Between choosing your menu and sending out invites, you'll hit the same wall every couple hits – dietary requirements. It can feel like you're catering a small festival rather than a wedding, but take a breath, it's more manageable than it looks.
Background
Somewhere between choosing your menu and sending out invites, you'll hit the wall of dietary requirements. Between coeliac guests, vegans, nut allergies, and the second cousin who "just doesn't do fish," it can feel like a challenge. However, with a little planning and communication, couples can ensure that all their guests feel included and catered for.
What This Means
When it comes to handling dietary requirements, timing is everything. Ask early, not last minute, by adding a simple dietary requirements question to your RSVP, whether that's on your wedding website or the paper reply card. The earlier you know, the more time your caterer has to plan properly. Be specific with your wording, too, by asking guests to list specific requirements, allergy, intolerance, or preference. This gives your catering team the detail they actually need, not just a tick box.
What Happens Next
Looping your caterer in early is also crucial. Share numbers and requirements with your caterer well before the final headcount is due. Most Irish caterers handle dietary needs all the time and will have solutions ready to go, you just need to give them the information. Don't overthink small numbers, either – if it's one or two guests with a specific need, a discreet, separate plate often works better than redesigning the whole menu. Your caterer can usually swap in an alternative without anyone else noticing.
Communicating with your venue is also essential. If your reception venue is separate from your caterer, make sure both sides have the same list. It's an easy detail to lose in translation between suppliers. Consider a flexible menu style, too, like buffets, sharing platters, or food stations, which naturally cater to a wider range of diets. This also takes the pressure off getting every single plate exactly right.
Pro-Tip
One final tip for handling dietary requirements at your wedding: label where you can. If it's a buffet or evening food, small labels for common allergens or vegan options mean guests can serve themselves with confidence, rather than having to ask. This small detail can make a big difference in ensuring that all your guests feel included and catered for.
At the end of the day, most guests are just grateful to be asked. A little planning now means everyone, coeliac aunt included, gets to enjoy the meal as much as you do.
Source: Weddings Online
