Food allergies and intolerances: how to adapt your wedding menu to your guests
Food allergies and intolerances are becoming more and more common, and it is important to take this into account when planning your wedding. Here are some tips so that all your guests can enjoy this big day without risking getting sick.
1. Differentiate between allergy and intolerance
A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a food or food component. It can cause serious or even fatal symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
A food intolerance, on the other hand, does not involve the immune system. It is due to the inability to digest certain foods or food components. The symptoms are generally less severe than those of an allergy, but they can still be unpleasant or even bothersome.
2. Consider all allergies and intolerances
The most common food allergies are to peanut, shellfish, egg, milk, tree nuts, gluten and soy. But there are many other allergies, such as those to sulphites, wheat, sesame or lupine.
It is also important to think about food intolerances, such as lactose, gluten, fructose or sucrose intolerance.
3. Ask guests to report their allergies and intolerances
The best way to find out if your guests have any food allergies or intolerances is to ask them directly. You can do this by adding a question to your wedding invitation or by sending an email to your guests.
4. Communicate the list of allergies and intolerances to your caterer
Once you have collected the information from your guests, share it with your caterer. Catering professionals are used to working with food allergies and intolerances, and they will be able to offer you options adapted to your needs.
If there are a large number of guests with allergies or intolerances, your caterer may be able to rethink the entire menu. Otherwise, he may plan special dishes or portions for these guests.
Bonus Tips
• If you have a sufficient budget, you can consider offering a vegetarian or vegan menu. This will help accommodate the needs of guests who follow special diets.
• On your website or on your wedding invitation, you can indicate that you are attentive to food allergies and intolerances. This will allow your guests to feel comfortable sharing their needs with you.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding menu is suitable for all of your guests, whether they have food allergies or intolerances or not.
