Creating an event menu that caters to different dietary restrictions
As an event planner, accommodating different dietary restrictions can be challenging and daunting, especially if you are talking about hundreds of participants! Not only do you have to think about the flavors that will appeal to your participants, but you also need to take into account any dietary restrictions they may have. From gluten-free to vegan, there are plenty of different diets that you'll need to cater to. With a little creativity, you can come up with something that everyone will enjoy! Here are some tips for creating an event menu that caters to different dietary restrictions.
Start by finding out the different dietary restrictions your participants may have
The easiest way to do this is by including the dietary information in the event's pre-registration form. This way, your participants will be able to share with you their food allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. This will also allow you to determine a headcount for those with food allergies and dietary restrictions for your chef or caterer. If you are not doing a pre-registration, ask your participants about any allergies or dietary restrictions upon their arrival at the event and mark their name tags or put a color-coded sticker on their tags that will help your team members identify their dietary restrictions.
Plan a menu or cuisine that includes a variety of dishes that can be easily modified to fit different diets
Menus can be tailored to accommodate dietary restrictions with easily modifiable items such as salads, pasta, or sandwiches. You can also consider offering a variety of appetizers and small plates that will give participants plenty of options. In addition, choosing a specific type of cuisine can also help you streamline a menu much easier. For example, Mexican and Italian usually have plenty of options that cater to vegans and vegetarians, while Southeast Asian cuisine often has fewer ingredients, so people with restricted diets can still enjoy them without feeling left out!
Label all dishes with their ingredients so participants can easily see what they can and cannot eat
Using the information you have from the participants’ registration, you can mark any allergens and dietary restrictions on their name tags. If you are not pre-registering your participants, ask them about any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have when they arrive. Then label or place signage near the food stations that list all of the allergens and dietary restrictions for each dish. This will help participants with special needs make informed decisions about what dishes they can enjoy. Make sure you and your team members are also ready to answer any questions about your menu or the food during the event!
If possible, serve food buffet style so people can choose what they want to eat instead of having everything pre-made for them
Buffets can be a great alternative to plated meals, especially for events with hundreds of participants, because it is easier for the caterer to prepare food in big batches. In addition, event participants can get what and how much exactly they want, minimizing food wastage. Most importantly, this is beneficial for participants with dietary restrictions because they can choose from a variety of dishes that fit their needs.
ELE Tip: If you're working on a tight budget for your event, buffets are often more affordable than plated meals, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Complement your menu with a variety of beverages
A well-rounded event menu should include a variety of beverages to make it more enjoyable. Offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic options is always a safe bet, and you can also spice things up by having a few specialty cocktails or mocktails on hand. If the budget permits, you can also offer a selection of vegan wines and beers or gluten-free drinks to make your participants feel welcome and ensure that they enjoy their evening out!
Planning an event menu that accommodates different dietary restrictions can be tricky. Still, with a bit of planning and close coordination with your caterer or chef, it can be done! The most important step is to communicate with your participants well—possibly in advance—about their dietary needs so that you and the kitchen staff can adequately plan and prepare.
Let us know if you find this blog post helpful. If you have more questions about this topic, you can send us an email at hello@erinleonardevents.com. Follow us on social media for more tips, best practices, and industry updates!