The topic of how to feed everyone at a wedding is unusually close to my heart, as I suffer from a couple of food allergies that make it very difficult for me to eat out or go to events that come with a lunch or other catering. The common perception of allergy sufferers is that we do this just to be awkward and create trouble for others. This is further compounded by tabloid stories of ridiculous 'celebrities' who've voluntarily given up certain foods to follow some fad diet. If I got £1 for every time I've been told I only 'think' I have an allergy, then I'd be a lot richer than I am now. I've also lost count of the number of occasions where I've gone somewhere to find there's literally nothing safe for me to eat. The most horrible ones of these are when I've actually spoken to the host/hostess beforehand to try and sort something out, only to turn up and be told they 'forgot'. For anyone doubting why this is unpleasant, picture yourself at a large gathering where everyone eats and you just sit there with nothing whilst people stare at you. Us humans have turned eating from just a biological necessity to an important social thing that brings people together. It's not fun to be cut out of this.
Contrary to popular belief it's not that difficult to cater for allergy sufferers at a wedding or similar event. The key is to keep the food simple. There is no reason for lamb to be smothered in flour before its roasted, for example. It's easy for a chef to just do a chocolate mousse instead of a chocolate and nut one. Simple, seasonal, locally sourced food 'built' from the blocks of fish, meat, and vegetables actually tastes better than overly fancy things that have gone through twenty different processes before they reach your plate. The other key principle to accommodating allergy sufferers is to establish clear communication with your guests about the food to be served at the wedding. The easiest way to do this is to send out information with the save the dates or invites, asking guests to inform you of any dietary needs, or to perhaps contact the caterers directly. If you are having a buffet at the wedding, the allergy you will need to watch out for most is gluten/wheat, as many buffet options (e.g sandwiches) contain this. Gluten/wheat allergies are very common, so it would be prudent to include a couple of buffet items that are not based round bread or crackers. Perhaps there could be a vegetable or rice at the bottom instead. If you are having a traditional sit-down meal at your reception, you would expect to offer a vegetarian option, so why not make sure that the meat and vegetarian options are also free from the most common allergies (gluten, diary, nuts)? In the dessert course it could be as easy as offering a bowl of fruit for those who can't have cake.
Allergy sufferers are used to caterers, chefs, and other food professionals saying they can't 100% guarantee things are allergy free. Like everyone else with a medical condition, we take responsibility for our own safety. But it would be lovely if there was something we could eat at your wedding. Your guests are there because they want to participate fully in this very special day with you, which includes sitting down to eat with everyone else. After all, weddings do go on for quite a while, and going ten hours on just fizzy wine doesn't do anybody any good!
