Ask about dietary requirements on the RSVP itself, so the answer arrives with the reply. Use plain wording such as "Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements, and who they are for." Offer common options like vegetarian, vegan and gluten free, leave space for anything else and pass the answers to your caterer.
What wording should you use to ask about dietary needs?
Please let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies when you reply.
Does anyone in your party have an allergy or dietary requirement? Please tell us who it is for.
The venue needs dietary requirements in advance. Please add yours when you choose your meal.
Anything you cannot or do not eat? Tell us and we will sort it.
What is the difference between an allergy and a preference?
An allergy or intolerance is about safety; a preference is about taste. Ask in a way that lets guests make that clear, because the caterer handles them differently.
| Type | Examples | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy | Nuts, sesame, shellfish | Pass to the caterer by name and check how they will handle it |
| Intolerance or medical need | Coeliac disease, lactose intolerance | Pass to the caterer by name |
| Religious or ethical requirement | Halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan | Confirm the meal option with the caterer |
| Preference | Does not like mushrooms | Usually covered by the meal choice |
Which options should you offer?
A short list with space for anything else works best. On RSVP Events the dietary question offers no requirements, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, nut allergy, halal and kosher, plus a box for something else and who it is for.
UK food businesses must be able to tell customers about 14 major allergens, so your caterer will be used to these questions. Give them names, not just numbers, so they can match each need to a person.
Should you ask about dietary needs for every guest?
Yes, if you are serving food. Ask for the whole party in one reply and ask who each need belongs to, so a nut allergy is attached to the right place card.
How do you pass dietary requirements to the caterer?
- Export the guest list with names, meal choices and dietary answers.
- Check for vague answers such as "a few allergies" and ask those guests directly.
- Send the list to the caterer with the final numbers.
- Ask the caterer to confirm how each allergy will be handled.
How should you treat the information?
Dietary and medical details are personal. Ask only for what you need, explain why, share it only with the people preparing food and delete old exports after the event.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask guests about dietary requirements?
No. It is considerate, especially for a sit-down meal. Most guests with allergies are relieved to be asked rather than having to raise it themselves.
Where do dietary requirements go on a wedding invitation?
On the RSVP card or online RSVP form, next to the meal choice. A short line on the invitation, such as "please tell us about any dietary needs when you reply", is enough.
What if a guest does not mention their allergy?
You can only plan for what you are told. Asking clearly on the RSVP, and once more in your reminder, gives guests two easy chances to tell you.