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Breaking down your wedding guests’ dietary requirements

Receptions // by The QB Team

Don’t know your vegans from your vegetarians? Your paleos from your pescatarians? To help you avoid an awkward situation, we’ve broken down the most common dietary requirements – phew!

Related article: 57 questions to ask your caterers 

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From the wedding of Sarah + Billy

VEGETARIAN

There are some subcategories to vegetarianism, but we’ll save you a headache and keep it basic. Basically, plants are your friends – simple!

Can eat: Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, soy foods, beans, peas, lentils, dairy products, olive oil and eggs.
Can’t eat: Meat, fish, shellfish and any alcohol involving animal products in the processing (depending on how strictly vegetarian your guests are). It’s also common for vegetarians to avoid gelatin – maybe skip serving panacotta for dessert!

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From the wedding of Emily + Matt

VEGAN

Veganism is one step up from vegetarianism, involving only plant-based foods and excluding anything that’s animal-derived. Don’t want to exclude your vegan guests from enjoying your wedding cake? There are plenty of talented cake artists that offer scrumptious vegan-friendly bakes – like the ones served at Emily and Matt’s wedding (above)!

Can eat: Fruit, vegetables, soy-based protein, grains, egg-free pasta and olive oil.
Can’t eat: Meat, dairy products, eggs, honey, fish, shellfish, any alcohol involving animal products in the processing.

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From Unsplash

PALEO

Based on the types of foods believed to be eaten by early humans, the Paleo diet relies on unprocessed items.

Can eat: Grass-fed meats, fish/seafood, fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts and ‘healthy oils’ (such as olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado and coconut).
Can’t eat: Cereal grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, processed foods, overly salty foods, refined vegetable oils and alcohol.

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From the wedding of Barbara + Ana

PESCATARIAN

Similar to vegetarianism, this diet allows for fish and seafood but excludes any land-based meats. If there are any pescatarians on your guest-list, perhaps offer a salmon or seared tuna dish – delicious, on-trend and totally mindful. Winner winner… fish dinner!

Can eat: Seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, soy foods, beans, peas, lentils, dairy products and olive oil. Eggs are a bit of a grey area, so consult with any pescatarian guests.
Can’t eat: Land-based meats, such as beef, lamb and chicken.

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From the wedding of Sam + Dylan

GLUTEN-FREE

The key to this diet is basically in the name. Found in certain grains, gluten is the thing to keep your eye out for when serving Coeliac or gluten-free guests.

Can eat: Fruit, vegetables, fresh meats, eggs, nuts, legumes, milk, fats, oils, gluten-free alcohol and gluten-free grains (such as rice and corn).
Can’t eat: Wheat, rye, barley and oats.

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From the wedding of Sam + Dylan

DAIRY-FREE

Duh. Consider serving your dairy-free guests a special dairy-free cupcake minus the buttercream icing – and think twice about offering Milky Ways at the lolly buffet.

Can eat: Anything non-dairy. Surprise, surprise.
Can’t eat: Dairy. Obviously

Planning your special day? Check out our ‘Tips + Advice’ stories here

Feature image from the wedding of Lisa + Sean