The role of dietary restrictions and preferences in bespoke catering

When planning an event – whether it’s a party, a wedding, or anything else – many people opt for bespoke catering. But what happens when you or your guests have dietary restrictions – such as allergies, lifestyle choices such as veganism or vegetarianism – or specific preferences regarding food?

As providers of bespoke catering, we here at Ella Jaye Catering know how important it is to take dietary restrictions and preferences into account when planning a menu!

Dietary restrictions and preferences: Where they fit into bespoke catering

There are a number of dietary restrictions that people may have, and there will likely be at least one person with such a restriction at any event. Dietary restrictions include allergies – common examples include shellfish and peanuts – and intolerances such as gluten intolerance. Some people might also be vegan or vegetarian. Others may simply dislike certain foods. All of this needs to be accounted for when planning bespoke catering.

It's important to make the catering company aware of any dietary restrictions or preferences at the time of booking. This means they can ensure that all the food they prepare is suitable for these requirements – for example, they will know to leave out any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction and to avoid cross contamination during the preparation.

Being aware of preferences means that the caterers can offer options that most of your guests should enjoy. While some caterers may offer vegan or vegetarian options by default, letting them know when you book means that there will definitely be food suitable for your vegan or vegetarian guests. This could mean including dedicated vegan or vegetarian options or altering dishes to make them vegan-friendly.

It's important to know your guests’ dietary requirements before you book bespoke catering, as it may not be possible for caterers to make changes close to the event. Because of this, it’s a good idea to ask guests about restrictions and preferences around the time you invite them. This way, you can ensure that everyone is catered for.

If you’re planning an event, bespoke catering is a must. At Ella Jaye Catering, we can provide bespoke catering for a variety of events, and we are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions (excluding severe allergies) and preferences – just let us know!

Get in touch with us today to book catering for your event.