How far in advance should caterers know dietary requirements?

One month before the wedding day. I also recommend finalizing all the details with your vendors by then, so you’ll have time to relax and, if any unexpected issues arise, there’s still time to address them calmly.

Dietary concerns are often one of the first quetions clients raise with me when we delve into menu. Interestingly its one of the last details we actually need to deal with as the quoting process comes to finalisation. Eatdrink requires final menu to be in place approxiately 1 month out to ensure all  hire requirements (especially large equipment items)  can be secured. We require dietary requirements to be finalised about 1 week out to fit in with food ordering, prep and paperwork for the team on the day. 

We customise dietary meals to suit each guest’s individual needs and ask for final dietary details to be confirmed 7 days before the big day, which usually aligns with when final guest numbers are locked in.

That said, it’s always helpful to know about any key dietary requirements during the planning phase. For example, if the couple would like the entire menu to be gluten-free, it’s best to share that early so we can design the menu accordingly from the outset.

With just a little notice, we can make sure everyone feels cared for and the flow of service stays seamless. We’re all about thoughtful, tailored experiences and ensuring every guest feels considered is at the heart of what we do at Creative Catering.

Hi

When you confirm guest numbers with your caterer thats when you need to confirm dietary requirements, even as the date approches you need to keep updating with your catering company. For our business I would like to know at least 3 weeks before the event. It is also a good idea to let the caterer know the guests name and even show it on your seating plan if you have one for your event. 

As a general rule, when you send out the invitations to your guests, ask them to respond with any dietary requirements as well. Fianl numbers (including dietary needs) can be forwarded any time, but as a rule at least seven working days prior to the event. Be wary of people who, on the day, may change their minds, or other guests who may say they have dietary needs, but haven't advised their host. Often it is good to advise dietary needs by person's name so that they are the designated recipient.

As pizza caterers, dietary requirements are really easy to prepare for. The Woodfire Desire team only need a weeks notice, and even then, we get last minute changes on the day which we can adjust to easily. We always come prepared.