Accomodating food allergies

I think you've done your job in this scenario. You made and effort to accommodate her and it sounds like she has politely declined. If I were her I would probably do the same. Weddings can be chaotic and I really wouldn't want to chance anything. If I were you I would just let this one go.

And it was so kind of you to make such an effort! That alone will show her you were thinking of her.

Asta brings up a good point, definitely make sure she won't be given a hard time for bringing in her own food!

I've seen this before and honestly I think the girl was a lot happier to provide her own food. It was a little strange to see her eating out of Ziploc bags for sure, but the catering staff was nice to her and got her any drinks she wanted, etc. You can't blame her for trying to be safe; peace of mind is priceless.

Thanks ladies! This makes me feel better. I think I'll reach out one more time and just let her know that if she changes her mind and would like a prepared meal, she can let me know up to a week before, that way she knows the option is there.

ETA: I'll check with the caterer today about bringing her food, great idea!

I have celia disease so I have my food specially prepared. I usually always bring my own food when I go out to eat or go places. Its frustrating but its always better safe than sorry. Its never easy and just let her eat her food. You don't want anyone be reliable for getting her sick from touching something that they shouldn't then touching her food. It honestly happens to me more often than you think. You're being such a great and supporting friend.

I think both you and your friend are doing the right thing, here. You've done as much as you can to offer to make sure is provided for, and she is being responsible for herself as an adult and making sure she has food she can eat safely.

If she'd like to bring her own food, I'd let her, For someone with that many food issues, sometimes the peace of mind is worth more than being provided for.

Yikes - vegan and a tree nut allergy is a tough combination. I also have a nut allergy, and I can understand her wanting to bring her own food in this circumstance. The more dietary restrictions and allergies, the more likely for some sort of cross-contamination. Nothing like an ambulance and a trip to the ER to ruin everyone's night. My catering contract specified no outside food, so check with your caterer about that. I would be surprised if they would serve her food she prepared, but I also think they wouldn't stop her if she whipped out a ziplock bag or Tupperware container.

I would just make sure she has a complete place setting at this point: a clean plate and whatnot to put her own food on so that she isn't literally eating it out of a plastic bag. But I agree, you have done your due diligence and can rest peacefully knowing that she was accommodated to the best of your ability!

My cousins have a SEVERE gluten allergy and their mom doesn't trust "Gluten Free" things from restaurants (I guess they had a bad experience) so they bring their own food anywhere. She cannot use pots or pans that have come in contact with gluten, so it's easier that way. I'll probably check if they're allowed to bring their own and let them. You've done your best, let her do what makes her most comfortable if your caterer allows it.

My cousins have a SEVERE gluten allergy and their mom doesn't trust "Gluten Free" things from restaurants (I guess they had a bad experience) so they bring their own food anywhere. She cannot use pots or pans that have come in contact with gluten, so it's easier that way. I'll probably check if they're allowed to bring their own and let them. You've done your best, let her do what makes her most comfortable if your caterer allows it.

My sister actually brought her own food to a wedding reception once. She was training for a fitness competition and needed to be sure that she ate certain things and avoided others. She knew the dinner would be a buffet and didn't want to bother the couple with all her restrictions. At dinner, she grabbed a plate from the buffet and just dumped her salad out on it. I don't think anyone other than us at her table even noticed. Maybe ask your caterer to just provide a plate and full place setting for your friend so she can eat her meal off of that instead of her Tupperware or baggies? I'm sure they will understand.

This is exactly why I love WW! Thank you guys for your input! I'm emailing the caterer now to make sure she can bring her own snack/meal and make sure that she has a clean place setting for it.