Wedding Guests with Food Allergies

Did you know that approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies?

According to many reports, the most common food allergies in adults are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and eggs, and the most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts.

So how does this affect you as you plan your wedding menu?

First and foremost, there are so many more food allergies than the ones noted above, so it is almost impossible to take care of everyone's needs.  But with some careful planning (and flexibility), it shouldn't prevent you from selecting the food you love.

In most cases, wedding guests with serious food allergies are already going to take the necessary precautions for their reception meal.  But they will consider you a rock star bride if you offer some menu options that might be able to accommodate their dietary needs.

Communication is Key -- If you know that you have wedding guests with food allergies, let your chef know so that they can plan the menu (and recipe) accordingly.   Work with the banquet captain to ensure that the banquet staff is prepared to describe each menu items if asked.

 

Food Identificaiton -- Always provide a menu card (even if your menu is a buffet).  This allows your guests the opportunity to inquire about the preparation of a food option before they get in the buffet line.  In addition to the menu card, work with the venue to identify each food item on the buffet with a small tent card.  This will help your wedding guests avoid making an incorrect selection.

 

Shellfish – I live in the state of Maryland, which is the land of crabs (and crab cakes).  Guests expect to see them on the menu.  If crab cakes (or any shellfish for that matter) is a "must have," consider offering it as one of your hors d’ oeuvres and instead of the primary food on your entree.  If you must offer shellfish during your meal, make sure that you have a tasty (and comparable) alternative available.

 

Tree Nuts and Peanuts – With so many people allergic to peanuts and numerous tree nuts, consider avoiding them in your menu altogether.  If you have your heart set on a pecan encrusted sea bass, then make sure that your chef makes a few non-pecan options too. Also, try to avoid offering an open bowl of nuts on your buffet or dessert table -- the chances for cross-contamination are quite high.

Wedding Cake – As a former baker, I know how easy it is for cross contamination to take place with baked goods.  Consider offering a dessert alternative such as fresh fruit or sorbet.

Buffets – Buffets are a great option for guests with food allergies and diet restrictions because it offers your wedding guests numerous food options.  But, I feel obligated to mention that the small tent cards indentifying the each dish are key.

 

Prepare for Emergencies -- Sometimes the best laid plans cannot avoid emergencies.  Make sure that your wedding planner has Benedryl packets on hand, and check with the venue coordinator regarding their crisis management plan -- Most wedding guests with food allergies carry their own Epinephrine (adrenaline) medication (aka EpiPen) to reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis, but you want to make sure that the venue's security staff is able to react if needed.

 

For more information, check out one of the following web sites --

 

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

 

Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics

 

Food Allergy Initative

 

Finally, make sure that you have the address and phone numbers for the nearest hospital. (just in case)

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

 

**Disclaimer:  I am not a healthcare professional, nor am I an allergy expert.  Therefore, you should not take this post as medical or healthcare advice.  I am just giving recommendations that I believe would improve the overall experience of your wedding guest(s).

Comments

[catering philippines]

Thanks for guiding me through,its very important to know what food is the best to eat that won't cause any allergies. :)

misty