If you’re used to eating everything in sight, you probably won’t consider what’s going on in a vegetarian’s mind when they’re staring at an ‘all you can meat’ buffet. Your tasty rib eye becomes a tragic eye sore to your guest. Don’t rely on the bread rolls or salad to feed your pickier or more particular guests! We can help you make everyone happy.
Ask for Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions With Your RSVP
One of the quickest and easiest ways to make sure that your guests aren’t avoiding the buffet table is to include dietary restriction questions on your RSVP. Let your guests know that they don’t have to eat dinner beforehand because they’re just as welcome as everyone else!
Always Come Prepared
If you don’t know what your attendees can eat, the safest option is to come prepared regardless. It’s a good idea to cater to the better-known dietary restrictions: meat, nuts, dairy, and gluten. Plan separate meals for vegetarians, vegans, people allergic to peanuts, the lactose intolerant, and the gluten intolerant; at the very least, make sure that your meals can be modified to meet these restrictions. Consider using a dueling menu so that you can serve multiple entrees in an easy and professional way!
Budget Accordingly
Changing your food options to satisfy your guests could be as simple as adding a mushroom gravy option beside your turkey gravy, or chocolate chip cookies instead of peanut butter ones. Giving an inexpensive, allergy-friendly second option could literally be a life saver.
Label Foods
It can be difficult to flag down someone familiar with a dish’s ingredients — and you don’t want to put your guests in that uncomfortable position. Take the time to create decorative food labels for each item! Propping up these little cards could be the difference between someone with a peanut allergy dipping their spring roll into a sweet chili sauce as opposed to a spicy peanut sauce.
Worth the Work
Though it might feel meticulous to plan meals around different diets, the outcome is worth it. Talk to a professional caterer about how they can help! Caterers are trained to plan for dietary restrictions and can create a variety of delicious, unique foods that will meet everyone’s needs.
If you’re in the Orlando area and beginning to plan the food for your next event, reach out to the Orlando event management team at Fun Planners. Contact us online or at 407-955-4949 today!
