Salero

Planning a menu is a vital aspect of your wedding day. It’s an exciting adventure to embark on with your partner! But, if you’re new to planning for guests with allergies, it may bring some overwhelm. Allergies add another element to the planning process. For some people, they might not know where to begin.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be challenging! Plan your wedding menu easily by keeping these tips and tricks in mind. 

Wedding Menu Ideas: Catering to Allergies 

Hosting a wedding is already a huge event in itself. When you add planning a wedding menu for guests with allergies on top of it, it may bring some stress. Safety should be your top priority, so before the wedding, ask your guests about their specific allergies. This will ensure you’ll have a mistake-free menu. 

All in all, food is a vital part of any event. Often, it’s one of the key elements that set the tone. Keep the evening smooth with these wedding menu ideas:

Buffet Style vs. Plated Meals

Decide on whether or not you want to opt for a buffet or individually plated meals. If you’re going for a buffet, it’s paramount to keep the allergy-free buffet separate from the regular buffet. Set up two different tables to keep things apart. 

If you’re going for individually plated meals, send your invitations with a section to indicate allergies. Include a checklist that allows your guests to mark their allergies. Some common allergies include gluten, wheat, peanuts, nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, and shellfish.

Differentiate the Allergy-Free Options

As mentioned above, it’ll be important to differentiate the allergy-free options. Cross-contamination must be avoided at all costs. Even if you’re not going for a buffet style, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, and desserts typically circulate throughout any event. Make sure you keep the allergy-free options on separate trays.

Request Menu Input

Allergies are ever-evolving – sometimes people grow out of their allergies, and sometimes people develop new ones. Even if you’ve known your friends for a long time, it doesn’t hurt to invite them to provide menu input. After all, they are the experts! 

Ask them about their favorite food alternatives, recipes, and more. It’ll make the evening much smoother for your friends with food limitations. 

Utilize Labels

It can’t be said enough: labels are everything. For many, allergies are life-threatening. Using labels for all food, beverages, and ingredients is crucial in keeping safety at the forefront. It’ll make your guests feel much more comfortable (and considered) when they know what to expect in a dish or drink.

Essentials of the Wedding Bar Menu

A bar is a big part of any event, especially a wedding. Many choose an open bar, though the possibilities are endless. When planning your wedding bar menu, it’s necessary to keep your friends with allergies in mind. You may not know that many alcoholic beverages contain wheat, yeast, and dairy. Some people are even allergic to alcohol itself!

To avoid potential disaster, offer plenty of allergy-friendly beverage options. Some gluten-free ciders, gin, vodka, and white wine may be safe for some. 

If alcohol is too risky, include mocktails in your bar menu. That way, you can be more inclusive and have drink options that consist of fresh, safe ingredients. 

Experience Menu Planning With Ease

With safety top of mind, menu planning for your guests with allergies can be a breeze. Need assistance in planning the wedding night of your dreams? Look no further!

The team here at Salero is equipped to make your checklist come to life while handling the menu with professionalism. Our oceanfront venue, high-quality staff, and 5-star chef will create a smooth atmosphere for all.

Contact us to begin planning an unforgettable wedding!