I would like meat-eaters' opinions as to whether they feel it is necessary to be notified that a wedding reception will be all vegetarian? I am having a veg wedding reception and don't know if I need to indicate in my invite that there will be no meat served at the reception.
2006-12-12 06:49:27 · 20 answers · asked by Melanie R. 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Just to be clear - I am not considering adding non-vegetarian options. I don't agree with eating meat and do not feel I should have to accomodate others who do. My concern was just letting people know.
2006-12-12 08:09:12 · update #1
No. It would be pretty ridiculous to indicate that on your invitations. As long as you offer thoughtful vegetarian options, you are being a perfectly polite vegetarian host.
For example, serving only food that would be completely unfamilliar to your guests (like maybe tempeh or other "oddities") might not be a good move. But including a pasta primavera, or vegetarian lasagna-- that's something even meat eaters can "identify" as food-- it won't be totally weird to them.
You might also choose to have a wedding website (I like weddingannouncer.com) and announce the menu ahead of time on there, then it'll spread by word of mouth. (Don't list what's NOT being served-- list what's BEING served.)
But not in the invitations-- a "no meat announcement" has no place there!
2006-12-12 12:09:41 · answer #1 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While I do not agree on totally vegetarian reception, it IS your reception.
I think you should indicate that it will be vegetarian only because I would be a little put out if I went to a reception hungry and only saw vegetarian items at the table.
2006-12-14 09:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did a search on wedding etiquette to see how it should properly be addressed and this is what I came up with:
The process involved in planning a vegetarian wedding is much the same as planning any other kind of wedding, except that the choices are fewer and the legwork may be greater. First the couple will need to address the emotional issue of dealing with family, for there is no doubt that they will want to avoid offending guests who may expect meat at the wedding and especially they will want to avoid offending those who are contributing financially to the event. The key words here are conversation and compassion. The couple will need to discuss their beliefs with their families, in the hope that the people closest to them will understand, respect and support their wishes. The couple needs to be mindful that sticking to their beliefs need not mean offending others or criticizing those who "don't understand". One really good way to mitigate the problem is to offer familiar foods that just happen to be vegetarian. Items such as breads, pasta bars, vegetable trays, sweets, cheeses, soups, salads and potatoes are all familiar and will help make guests comfortable with the food choices. It is probably also a good idea, in keeping with the emphasis on sensitivity, to let guests know, in advance, that the reception will be vegetarian. There are a few ways to do that. The least formal is to have key family and members of the wedding party know and have them casually mention the fact to the friends and family with whom they have contact. The more formal option is to include special wording on the wedding invitation, such as "Vegetarian reception to follow", or to give guests a choice of vegetarian meals to return with their response card.
I hope this helps and good luck!
2006-12-12 08:13:02 · answer #3 · answered by angel 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You should not have to notify people that the reception is all vegetarian. People don't do that when it's all non-vegetarian. Anyway, many of your guests should know you and your beliefs and be expecting it anyway.
I think that as long as you are going to serve a pretty mainstream vegetarian meal, there shouldn't be any complaints about it (Pasta, etc are pretty carnivore friendly).
But no matter what you serve, people will complain, even if you had meat options. You can't please everyone. It's YOUR day, so please yourself.
2006-12-12 08:19:04 · answer #4 · answered by Meg E 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I would expect to be notified of that, mainly so I can be sure that I pick up something to eat on the way to the reception. A lot of meat-eaters aren't too keen on vegetarian foods.
Even though it is "your day," the whole point of a reception is to throw a great party to celebrate your marriage. In order to throw a great party, you have to take your guests into consideration.
2006-12-12 06:52:14 · answer #5 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
QUESTION: Are all of your friends/relatives/attendees vegatarian? This would not be very sensitive to everyone just having vegetarian food. Possibly consider vegetarian on one table and non vegetarian on the other? You don't necessarily need to have all meat but for the sake of being considerate of everyone, why not give some options??? You may think your wedding is all about you but if you are inviting anyone to it, it's NOT.
2006-12-12 07:58:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
well, i think it really depends on what you are serving, if it is gonna be stuff like tofu and other soy products or things like veggie burgers then u should notify people on the reception card. are you giving people a choice for food or will they order when they arrive? if you are serving things people are familair with such as pasta dishes and salads then you shoulnt have to specify it is vegetarian only.
2006-12-12 08:42:51 · answer #7 · answered by melly73080 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't care if you are vegeterian, but when you are entertaining all sorts of people, it is good manners to accomodate as many of your guests as you are able. I strongly advise you to at least inform your guests there will be nothing but vegeterian foods available. Many of them will want to eat in advance of coming.
Something to consider. It is likely your reception will cost you alot of money (seems hard to avoid). Do you want most of your non-vegeterian guests to leave with coments about the odd menu or how hungry they are after you've spent all that money? I know everyone says it is all about you, as the couple, but the truth is, this is also your debut hosting an event, and it is both good manners and expected for a host/hostess to attempt to accomodate her guests to the extent possible.
Another poster sd you don't need to tell them because Christians go to Jewish weddings and the like, but the truth it, those Christians who choose to attend Jewish weddings are informed in advance when they get the invite to the Temple that it is a Jewish wedding.
2006-12-12 08:01:00 · answer #8 · answered by melouofs 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I don't think it's necessary. People are there to enjoy a reception that you put a lot of time, energy and money into. You had the opportunity to decide the menu, and that's what they'll get. They might be a little surprised, but I'm sure the food will be delicious and they'll enjoy themselves.
2006-12-12 07:17:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I 100% disagree with Blunt. Everyday there are church weddings that Atheists attend. Everyday there are Jewish weddings that Christians attend. Everyday there are "Meat" weddings that vegetarians attend. This is simply another form of 'forcing your beliefs' on someone as Blunt refers to.
It's you and your fiance's wedding - do what you please. You don't have to notify anyone that it's vegetarian. If a lack of meat is the deciding factor on if they are going to attend, then they aren't really worth inviting. Just make sure that the meal is something better than greasy Fettucini Alfredo or Grilled Veggies with mashed potatoes and chances are they won't even care. They certainly won't need to "pick something up" on the way to the reception - that's just stupid. Just take care of them and that's all that matters. : )
2006-12-12 07:02:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋