time and receive the same amount of attention (and champagne top-ups!).
Inform your guests before the wedding
This is particularly beneficial for our staff on the night. While we will always try to discretely identify everyone with dietary requirements at the beginning of food service, having a designated contact to point these guests out to us is the best way to ensure all are accounted and accommodated for. We also ask that you reach out to everyone who is attending your wedding prior to let them know about gluten-free and other specially prepared dishes for people with food allergies and intolerances. While we have labels that go on canape platters and other shared feast spreads, too often guests who don’t require dietary modifications unknowingly take this food, leaving little for those who genuinely do.
Photography: Wedding Road