rsvp Card - Vegetarian/vegan option and buffet

I had a line for dietary restrictions, but almost no one used it. Only people who really needed it like 2 vegans and one shrimp allergy.

I did the same as pp. I think having the option for dietary line is kind of necessary though just in case

I would definitely do a “Dietary Restriction” line/section. It really wasn’t too much of a hassle. We got probably around 5 people (out of 170-180 people) who actually used it and I’m glad we included it since it helped us accommodate those with celiac and renal disease.

I would put “Dietary Restrictions" that way if someone is allergic to stuff in your buffet, you can get them a vegan meal that hopefully doesn't include that.

I would defiantly do a dietary restrictions line as well. I am an Event Manager (planning my own wedding now) and I always recommend that people ask for dietary restrictions and not just specifically vegetarian/vegan. Someone could have an allergy you didn't think of and your caterer should be willing to work with you on that. They could always provide one meal that meets the entirety of the needs - a gluten free vegan option for example. People will only use it if they need it for the most part.

A line for dietary restrictions is required so you can inform the caterers of peoples restrictions and allergies. They’ll need to be able double check what’s in the options being served. Veggies and vegans can use that line, along with people that are gluten free, have allergies etc. A lot of people might not use it buy you want all your guests (and the caterers) comfortable with the food. My husband has severe food allergies and if there’s no line we have to reach out to the couple and they still have to convey the information to catering so it’s easier if you have a unified way of doing this.

I agree with PP on allowing for a Dietary Restrictions line. My guest list includes friends with severe peanut allergies and gluten-free needs that may very well be concerns your guests have that you might not be aware of. I think most people know this section is not to make requests on what they want to eat.

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If I go with dietary restrictions, do people usually list who have it? For instance if I invite two guests, how would I know if I need to provide one or two gluten free/vegetarian/vegan meals? Trying to make it as clear as possible so I don't have to reach out to anyone

You should have a line asking about dietary restrictions since some food allergies are very serious. That way, the dishes can be labelled appropriately to warn guests as they come through. But instead of having a special plate just for the vegans, have a chafing dish or two set up clearly labelled "vegan" that most people will understand is not for them. That is going to mean having cards or other display in front of each item listing what it is and potential allergens.

View Quoted Comment As much as I'd love to, unfortunately that is not an option for us. Our buffet has two meats and two sides and the vegan option is a plated choice that we are ordering enough of to cover who needs it but we can't add it to the buffet.