Gluten-free food

heidilynn43

Has anyone had their wedding catered with gluten-free food, or another really specific allergy?My dad is allergic to gluten, and since it's a recent diagnosis, it's taken it's toll on him (emotionally mostly). I know it sounds kind of stupid but think of how much you love your favorite foods :)Anyway, my mom of course said, don't worry about it, I can cook a gluten-free meal for him in the kitchen (the ceremony and reception is taking place on the family farm). I feel really awful about this and always feel terrible eating non-gluten-free foods and seeing him have to 'cope' and find something else.I'm going to do some research into gluten-free caterers (we're doing buffet by the way), and assuming the food is tasty, do you see issues with this? Would guests complain? Would you just order normal food or cater to the allergy?I know you can't please everyone, and just play it safe by offering some vegetarian dish and a variety, but it' my DAD...

lyndausvi

DH gets special orders for gluten-free food all the time. Most caterers should know who to handle the special request. Since it's a buffet there should be no reason why  you can have both options.  You do not have to advertise it, your dad will  know what he can and can not eat.  Much like someone with a peanut or shellfish allergy.  

aerinpegadrak

Also look into bakers who can do gluten-free cake or cupcakes.  If they do it right, it's just as tasty as regular cake.  You can do just one layer, or just a few cupcakes, gluten-free, unless you know you have other guests with the allergy as well.My college had labels on all the foods, and notes as to any special requirements it filled (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) so people could gravitate toward that stuff.  But if your dad is the only one who needs it, you could tell him in advance what he can eat and what he should avoid.

jenn.daniel

Guests will not complain. If anyone says something (and I doubt anyone would), they should understand if you said it was for a family member.

hollieheidi

We're having centerpiece cakes and a special menu becuase we have a significant number of guests that are either vegan or gluten-free. There are alot of ways to make regular foods gluten-free.  One thing I did find out about making things gluten-free is that if you go this route the caterer has to know that they can't prepare the gluten-free items without cleaning utensils and things like that because of cross contamination.  I know most caterers familiar with GF diets will know this, but I always say it just to make sure.I'm seating all of our dietary restriction folks at the same table and noting the vegan/GF food items by a star on the cards at the buffet so the guests know which ones are safe.