Almost everyone has some sort of dietary preference. Case in point: Your best friend may be dairy-free, while your mom has recently decided to give up gluten. And your fiancé, well, they aren’t big fans of shellfish. Every person who has ever planned a wedding has encountered this common conundrum.
Not to worry, though. These days, caterers are more flexible than ever. And, as the planner of your own wedding, you’re in total control of what’s served. Here’s how to handle those dietary preferences and some tips for hosting a memorable wedding reception dinner.
1. Consider Your Guests’ Tastes
Your wedding is a monumental occasion. It’s a day dedicated to you and your future spouse. And while the menu should include food you both love, you also must consider your guests, too. In that sense, think of yourselves as hosts.
And as hosts, your wedding reception and dinner are likely the biggest party you’ve ever hosted — no pressure! That said, try to cater to the desires of as many of your guests as possible while serving popular, well-liked choices like surf and turf as well as a vegan option.
Whatever options you decide to offer, your wedding invitations are the best place to include information about guest preferences and dietary restrictions. They also give your guests the chance to include their own preferences in their returned RSVP. This is a common question, so there’s no reason to hesitate when thinking about including it on your own wedding invitations.
2. Offer a Buffet Versus a Sit-Down Dinner
The most common reception dinner usually includes two courses while your wedding guests are seated. Generally, these types of meals consist of a soup or an appetizer, followed by the main entree course. However, if you’re wanting a more relaxed, laid back reception, then give your guests more control over what’s on their plate by opting for a buffet.
Deciding on a buffet at your reception dinner means you can offer more options to your guests. And you can also get more creative with the buffet menu than you could with a traditional seated dinner menu. Overall, a buffet offers more options to everyone.
3. Decide Whether to Host a Cocktail Hour
Not only do cocktail hours help get the party started and give guests the chance to socialize — they’re also a great way to offer a variety of small bites to your guests before your reception dinner. Whether you have plenty to spend or are pinching pennies, caterers can work with budgets of all sizes. You can have a simple offering with just a few diet and restriction-friendly options or go all out with carving stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. This way, everyone is happy.
4. Break with Tradition
There are so many creative ways to host your wedding reception dinner. For example, you could decide on an immersive outdoor dining experience for you and your guests under the stars or at sunset. It sounds dreamy, but you can make this dream come true. There are companies that specialize in events like this, from setup to take down and everything else in between. They even offer a four-course meal that’s prepared on-site, with the menu being highly considerate of guests’ dietary preferences. If you’re thinking about forgoing tradition, this is a great place to start.
Accommodating Your Guests is Easier Than Ever Before
Weddings are more unique than ever. And as weddings have evolved, so has the reception dinner. From buffets and cocktail hours to unique dining experiences, these options can accommodate all your guests, no matter their dietary preferences.
