Weddings are a celebration of love, unity, and the coming together of two families. As such, it’s only fitting that the feast reflects the inclusivity and diversity of the guests. With more people adopting vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based diets, it’s essential to offer menu options that cater to these dietary preferences. Merri-Makers understands the importance of this and has crafted a guide to help you navigate these choices.
Understanding the Differences
Vegetarian Diets: Vegetarians abstain from consuming meat, poultry, and seafood. However, they might consume dairy products and eggs. There are different types of vegetarians, including lacto-vegetarians (consume dairy but not eggs) and ovo-vegetarians (consume eggs but not dairy).
Vegan Diets: Vegans avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and often honey. Their diet consists of plant-based foods exclusively.
Plant-Based Diets: While similar to veganism, a plant-based diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods and might occasionally include animal products in small amounts.
Crafting the Perfect Vegetarian, Vegan, and Plant-Based Wedding Menu
- Starters and Appetizers: Begin with a variety of colorful and flavorful starters. Consider options like stuffed bell peppers, vegan sushi rolls, and roasted vegetable skewers. Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil on a vegan crostini can be a crowd-pleaser.
- Main Courses: For the main course, think of hearty dishes that are filling and satisfying. Lentil loaf, vegan shepherd’s pie, and stuffed acorn squash are excellent choices. For pasta lovers, a creamy vegan Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata can be delightful.
- Side Dishes: Complement the main courses with sides like vegan mashed potatoes, quinoa salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a colorful vegetable medley.
- Desserts: No wedding is complete without desserts. Offer a range of vegan and vegetarian desserts like chocolate avocado mousse, vegan cheesecake, and fruit tarts with a dairy-free cream filling.
- Beverages: Ensure your beverages are also vegan-friendly. Many wines and beers use animal products in their filtration process. Opt for vegan-certified drinks or consider fresh fruit mocktails and cocktails.
Tips for a Successful Vegetarian and Vegan Wedding Feast
- Label Everything: Clearly label dishes as vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based to avoid confusion.
- Diverse Options: Ensure there’s a good mix of protein, grains, and vegetables in every dish to offer a balanced meal.
- Taste Test: Before finalizing the menu, do a taste test to ensure the dishes are flavorful and meet your expectations.
- Communicate with Your Caterer: Discuss your requirements in detail with your caterer. A professional caterer like Merri-Makers will be more than willing to customize the menu to fit your needs.
In today’s diverse world, it’s crucial to cater to various dietary needs, especially during significant events like weddings. By offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based options, you not only show consideration for your guests’ preferences but also introduce many to the delightful world of plant-based cuisine. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, your wedding feast can be memorable for all the right reasons.
