Desserts for those with Dietary Restrictions

View Quoted Comment I’m going to try Bridezillaing my way around it. I was honestly led to believe that the “one off” guests wouldn’t need that extra fee. I distinctly remember her saying that I could just choose all chicken and if there were some who couldn’t eat that, then they would accommodate them free of charge but I guess that doesn’t apply if we decided to give our guests choices? 🤦‍♀️ Or maybe 4 of 90 isn’t consider “one off”?

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Do we really have to have the caterer show in the contract how various combinations of special diets will affect the overall price? It is nigh impossible to know how many dietary requests will be among the RSVPs. Hopefully when looking at caterer estimates, these issues can be raised sufficiently for others of us in our vendor searches.

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It is a questions that I recommend people ask their caterer candidates, yep. In my world I have people with all manner of dietary needs. It takes extra time and planning to make an alternate menu option.

View Quoted Comment I don’t know if it’s just because I live in a small town. This venue also provided catering and we weren’t allowed to get outside caterers if we wanted our reception here (which we did). But I yes, I do think it’s absolutely ridiculous. It’s not like I know everyone’s dietary restrictions upfront…

View Quoted Comment We didn’t really have an option in the matter if we wanted our reception venue there since they didn’t allow outside caterers. But they honestly made it sound like anyone that needed meals outside of the choices we voluntarily made for our guests would not be subject to that $5/guest charge.

Nope! Do one for all. I had 2 people who had dietary restrictions same as yours and I had a special entree made for them. The cocktail hour and dessert (cake and pastries) I let it stand. As long as their main meal was honored, I didn’t feel the need to do a special dessert because fruit was incorporated into all the desserts anyway. Best!

I have IBS myself, and I don't expect individuals to go out of their way to cater to what I can and can't eat. That said, I do have a bridesmaid who had celiac disease, and I absolutely need to ensure she doesn't have any cross contamination. She understands that I'm doing my best to find a suitable dessert alternative for her.


What I'm trying to get at is this: people probably won't care if they get fruit for dessert. And if they do, oh well. It's especially not your problem if those in question are only gluten free or dairy free just because. It's one thing if it's a medical issue; that, I understand completely because I live it daily.
The people who really care about you will understand that you're doing your best, and there's only so much you can do. Anyone who throws a fit, especially if it's not due to a real dietary concern? Bye 👋

View Quoted Comment Haha yes these guests don’t have Celiac or anything. They’re just Gluten Free just because. I think the Vegan is for moral reasons, which I respect, but I also know she’s not picky. She was totally fine with the fruits when I asked her.

View Quoted Comment Gotcha! I have a vegan friend who's chosen that life path for ethical reasons as well, and that's understandable. I'm glad to hear she was okay with your suggestion! That makes things so much easier

I love fruit so I d be happy with fruit and if you can get some sorbet I d be extra happy. Its hard to find vegan nut-free and gf desserts, as long as everyone has a meal they can eat I d I probably focus on avoiding the allergies for the desserts more than the other restrictions if they are purely choices. Best of luck to you.

The sorbet option sounds like a nice option. I have a nut allergy, so I usually don't bother with dessert unless I know for a fact that it's safe to eat. It may be worth it to reach out to the 6 people with dietary issues just to ask if they'd like sorbet for dessert. You could frame it as your baker isn't able to do a vegan/ nut-free/ dairy-free dessert, but you still wanted to accommodate them when it comes time for dessert. If they aren't dessert people or whatever, then you can save yourself the headache (and cost).

Could you fancy it up with Chocolate covered fruit or a vegan/dairy free chocolate fondue that ppl could dip fruit in?

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Seems like a lot of effort for 6 people. I think the Sorbet + Fruit is a decent quick option.

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For sure, but lots of other people would choose that option too probably.

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We are having a plated dinner instead of a buffet and there wasn't really a choice on dessert for those without dietary restrictions. It's just our Italian Cream Wedding cake for everyone. I just needed a quick alternative for the 6 that can't have that.

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Ooh got it! Dessert is plated too Sorbet and fruit sounds perfect!