food

Not for my wedding I don’t have dietary restrictions, but I went to a Jewish wedding last year. They have certain rules about not eating dairy with beef and such. It was a completely dairy free wedding, and we couldn’t tell at all. I live in S. Fl, and we’re a pretty big melting pot down here, so idk if where you live has a large jewish community but try looking into it!

You want no dairy for just you or for all your guests? Our caterer was able to accommodate all allergies and for the people that were kosher they said they could order a kosher meal from somewhere else.

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All of the guests. I don't want any dairy used at the wedding. I know making a few plates is something to be expected and not even thought about.

I don't have this issue, as I'm a carnivore. But I got to thinking that this could be really difficult for you, as a bride. A lot of us are talking to our caterers about the few vegetarians/vegans we have as guests, and what kind of special meal could be made for them. But as the bride, you're talking about the entire menu being vegan, essentially.

Do you have a favorite vegan restaurant? I would start there, and see if they can accommodate your catering needs. The problem with many regular restaurants is that even if they can make a non-meat/non-dairy meal, their prep areas and cook areas are not meat or dairy free, because they serve all kinds of food. But a vegan restaurant wouldn't have that issue.

I don't know, I'm kind of brainstorming here, as I find this an interesting challenge. Good luck on your search. Hopefully, others here on WW will have more definite advice for you.

View Quoted Comment That might be more difficult but I would look into a vegan or kosher caterer or restaurant.

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No im not talking about the entire menu being vegan. just dairy free.

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Anywhere ive found as a venu makes you use their cooks/chefs.

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Sorry, I misunderstood about the menu. So, not necessarily vegan, just dairy free. Still not going to be easy.

Yes, this is often the case, but not always. The venue we chose has it's own catering/restaurant and use of them is required. But I'm hearing from lots of people here on WW that don't have catering attached to their venue. In fact, if this is what your needs are, you should be looking for a venue that doesn't have it's own catering. I mean, maybe you've already found your venue, and aren't willing to change it. But if you haven't, start looking for places where you'd need to bring in your own catering. Then you can more easily control the food/menu. You can go with a place that you and FS already love maybe, and know you can trust them to handle your restrictions/requirements.

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Thats the bigger difficulty is finding a venue that allows outside catering lol. I cant seem to find one in my area. =/

Instead of looking for a venue first, I’d search for a caterer that fits what you’re looking for and then ask where they’ve done weddings. They should have some insight on venues that allow outside caterers.

I don't know what kind of venue you are interested in, but have you looked "outside the box" for venues? Museums, city parks, elk's lodge, vfw halls, art galleries, are all places that don't necessarily have in-house catering, but can be really awesome wedding venues. Even your city's local community center, or neighborhood clubhouse could be a good spot where you can bring in your own catering. Just suggestions.

My caterer has been good so far. I figure a caterer should know better than to gamble with allergens(fish and mushrooms I have allergies to). They might take you more seriously if you say your lactose intolerant. Which it'd suck to avoid the truth it might make them take your ideas more seriously.
A handful of my guests are gluten free so that's come up as something they charge extra for.
And frankly people cater their entire menu to their beliefs if you did want it to be vegan I don't think it'd be a problem. It's your wedding which centers around what you and your husband want. Caterers should respect that .

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I've never thought of that. Thats a great idea thanks!

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Outdoor tented.

Hi! I keep to a gluten free diet (helps with pain management) and our vendors have been super accommodating. They adopted out menu really easily and the one dish they could they are make a plate just for me that is GF. I also have a bridesmaid that has a lot of food restrictions and they are making her a special played meal (everyone one else will be at the buffet).

I think the biggest thing is to pick food that can be easily adapted to fit the dietary restriction. Although tbh, I could see vegan being a bit more challenging the gf. Just speak up and ask

I don’t think dairy-free and beef-free is difficult. I was surprised how many allergies guests listed: dairy, gluten, nuts. So for our first course we opted for a garden salad with two dressing choices on the sides. We had a pasta dish (marina sauce, no dairy) or a meat dish option as the second course.

I’m gluten free, not by choice but by necessity. 99% of our wedding was gluten free. I’m used to going to events and being able to eat very little and I didn’t want that feeling at our wedding! We had a breaded chicken breast (they made me a GF version) and we had grilled cheese and tomato shooters (they made a GF version). So EVERYTHING was accommodated, but a large chunk of my family is also gluten free so it was logical. Sorry but I made sure all of the food was amazing and that I was able to eat it all and I find no fault with that.

I have a ton of allergies but I just got good I could have. Our wedding will accommodate to allergies and food preferences for free. They will get a plated meal. They say it is seasonal.

|n my mind no dairy is really easy to pull off. Are you counting egg as dairy though? Either way you can have a great variety without dairy. My family is gluten free and I am doing my own gluten free desert table for my kids and other gluten free guest. Non dairy cake is super easy as we make it at home when we make our vegan / gluten free deserts. Seems like a lot of gluten free recipes end up being vegan. Anyways maybe chicken, fish, green beans, potatoes, rice, salad, squash, broccoli, carrots, meatballs (turkey), bacon rapped shrimp =)

Personally my caterer has been super great-- we are doing family style with chicken and beef options, veggies (vegan and gf), starch (vegan and gf), and special entrees for folks who are gluten free or vegan (any vegetarians will get a vegan meal, I feel like it's just easier that way).

You should be able to do dairy free without issue, and have a special plate for yourself. Most places these days are really great with all the various dietary restrictions. I would also see if you could do a tasting before you book anyone to be sure you won't be disappointed!