It seems like more and more people have some food that they will not or cannot eat. Some are vegetarians, some are vegans, some may be lactose or gluten intolerant. Even more serious, though, are allergies, such as those to nuts or shellfish. It is an unpleasant but important thing that a couple should factor in when planning the menu for their wedding reception.
There is a big debate about how many accommodations it is necessary and reasonable to make for your wedding guests. If you are big fans of steak and potatoes, do you really need to serve fish instead in case any of your guests eschew red meat? Probably not, although it might be nice to offer the choice. Allergies, however, are a different matter, because they can be a life or death situation. The most dangerous food allergies are usually to nuts, peanuts, and shellfish, so it might be wise to take that into consideration.
The last thing that you want is for one of your guests, beautifully attired in a cocktail dress and wedding jewelry, to go into anaphylactic shock in the middle of your reception! Many people who have serious allergies will carry medicine with them at all times, but sometimes in the excitement of getting ready for the wedding, putting on their fancy clothing and jewelry, and switching to a tiny evening bag, the medicine gets forgotten in the hotel room. This is why it is best for the hosts to take some simple precautions, especially if they know that any of their guests have dangerous food allergies.
This is not to say that you should not serve German chocolate cake at your reception if it is your all time favorite. It is more about making it obvious if allergens are present in the foods that your serve. For instance, if there are nuts on the inside of your cake, decorate the outside of your cake with nuts, which will be a clear warning for people who cannot eat them to stay away.
Speak to your caterer about not putting very allergenic foods into places where they might not be expected. It can be difficult to know when sauces contain nuts or fish stock; for instance you would expect nuts in a Thai satay, but did you know that some people use peanut butter in bar-b-que sauce as well? If you are having an Asian themed reception or rehearsal dinner, beware of eggrolls that are sealed with peanut butter.
Many types of fine cuisine will feature allergens as ingredients. One way to handle this without restricting your menu is by labeling each dish. If you are having a buffet or serving station, you can have elegant little cards naming each dish. A card might read, "Chicken in lobster sauce", which is nice because it both informs your guests what is in each tray and sends a message to those with an allergy. Menu cards can also be a simple way to get information to your guests. Instead of just writing "French cut green beans", print "French cut green beans garnished with slivered almonds". That way, a guest with an allergy to tree nuts could ask the server to omit the green beans from their plate. (People without food allergies often do not realize that a highly allergenic individual cannot simply scrape the nuts off; the risk of contamination to other food on the plate is too high.)
Food allergies are certainly a pain, but they do not have to be a problem at your wedding. It is very simple for the bride and groom to work with their caterer to plan a menu that will not cause difficulties for their guests. After all, you want your reception to be enjoyable for all those in attendance.
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There is a big debate about how many accommodations it is necessary and reasonable to make for your wedding guests. If you are big fans of steak and potatoes, do you really need to serve fish instead in case any of your guests eschew red meat? Probably not, although it might be nice to offer the choice. Allergies, however, are a different matter, because they can be a life or death situation. The most dangerous food allergies are usually to nuts, peanuts, and shellfish, so it might be wise to take that into consideration.
The last thing that you want is for one of your guests, beautifully attired in a cocktail dress and wedding jewelry, to go into anaphylactic shock in the middle of your reception! Many people who have serious allergies will carry medicine with them at all times, but sometimes in the excitement of getting ready for the wedding, putting on their fancy clothing and jewelry, and switching to a tiny evening bag, the medicine gets forgotten in the hotel room. This is why it is best for the hosts to take some simple precautions, especially if they know that any of their guests have dangerous food allergies.
This is not to say that you should not serve German chocolate cake at your reception if it is your all time favorite. It is more about making it obvious if allergens are present in the foods that your serve. For instance, if there are nuts on the inside of your cake, decorate the outside of your cake with nuts, which will be a clear warning for people who cannot eat them to stay away.
Speak to your caterer about not putting very allergenic foods into places where they might not be expected. It can be difficult to know when sauces contain nuts or fish stock; for instance you would expect nuts in a Thai satay, but did you know that some people use peanut butter in bar-b-que sauce as well? If you are having an Asian themed reception or rehearsal dinner, beware of eggrolls that are sealed with peanut butter.
Many types of fine cuisine will feature allergens as ingredients. One way to handle this without restricting your menu is by labeling each dish. If you are having a buffet or serving station, you can have elegant little cards naming each dish. A card might read, "Chicken in lobster sauce", which is nice because it both informs your guests what is in each tray and sends a message to those with an allergy. Menu cards can also be a simple way to get information to your guests. Instead of just writing "French cut green beans", print "French cut green beans garnished with slivered almonds". That way, a guest with an allergy to tree nuts could ask the server to omit the green beans from their plate. (People without food allergies often do not realize that a highly allergenic individual cannot simply scrape the nuts off; the risk of contamination to other food on the plate is too high.)
Food allergies are certainly a pain, but they do not have to be a problem at your wedding. It is very simple for the bride and groom to work with their caterer to plan a menu that will not cause difficulties for their guests. After all, you want your reception to be enjoyable for all those in attendance.
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2p's Treasures Cook Book - For Allergies, Candida and Diabetes
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Food Allergies ~ Gives ideas and suggestions on solving food problems.
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Peanut Butter, Milk, And Other Deadly Threats: What You Should Know About Food Allergies
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Some great wedding ideas by Ashlee
Guy writes on many subjects including travel,customs and society. SilverlandJewelry.com Wedding jewelry puts the perfect finishing touch on a special outfit.
http://ashleeweddings.blog.com/
http://sparklingweddings.blogspot.com/
http://merrybrides.blogspot.com/
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Hope you have a great wedding!!
