Got food sensitivities or dietary needs? Please don’t stay silent

At Table, we understand how it feels. You’ve RSVP’d to an event and that quiet worry creeps in — Will there be anything I can eat?

You don’t want to make a fuss. You don’t want to come across as awkward. Maybe you’ve had too many disappointing meals in the past or felt like a problem rather than a guest.

But here’s the truth: you deserve to feel included. You deserve a proper, enjoyable meal — not a plain plate or a polite apology. And the only way that can happen is if your dietary requirements are shared in advance.

As a trusted event catering company in Northern Ireland, we’ve looked after thousands of guests at weddings, corporate events, retreats and private celebrations. We’ve seen how common this quiet anxiety around food can be. We want to change that.

If you live with food sensitivities, intolerances, allergies or have any special dietary needs, this is your gentle nudge: please speak up.

Why good communication matters for inclusive catering

Many people assume a caterer can just rustle something up on the day — but that’s rarely the case, especially with mobile catering.

At Table, we don’t work out of a restaurant kitchen. We’re a mobile catering company, which means everything is prepped in advance, carefully packed, and brought with us to your event. Your meal needs to be planned and cooked before we even leave our kitchen — often one or two days beforehand.

We can’t dig through a fridge of spare ingredients or improvise something safe on the spot. If we haven’t been told about your dietary needs, there may not be anything suitable on the day.

This isn’t about being picky. It’s about making sure we can take care of you properly.

You’re not being awkward — you’re a guest

We’ve seen it many times — guests looking genuinely surprised, in the best way, when handed a clearly labelled, beautifully presented meal made just for them. Not cobbled together. Not an afterthought. Just good food, made with care.

One guest at a corporate catering event told us she had planned to skip the meal entirely. She couldn’t face the usual awkwardness, the wait, the plate of plain vegetables. But when she saw what we’d made for her — a hot, flavourful dish that matched the rest of the table — she nearly cried. That’s what proper hospitality looks like. And that’s what we aim for, every time.

Common worries we hear from guests with dietary needs

Guests with food sensitivities or intolerances often feel unsure about speaking up. We’ve heard it all:

• “I didn’t want to be a bother”
• “I thought someone else would have told you”
• “I’ve had bad experiences in the past”
• “I assumed there wouldn’t be anything for me anyway”

But here’s the thing: letting the host or organiser know is the most helpful thing you can do. It allows us to include you properly and make sure you feel safe, welcome and well fed.

What to do if you have a dietary requirement

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a retreat, a private party or a BBQ event, here’s how to make sure you’re looked after:

1. Tell the organiser early

The sooner, the better. Don’t assume they already know — or that the caterer has it covered. If Table has been booked for the event, we’ll be asking for this information in plenty of time, but we can’t include it if no one tells us.

2. Be clear and specific

Terms like “dairy free” or “gluten free” mean different things to different people. Let the organiser know exactly what you avoid, and whether it’s due to an allergy, intolerance or personal choice.

3. Ask if you’re not sure

If no one’s mentioned the menu or asked about dietary requirements, it’s okay to ask. A quick check-in can make all the difference.

4. Don’t apologise

You’re not being difficult. You’re making sure you can enjoy the day just like everyone else. That’s not something to feel guilty about.

Our commitment to inclusive catering

At Table, we believe inclusive catering should be the standard — not an optional extra. Everyone deserves a proper meal, whether they eat plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, or anything else. We plan ahead, label carefully, and make sure special meals are packed separately to avoid confusion.

We’ve catered everything from vegan wedding feasts to gluten-free BBQs and nut-free children’s parties. Our food doesn’t compromise on taste, and no guest should have to settle for less.
We cater to special dietary requirements; however, please note that all allergens are present in our kitchens. Due to the mobile nature of our business, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of cross-contamination.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a private celebration, or organising a networking event, we’re here to help you create a welcoming food experience for everyone.

Final thought

If you’re attending an event catered by Table and you have food sensitivities or specific dietary needs, please speak up. Pass the information on to the host or organiser. Even if it feels like a small detail — it’s not to us. We’ll take care of the rest.

And if you’re hosting, give your guests the chance to share what they need. It’s one of the simplest and kindest things you can do.

Good hospitality starts with good communication. And everyone deserves to feel like a valued guest.