Congratulations, you are about to host the event of the year! Of course, you may have a whole array of considerations on your mind, namely your guests. Let’s begin by tackling the food.
Read our expert guide on catering to your guests’ dietary restrictions – without restricting the fun itself!
Know your guests
Any successful catering means equipping yourself with the right knowledge.
Don’t be afraid to ask your guests prior to the event if they have any specific dietary restrictions. This practice will buy you time to carefully plan your catering – from the menu itself to delivering an experience to remember!
Don’t be intimidated by the allergies and intolerances your guests may pose – this challenge can be easily overcome. Here is a generic list of common allergies and intolerances:
Allergies
- Milk
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Wheat
- Shellfish
Intolerances
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Caffeine
- FODMAPs
A menu fit for all
Once you have established a list of all your guests’ needs, it’s time to get creative.
Make sure to design a menu with a variety of foods, covering all spans of diets. A good way to start would be looking at vegan meal alternatives, vegetarian options and non-allergen variations.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the whole herd of food options available to choose from! Be mindful of your own needs and create a menu that reflects your vision.
Remember, your guests don’t expect an elaborate menu; simply one that is filling and pleasant to the taste.
Think careful practices
You’ve now established a menu – you’re one step closer to catering success!
The key here now is communication. Make sure to raise the dietary requirements of your guests with your chosen catering service. These people are specialists in their roles, so take advantage of them to help you with your day.
Alternatively, if you are planning on self-catering, pay close attention to your preparation and cooking practices.
Are you confident that there is no cross-contamination through your utensils?
Are the different ingredients separated from each other?
If you are struggling, it may be worth asking the guests themselves how they meet their own dietary needs. After all, the expertise of their diet lies with them.
Show time!
The day of your event has come and it is time to see your careful planning in effect. Pay close attention to the layout of your food. Ensure to separate the foods containing allergens from those that don’t. Perhaps allocate a section specifically for vegan meals.
Next, label your foods appropriately. As we all know, it can be easy to get carried away with so many options – so make your guests aware of what they are eating.
Most importantly, enjoy your day! See the fruits of your labour come alive and watch the magic unfold.
Need more help?
Here at Top Table, we understand that planning an event can be very stressful. That is why we are here to help you. Check out our easy catering hire services to get started.