Accommodating for Special Dietary Needs

In this age of vegetarianism, diabetic awareness, and the plethora of other dietary specialties, the well-informed bride and groom know that in order to make their guests feel most comfortable, they must take into consideration their special needs. That is, of course, if you know what those needs are and how to properly accommodate them.

Vegetarians are perhaps the simplest, or at least the easiest to appease. Provide at least one main dish, perhaps a delectable pasta that contains no meat, no cheese, no eggs, no other conceivable animal by-product. This will put to rest both vegetarians and total vegans alike. Make sure at least some of the sides are also meat-free; you don’t want the vegetarians amongst your guests to have to go without eating!

As for the diabetics in your crowd, theirs is a problem slightly more difficult—one not of choice, but a matter of health. These guests, fortunately, know their diets well and can easily avoid foods that could prove detrimental to their health; they are used to having to watch their food carefully. However, it would be a kind and thoughtful gesture all the same for you to provide them with a well-planned meal. Avoid an excess of starches (noodles, potatoes, etc) and sugars. If there will be a considerable number of guests with diabetes at your reception, you may want to even consider having a sugar-free cake, or a sugar-free sheet cake set aside for them, or some other sugar-free desert in which they can partake. The foods you serve them should be low in fat, nothing fried. The main issue for most is the sugar, though, so just be sure to give them options.

Also keep in mind things like religious restrictions. For example, Catholics are not permitted to eat meat on Fridays during Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter). The Jewish religion prohibits the eating of any pork product, including bacon or ham.

Basically, if you can provide your guests with a simple variety, they know what they can and cannot eat. It is not your duty to facilitate their every requirement, but it is a compassionate gesture on your part to attempt to give them alternatives. Make sure you have an array of drinks, as well, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and plenty of water! It is not possible to foresee every guest’s needs and wants, but the more of an assortment you can provide, the better chance you have of making everyone happy!