Hosting an event in Melbourne? Learn expert tips from Events With Amie on catering for diverse guest needs, from dietary requirements to age and preferences.
Hosting an event is always exciting, but it comes with a tricky challenge: feeding everyone. From picky eaters and children to guests with dietary restrictions or adventurous palates, catering to all types of guests can feel like a juggling act. As a Melbourne event planner, I’ve seen first-hand how thoughtful planning and smart choices can make every guest feel included and satisfied—without creating unnecessary stress for the host.
The key is to think about your guest list first. Are there children attending? Elderly family members? Anyone with allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences? Once you know your audience, you can design a menu that hits the sweet spot for everyone. The goal isn’t to please everyone individually, but to offer variety and options that allow each guest to enjoy themselves comfortably.
One of my favourite approaches is creating stations or shared platters. Grazing tables filled with a mix of proteins, fresh vegetables, breads, cheeses, and sweets let guests pick what appeals to them. For formal dinners, offering a few mains with clear labelling—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or kid-friendly—ensures that no one feels overlooked. It’s also worth speaking with your caterer early on. Melbourne has a wealth of talented suppliers who are used to tailoring menus for mixed dietary needs, and many are happy to suggest substitutions or creative alternatives.
For drinks, a simple selection usually works best. Having water, soft drinks, a couple of wine options, and maybe a signature cocktail covers most tastes without overwhelming your bar setup. If you’re hosting outdoors or on private property, consider accessibility and flow, so guests can serve themselves easily without bottlenecks.
Entertainment and timing can also impact catering. Offering snacks or light bites during long arrivals or ceremony transitions keeps little tummies satisfied, while planning meal service around active social moments ensures adults aren’t left hungry.
Finally, presentation matters. Even simple options look elevated when plated thoughtfully or styled beautifully on shared tables. Fresh flowers, labelled cards, and attractive serving dishes go a long way in creating a sense of care and attention for every guest.
At the end of the day, catering to all types of guests is about balance, foresight, and a bit of creativity. With planning, flexibility, and the right vendor team, you can provide a dining experience that leaves everyone happy and nourished—without the host feeling frazzled.
If you’re planning an event in Melbourne and want help designing a menu and experience that works for every guest, Events With Amie can take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the celebration.