rsvp Question

Yes, definitely include on the RSVPs if anyone have any allergies or diet restrictions. Do some research on some food that’ll fit their needs. Fruits and vegetables should be included because those are natural foods you cannot go wrong with on ANY diet lol. Also, talk to your vendor to see what foods they offer for those with those specific food requirements.

I would say you and the caterer should come up with the meal. That way a. You may be able to suit the needs of multiple guests with allergies by 1 dish (like making a gluten free and nut free dish for instance). B. You don't have to then go to the caterer with requests they cannot honor.

Also, try to be mindful of the cooking process as well (was a pan previously used to cook something in peanut oil or pasta or something).

View Quoted Comment You can go wrong with fruits and veggies - just because they’re natural doesn’t mean people won’t be allergic to them. Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant) is a very common one, and strawberries can be a very common fruit allergy.

OP, you can either list it on your RSVP card or ask people to contact you with dietary requirements. We had one guest who didn’t eat red meat or seafood - we’d planned on a chicken dish anyway so that was covered, and my best friend is coeliac so we ensured the caterer knew about that, had several GF options available and were careful about cross contamination. We also made sure she went through the buffet line first (after us) to prevent accidental cross contamination.

I am very happy that the planners at our venue told us to tell any guests with dietary restrictions to contact them directly so we won't have to deal with it.

I would definitely leave a space on your RSVP card for guests to advise and let It to the caterers to use their expertise to give you meal options or choose the meal on their own.

View Quoted Comment Umm I was referring to certain diets not allergies. I am fully aware that people can be allergic to ANYTHING. Sorry for not being specific enough but I believed the bride to be understood what I meant.

We put an allergy area on our RSVP card because we were doing a plated dinner:

A buffet seems like it would be easier because the "extras" for dishes like salad or pasta could be on the side. Even with only 50 guests, we had quite a few nut, dairy and gluten allergies so we changed our fancy salad to a simple garden salad and had dressings put on the tables in case guests didn't want any. For your buffet, it may be helpful to list the ingredients of sauces and dishes where it may not be obvious what's in them and then keep nuts & dairy items separate for guests who need to avoid those.

A general allergy line would be ok.
Asking them what they want to eat is a can of worms you dont want to open.

I think you should definitely ask them if they have any allergies, however I think you will be putting A LOT of work on your plate if you ask them what they want to eat. I would take the list of allergies to your caterer and let them come up with a meal that would work!

On your rsvp card list a line for them to list any allergies. From there you should be able to figure out an option with your caterer that should work for them. If you have trouble or have any questions about what they can eat reach out to the guest directly to ask them. But unless they have a lot of restrictions that shouldn’t be an issue. Even if your meal is buffet style, talk to the caterer and see if they can make plates for guests with allergies to help avoid cross contamination.

View Quoted Comment Our caterer did the same- they asked us to provide the contact information of any guests with restrictions so they could properly prepare, label, and separate any dishes that needed special attention. As someone who does not have any restrictions, this is a huge weight off of my shoulders! I wouldn't even know where to begin!

On our RSVP cards we didn't have meal choices but just left a space where we said "please list any dietary restrictions". Anyone who had anything wrote it down (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) And a lot of others used the space to write a short note for us or a quirky remark about their food preferences (on groomsmen claims he only eats things that pair well with whiskey lol)

I am not putting this on the rsvps but there is a section on my website about food allergies/dietary restrictions about how it's crucial to let us know. And no they don't get to choose what to eat. Your other guests don't really get a say in what you provide for the buffet. The venue will make up what they think is best. Additionally, if you have a details card going out with your invites I think on there would be a better place than the rsvp since you are not having all guests choose their meal like plated style.

Yes, definitely add to list and food allergies or dietary restrictions below. And then if any are listed call that person and ask what would work bestt for them (on what your vender has said they can do)