The world of food and health is constantly evolving, and every day there are new dietary considerations that restaurants and caterers need to adjust for. When hosting an event, it is important that the host is aware of any special guest dietary restrictions in advance, so that the catering team is prepared and can accommodate those needs onsite.  Keep in mind, though, that there is a difference between dietary restrictions and dietary preferences.

Dietary restrictions are most often food allergies or constraints on what a guest is able to consume in his/her diet for medical reasons. 

Dietary preferences are more of a personal preference on what the guest prefers to eat or avoid eating. These do not pose health issues, they are just likes and dislikes.

Because menu selection and food service is so central to the success of an event, we sat down with our friends at DC-based caterer, Design Cuisine, to discuss helpful tips for hosts to keep in mind when preparing to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences at their event. 

Ask for the information well in advance.

1. Collect your guests’ dietary restrictions in advance. This helps the caterer not only be prepared to accommodate your guests’ needs, but also helps you brainstorm creative options to serve at your event. If you can share this information prior to your tasting with the caterer, it can help you craft a creative menu that accommodates all needs. 

   Be sure to ask for this information in your invitation reply card/online RSVP form.

Address every part of your menu. 

The Design Cuisine team is always brainstorming ways to answer the question: “how many dietary restrictions “boxes” can you check with one dish?” 

1. A great way to make the event seamless for everyone is to accommodate the menu to fit multiple dietary needs.

2. A couple things to try: make fifty percent of your appetizers vegan or make all of your meal gluten-free. You won’t have to worry about any of the gluten-free guests because they are already taken care of! 

3. Put everyone at ease by clearly identifying through menu cards or signage what each item is. 

Partner for an exceptional experience. 

1. For so long, vegetarians had been served a simple pasta dish as an alternative entree because it was easy. But there are so many creative options for substantive, protein-rich, delicious dishes out there! Express your guests’ needs (restrictions and preferences) and your caterer will help you find solutions to elevate menu items, your vegetarians no longer just get a plate of roasted vegetables, but an option even carnivores will salivate over!

2. Design Cuisine often dedicates team members specifically for the purpose of managing those considerations onsite. By staffing appropriately, the caterer can add another level of organization and assistance to create an exceptional experience – one well worth the investment! 

3. Make it easy for the caterer to know who needs the special meals. As much work as they can be, placecards set at each individual setting to indicate the special meals will help service go so much more smoothly.  The next best thing is to color code your escort cards and ask the guests to set them at their place setting. At the very minimum, share with the caterer the guests’ names and what tables they are seated at. 

At Rex & Regina Events, we are so passionate about food and believe that the culinary experience at an event should be exceptional for all guests. By keeping some of these tips in mind, we can be sure that will happen every time!