If you’re recently engaged or planning a wedding, I imagine you’ve considered many food options for your big day. Whether you are going with a casual fare or a more elegant approach, I am sure with all of your research you may have found yourself a little overwhelmed. With all of the dietary needs and evolving nutrition choices so many of us are making today, it’s no wonder finalizing your wedding menu can get a little tricky. Do you go all vegan? Create separate stations for your vegetarian guests? Offer Keto or low-carb entrees? What about nut allergies?!
When considering your menu, there is a lot at stake! Today, we’re talking about some menu items that are versatile and still tasty, yet provide a reasonable option for your gluten-free friends and family! In future blogs, we’ll discuss some options for the aforementioned guests above, and provide healthy and alternative options that please everyone. Let’s dive in!
To begin with, these ideas are just a simple overview of what your caterer may suggest. Always rely on the professionals to work with you on finding some great options that fit your theme; after all – they do this for a living! For cocktail hour or some simple appetizers, substitute starches like crackers and bread for swaps like plantain chips or cauliflower. I am sure you’ve seen some popular options for cauliflower in your local grocery store and weddings are no different! It’s amazing what you can turn into a healthier option: pizza bites on a cauliflower crust (if you’re going casual) to prosciutto-wrapped pears with a balsamic drizzle. 
Consider serving a Gluten-Free Cheesy Baked Potato Soup in little cups as one of your appetizers!
As for entrees, whether you are having a family style, plated, or buffet menu – most entrees are easily made gluten-free and should be an easy accommodation for your guests. If you are serving steak or chicken with a side of pasta, have your caterer offer a simple swap for a rice pilaf instead. By providing this option to your guests, you are not only showing that you are considerate of their nutritional needs, it also provides an easy way to customize their experience. As a tip, to make this adjustment even easier before your wedding day, work with your caterer on a code for their servers the day of the wedding. On the place card, provide a color code or symbol that fits your theme so that each guest’s card communicates their menu choices. For example, a rose could mean steak, a sunflower for chicken, and greenery could communicate to the caterer that your guest is a vegan and needs that menu option. This way your guests enjoy an uninterrupted experience and do not feel awkward pointing out that they need special accommodations.
For most gluten-free eaters, I am sure the most difficult meal to find options for are desserts. Between flour-baked cakes and cookies, it is hard to work in a sweet treat without gluten unless specified. This is an easy way to delight and surprise your guests! By working with your baker, you can either adjust your wedding cake to be gluten-free, or simply serve flour-less cookies, cupcakes, or brownie options on a dessert bar to really entice your guests. Once again, this simple gesture goes a long way in accommodating and pleasing your guests and will be sure to make their experience that much more enjoyable!. After all, who doesn’t like dessert?! One of my recent grooms is gluten free and for their dessert, they had Apple Pie for her and Cheesecake for him! 
pc: Margaret Wroblewski Photography
Overall, there is a lot to consider when working out your menu. At the end of the day, your wedding is yours and you do not have to overwhelm yourself with finding alternative options for your wedding guests. That being said, if you happen to know that your close friend’s family is gluten-free, offering an option for them to make them feel welcome involves a simple conversation with your caterer and could go a long way! For more information or for help in navigating these tricky situations, feel free to set up a free consultation with me!
Featured (Gluten-Free) image from Healthline
