Somewhere between choosing your menu and sending out invites, you’ll hit the same wall every couple hits, dietary requirements. Between coeliac guests, vegans, nut allergies and the second cousin who “just doesn’t do fish”, it can feel like you’re catering a small festival rather than a wedding. Take a breath, it’s more manageable than it looks.
Here’s how to get wedding dietary requirements sorted without the stress.
Featured image credit: Power On Photography
Top tips for smooth sailing
Ask early, not last minute. Add 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. Rather than a vague “any allergies?”, ask guests to list specific requirements, allergy, intolerance or preference. This gives your catering team the detail they actually need, not just a tick box.
Loop your caterer in early. 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. 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.
Consider a flexible menu style. Buffets, sharing platters or food stations naturally cater to a wider range of diets, since guests can pick what suits them. It also takes the pressure off getting every single plate exactly right.
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.
Communicate with your venue too. 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.
Have a backup for evening food. Chipper vans and pizza trucks are brilliant, but they’re not always dietary friendly. Check there’s at least one option for guests with allergies or intolerances at the later stage of the night too.
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.
