Wedding Ideas
November 19, 2021
When you start working with a caterer in Maryland on the menu for your special day, it is likely an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are so many options to choose from, and you want to make sure all of your guests have something that suits their tastes and dietary restrictions. It is very likely that several people who attend your wedding will be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have a dairy free diet. Additionally, there will also be a few guests with food allergies that may be either mild or severe.
No matter a guest’s food allergies or preferences, you should plan to have a few options that everyone can eat. That’s why we’ve come up with a guide to help you create a menu that all of your guests can enjoy. Let’s get started!
The best way to collect information about your guest’s allergies and dietary preferences is from your wedding invitations. These days, it’s common to ask about any food preferences on your save-the-date. That way, you can be notified of any sensitivities as early as possible and begin menu planning with your caterer in Maryland. If you aren’t having guests return save-the-date cards, you can always instruct your guests to give you a call if they have any food restrictions. Once you’ve gotten all of your responses, it’s time to start planning your menu!
No matter your guest’s restrictions, an experienced caterer will be able to make a few dishes that work with any diet. Whether that means making ingredient substitutions or adding more items to the menu, your caterer in Maryland will be able to help you out with every step of the process.
To get started, let’s talk about your cocktail hour. Most wedding receptions begin with a cocktail hour and serve some small hors d’oeuvres. So everyone can enjoy a snack with their cocktail, you should coordinate with your caterer to make sure that there is at least one vegan option available and one that accommodates all with food allergies. For example, a veggie based hors d’oeuvre or one that is designated as nut-free will give your guests with different restrictions an option to try. Remember — you can have as many different types of food as you want, so you can always provide more than one option for those with dietary restrictions.
When a guest attending your wedding has a serious food allergy, you should ask for a complete ingredient list from your caterer. Then, after you receive your ingredient list, you can send the recipes to your guests with food allergies to make sure they have something to enjoy. This way you’ll know for certain which foods each individual is able to eat and which foods they’ll need to avoid. If a guest responds to the ingredient list and a food item needs to be added or removed, you can always ask your caterer about ways you can make accommodations.
During your cocktail hour or your reception dinner, it's likely that there will be some self-serving food options for your guests to enjoy. To avoid a dangerous situation, you should take care to clearly label each option so your guests know of any allergens or animal products before they take a bite.
It is also important to note that cross contamination can occur as guests are serving themselves. To avoid any cross contamination you should let those with allergies and dietary restrictions get their food before anyone else can use the serving utensils. It is also important to label the utensils as well, so that guests serving themselves later can avoid cross contamination between dishes.
If you are looking for a caterer in Maryland to help you create a menu that all of your guests can enjoy, look no further than The Smokehouse Grill. We’ll help you customize your venue for your guests and help you design your perfect menu and reception. Contact The Smokehouse Grill today and we’ll help you turn your dream wedding into a reality.