Skip to main content
ARE YOU A VENDOR?

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Msmmain86
Beginner October 2022

Need meal ideas for Bride + Groom with food allergies

Msmmain86, on September 14, 2021 at 4:17 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 8
Saved
Reply
Hello all-



Sorry for the mile-long post here, but I feel like details matter on this one... We got engaged a long time ago, but have finally set a date & have started working on the planning for next October (2022). Unfortunately, we have come to a stumbling block. My fiance and I both have many food allergies, to the point we can't hardly eat out without risking food exposures & so we don't know what to do about our menu. We have to plan this whole thing on a strict budget, since we're both one emergency away from not making ends meet as it is (and yes, I know we can continue to wait until some imaginary future date when we MIGHT be better off financially, but we've already waited 4 years & we've both had enough of putting our future off).
So, our allergies are: Groom: Soy; Dairy & Gluten (he has full blown Celiac's, not just mild sensitivity)Bride: Seafood + Shellfish; Tomatoes; anything spicy; all alcohol; + anything fermented like basalmic vinegar; Menthol/mint.
We usually eat simple fare at home: crock-pot stews, stir fry, meat + potatoes/rice... but I don't know how any of those types of meals can be translated into a wedding menu that won't break the bank, or send one/both of us to the ER. We don't have a wide spectrum of experience with weddings, let alone their menus, so we're drawing a total blank. Can any of you give us some ideas for what we might be able to serve/eat? Definitely buffet style to save money.
We're almost serious about just getting food for everyone else & having us-safe leftovers in the venue fridge that we inhale between the ceremony & reception. It's currently mostly just a joke, but it's a funny/not funny "maybe we'll have to" joke.
Neither one of us can drink, so we're already on the fence about serving alcohol, especially when we're talking 22 of 85 guests being under the age of 12. (Plus I still need to call & see if the hall will even be ok with us serving alcohol if we do go that route, since it's a non-standard venue).
It's A LOT to think about, and while I usually love planning events, trips & things; there are TONS of aspects to the wedding that I don't have a clue where to begin, so any (polite) advice is very welcome.

Thank you!

Maddie

8 Comments

Latest activity by Rosie, on September 17, 2021 at 2:05 AM
  • Rebelle Fleur
    Master July 2021
    Rebelle Fleur ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I would ask the caterer just to make two special meals for you both and have your guests chose from their regular menu. Just because you don’t drink and a quarter of the guests won’t be able to doesn’t mean the other guests that you’re hosting shouldn’t be given the opportunity to if the venue allows it.
    • Reply
  • KYLIE
    Super May 2019
    KYLIE ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I think your joke idea is your best bet, but you don’t need to eat in between your ceremony and reception, your caterer can simply serve your separate meals while your guests visit the buffet. FWIW, meat + potatoes is about as standard a wedding menu as it gets, though!
    Another idea—serve a simple cake and punch reception that won’t be a hit to your precarious financial situation. The best wedding cake I’ve even had was gluten free!
    • Reply
  • S
    Super September 2022
    Sarah ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    All caterers and venues should have options for dietary restrictions. It would be the same as if one of my guests told me they couldn't eat someone, the caterer would make a separate meal for them. It's very common. So I would provide a typical meal from their menu for all the guests, and ask the caterer to make the 2 of you a separate meal catering to your needs. Give them a list of your allergies and they should be able to make something from there.

    As for alcohol, it's totally up to you! My mom has been to a dry wedding before and said it was super fun! I think it just depends on your crowd and if your venue allows alcohol.

    • Reply
  • Kris
    Expert July 2021
    Kris ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Having a separate meal for you guys is a great idea. I have a bunch of allergies, too (hazelnut, celery, mushrooms, carrots, coffee, apricot), so I totally see where you are coming from. I personally always keep a granola bar or something with me when I go to weddings and things for exactly that reason.

    • Reply
  • Dayna
    Expert September 2021
    Dayna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with PPs. Our caterer (who is also our venue) is doing a buffet but they provide individual meals for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies. Talk to prospective caterers about it. Especially since you are the bride and groom I think they would be more than willing to come up with something special for the two of you while serving more standard meals to the other guests.

    You did mention that you normally eat meat and potatoes or rice at home. A lot of wedding meals consist of simply a protein (steak or chicken) with potatoes (or another starch) and vegetables, so you could go with something like that as your main setup and then you can either eat the same dishes or a slightly modified version with no dairy, etc.

    As far as alcohol, if your venue allows it, I do think its nice to at least have some beer and wine available for guests, but ultimately its up to you.

    • Reply
  • Msmmain86
    Beginner October 2022
    Msmmain86 ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Thank you to everyone who responded. I'll see what caterers around here can offer us as far as separate plates and go from there.
    • Reply
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Yep I'd just get separate plates for you and your fiancé. I wouldn't get fast food for guests, but you could do Italian pasta really cost effectively. The best way to cut your budget is to have fewer guests. A smaller wedding also lends itself to more creative venue options.

    First though, start with budget. Figure out how much you have to spend. That will determine how many people you can afford to host.

    • Reply
  • Rosie
    Master February 2022
    Rosie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Another vote for special allergy meals for you two (and anyone else with allergies) and a regular menu for everyone else!

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

30 Adventurous Food Gift Ideas for Couples Who Love Trying New Things
Family & Friends 30 Adventurous Food Gift Ideas for Couples Who Love Trying... Shopping for a special couple? These food- and drink-themed presents will wow...
23 Grandmother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Your Grandson's Special Day
Wedding Fashion 23 Grandmother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Your Grandson's... Because grandma deserves to look and feel her best when it's time to celebrate.
The 29 Best Bride-to-Be Gifts for Before They Tie the Knot
Family & Friends The 29 Best Bride-to-Be Gifts for Before They Tie the Knot Searching for a gift for the bride-to-be? From pampering products to planning...
Read more articles
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

Show more

WeddingWire article topics