Wanting the perfect wedding is only natural. You're marrying the partner of your dreams! But wow, things can really add up financially. In addition to the price of flowers, attire and venue, you have to consider your Great-Aunt Harriet's shellfish allergy, your cousin Kenny's lactose intolerance, your nephew Timmy's peanut allergy, your boss' Halal diet, your best friend Kim's gluten allergy and Grandpa's Kosher diet when putting together a menu. It sure can be confusing and expensive.

Or maybe not...

Whether you choose a backyard ceremony with home cooking or a lavishly catered hotel venue, it's a good idea to query your guests about any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you send out your invitations. Sharon Naylor, the author of Weddings Away says: "I suggest giving guests an extra chance to alert you about food allergies (in addition to notification space on the response card). Post or email a reminder that you welcome any food allergy request messages up to the date when the caterer needs all final information."

The most common food allergic reactions are to nuts, shellfish, dairy and gluten. Dietary restrictions tend to be religious or personal choices such as keeping Kosher, Halal, vegetarian (no meat or animal flesh) or vegan (no animal products at all, such as eggs). There are also a number of people allergic to specific fruits, seeds (like sesame), coconuts, sulfites (as in wine), and soy. Kosher diets exclude certain types of meats, forbid mixing meat and dairy together, and require standards for humane kills. Halal diets do not include pork products, alcohol and also requires Halal kill standards. Salad dressings and sauces can be hidden culprits so be sure to check their ingredients.

If you are using a wedding venue, restaurant or bringing in prepared food for your affair, be sure to discuss all of the food restrictions with your caterer. There is a good chance he or she will be able to suggest alternate dishes to the normal menu so that everyone will be able to enjoy the meal safely. Set out place cards on a buffet table listing the dishes, main ingredients and allergy alerts so that your guests know which dishes are safe to eat. For a backyard or rented hall where several cooks might be adding to the menu, ask them to please label their dishes as well and alert them to specific ingredients that should be noted on those labels.

Your choice of venue should have more influence on the type of menu than the time of the ceremony and reception; however, some less expensive food choices do go well with certain times of day. Consider a brunch buffet for a morning or afternoon affair rather than serving steak or chicken for dinner.

Many wedding couples find that budgeting for alcohol can be difficult. If the wedding is alcohol-free due to religious or health issues, use ginger ale or sparkling water to toast the couple. If you are serving alcohol, you shouldn't expect your guests to pay for it. According to Naylor, "Cash bars often annoy guests, who might not have brought any cash with them to the wedding." Instead, she recommends limiting the types of alcohol (don't limit quality) you'll be serving and speaking with the bartender beforehand to ask for his or her best tips for a bar on a budget.

There are several terrific self-catered ideas that are appropriate for a small budget and go well in backyards, picnic areas, church basements or even the family living room: taco, pasta, potato or chili bars; barbecued burgers with all of the fixings and salads; or meat, cheese and vegetable platters with bread and rolls. If you're having an informal potluck, be sure to have someone coordinate dishes so that you know you have a complete meal to offer. And include enough champagne or sparkling cider to go around with refills, fruit punches, sodas and, if desired, coolers of beer and wine.

Though it can seem taxing to coordinate everyone's dining preferences, with a little forethought -- and some help! -- crafting a meal that all will enjoy can be a treat! Remember, your guests are there to celebrate you, not to give out Michelin Stars.