What would you want to eat at a vegetarian wedding?

Question

Okay, so when I asked about sides for my vegetarian wedding with thai food, I got the most ridiculous answers that were not even related to my question!

So, if you were going to a wedding of two vegetarians, who were definitely going to have only vegetarian food at a reception (lacto-ovo), what would you want to eat? I know of at least one guest who is vegan (maybe 2), so I want to be able to cater to them.

I wanted to do a delicious thai dish with sauteed vegetables and tofu in a garlic or orange sauce (my mouth's watering). Then have a couple of sides like sticky rice and spring rolls, and maybe an additional salad or soup. Apparently, that disgusts most people (wth...I'm almost believing most people haven't tried tofu dishes at a thai restaurant!)

What would you eat then? Remember, saying vegetables and pasta would be a regret. I went to a wedding this summer, and that's what we veggies got...disappointing (no protein, so I didn't feel full).

Anybody heard of dairy? I mean I could utilize cheese or yogurt or something. Beans. Nuts. These are all vegetarian sources of protein that would fill you up better.

And I have friends who are coming to my wedding. They know we're vegetarian. They probably know we are pretty disgusted with the idea of meat at our wedding. I think they can respect our wishes as the ones who are getting married.

Thanks for your input so far. Yes, all my guests know there will be vegetarian food. I just don't know exactly what to have.

And yes, it doesn't have to be all vegan, I just want to make sure my vegan friend (who's actually going to marry us) will have something good.

And I'm sorry for not including meat. It's just it really hurts me emotionally and I really don't like the smell of meat (only in college did I learn to tolerate the scent). I want to enjoy my reception, and so I want this one detail for myself. I've been pretty laid-back about the rest of the wedding.

Answer 1

It's your wedding. I think it's great that you are making it vegetarian. I am a meat eater, but I love vegetarian foods too.

I would try to pick some foods that meat eaters eat normally but don't think about weather they have meat or not. Like..

Cuban Black bean soup or black beans and rice (vegan)
Cream of asparagus or some other veggie soup
Eggplant parm
Hummus with pita and veggies (vegan)
Fondue
Quiche
I also like indian sauces with chickpeas and jasmine rice. Maybe a currie or masala.
Other italian pastas like pesto (yum) or gnochi in red sauce.

I'd have maybe one option with tofu that is vegan for your friend and others who like it.

In spain they make something called a tortilla.. it's not like the mexican kind. It is like a egg pie.. very thick. It normally is made with a little chorizo or ham, onion and potatoes. It's really filling. You can probably substitute and use a meatless sausage or something.. or you can leave it out it will still taste good.

Definitely make it buffet since it will be a chance for people to explore. Also if they don't like something they aren't stuck with it. They can go back for something else.

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I'm surprised by how many people seem to feel it is inconsiderate for you to have a vegetarian wedding. I normally don't agree with the whole 'it's your wedding thing" because I think it is important for any host to be considerate of their guest. But I find this issue different. If you have political views against meat it isn't right to ask you to just allow killing animals this once. It's like asking a catholic to have a rabbi perform their wedding. Why would someone have something they don't believe in at their wedding. When I go to someones house and they ask me to take off my shoes it annoys me, but I do it because i'm in their home and it's how they do things. I think this applies to a wedding as well. You should be able to celebrate in your own style and I can see that you are attempting to cater to your guests while working within your belief system. I don't think anyone should expect anything else. Like some other posters said.. they can survive one meal without meat.

Answer 2

This is where you really need to find a caterer that is willing to work with you. Somewhere in your city is a caterer that is familiar with vegetarian Thai food--find him/her. He/She will have TONS of suggestions. Maybe ask your favorite Thai restauarant if they cater, many do, you know.

Personally, I hate tofu, and you might want to consider having an option of the veggies in the garlic or orange sauce--which I would love. But I wouldn't even touch it if the tofu were even mixed in it. Yes, I know you can pick it out, but I wouldn't do that. I would just hate for you to spend your hard earned money on food that most people won't eat.

I don't think you need to have meat at your reception to cater to your guests who eat meat. It's YOUR wedding, if you want it vegetarian, then vegetarian it is. It's not going to kill anyone to not eat meat for 1 meal, and if they really want to, they can zip to a deli or something between the ceremony and reception. However, it's also not anyone else's responsiblity to cater to your dietary needs at their wedding. You should be grateful that the wedding you went to this summer thought enough of you to provide a meatless dish, period. You could've gone to a restaurant or something on your way home as well. It's a wedding reception, not a dinner you buy at a 4 star restaurant.

Answer 3

My snarky answer - filet mignon, but seriously...

What about fish. You haven't mentioned anything about that. Even if you don't eat fish (smells a whole lot different than meat) maybe it would be a nice addition to all of the vegetarian dishes for those who would prefer some protein other than beans and tofu.

Honestly thai food is an acquired taste that really doesn't appeal to many people. If you are getting a strong negative response to Thai food on here that may also be indicative of your guests. Try going for some italian (eggplant parm, raviolis, etc.) Maybe some more americanized vegetable lasagna with a cream sauce, appetizers like baked brie, marinated fresh mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and roasted peppers. A mashed potato bar was a big hit at a recent wedding I was at. They had a choice of regular, garlic & sweet potatos and then all the toppings you could think of on the side. You chose whatever you wanted, chives, cheddar cheese, etc.(you could leave out the bacon option but seriously it was awesome and because the bacon was cold it didn't smell. mmm...sweet potatoes, marshmallows, brown sugar and bacon, now my mouth is watering!) Greek spinach pie. maybe a mexican taco bar with veg, chili, refried beans. Just some ideas.

Answer 4

I think the best option is to have the discussion of a menu with a caterer that specializes in vegetarian/vegan menus. There are many wonderful non-meat dishes out there, but along with the challenge of appealing to picky eaters, the trick is finding dishes that will work for a banquet-sized audience. Do you have a favorite vegetarian restaurant? Find out if they cater or can recommend a good local caterer that's a good fit for your needs. I'm sure they will have menus in mind that will preserve your wish for a meat-free reception, appeal to a wide range of tastes, and something easily served to a large group.

Answer 5

Hi, so here is another perspective. First I am sure that you teacher has no idea what he is talking about BUT..... Vegetarian food is 100% kosher. However there is a question regarding the pots and pans that were used to prepare the food and the cutlery used to eat it. If these are not kosher or have been used for un-Kosher food then this would make the meal not kosher. Especially if the food is warm. The other issue is with Shabat. If the meal was prepared on Saturday and not according to the many laws of Shabbat then it's not kosher. Given that you teacher probably does not know the above, he's just trying to get you to do more research into Kosher food. Kev

Answer 6

I'd honestly just add some additional side dishes that have vegan protein sources in them, and let them chose.

ps-- I hate tofu, and yes I have tried it.. :)

EDIT- when you said (lacto-ovo) I thought that meant you wouldn't eat dairy or eggs... so, if you can eat dairy and eggs then here's some ideas... individual quiches, which can have a lot of good ingredients including cheese and look very pretty if you do them fancy in fluted pans... baked macaroni and 5 cheeses that is a gourmet mac and cheese that looks and tastes great.... and if it's summer I'd do a loaded tossed salad with fruit, cheese crumbles and some kind of nuts for everyone that would look and taste great, there are a ton of varieties of this recipe out there and it's enjoyed by everyone.

Answer 7

Are you completely against the meat alternatives as well? There are some faked ham, sausages, shrimps sold in vegetarian food store. My roommate is addicted to Bocca. Personally my problem with Thai food is that much of it is far too spicy. Try to offer something non-spicy as well.

Perhaps something like Stuffed Bell Peppers with beans and meat alternative. A marinara sauce over it.

Baked mushroom with ricotta & herb filling, or using portobello mushroom as your "meat".

You are against Italian. I get it--no pasta. But many Chinese dishes are vegetarian and include pasta without having the taste. Consider something like a lo-mein dish with veggies.

While personally I like the tofu as long as I have a lot of spices to the dish, I know a lot of people hate it. Vegetarian tends to go over the best if the fact that meat is not involved is more hidden. Veggie chili, eggplant parm,

In general, most prefer to not to know. I know you said pasta has no protein but you can offer protein as well. But I think its nice if people have the option.

I am a big fan of soups. Gingered carrot and a chilled pumpkin soup would go great with your thai dishes. Perhaps consider adding some Greek, instead of sticking with a strictly Thai menu. I'm not sure if Thai is your heritage though. But stuffed grape leaves are really good.

Just please don't try to serve them tofurkey. Thats just horrible. Ask your caterer about how much food per person b/c I think you are underestimating a lot. I had probably 10 little items (veggies, cheese, fruit, mini sandwiches) and pasta salads, hot pasta dishes. 2 items and 2 side dishes doesn't give much if you don't eat green beans or don't like tofu. You can get some great ideas from The Gate Vegetarian. I think its http://www.thegate.tv/

For the cake perhaps try out Vegan Cupcakes to please everyone
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1569242739/103-8778953-7583815?SubscriptionId=19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2

Answer 8

Its your wedding. You have the right to have the kind of food that fits your lifestyle. I'm sure all your guests will be more understanding then some of the answerer's have been. So if your main dish has lots of veggies in it and your having sides of rice and spring rolls then you should definitely have a soup and some type of bread also. For another side how about baked mushrooms in cheese sauce. Its so yummy, its one of my fave veggie dishes. It has big mushrooms in a variety of gooey melty cheese w/bread crumbs on top and its baked. I'm not sure how it would fit in w/the rest of your food, but its rich and filling. I can't think of the recipe offhand but if your interested just send me an message and I will find it and send it to you.

Answer 9

If you like middle eastern food, there are tons of options with lentils, yams, felafel, and other vegetables.
Also, Portobello mushrooms are a good source of protein; you could have something like mushroom crepes with a wine sauce.
Indian food such as vegetable curries and rice would be nice too.
Thai food with spicy tofu or vegetables is always good, although some people don't like tofu.
- tofu lasagne (can't even tell it's tofu!)
- Holiday loaf and vegetable gravy (loaf made from lentils, brown rice, mushrooms, and seasoned with herbs and tomato sauce - awesome!!) and vegetable sides.

You could also get lots of good ideas by doing a google search for vegetarian and vegan holiday food.

Answer 10

Maybe you could do some different types of bean dips or dishes containing beans as the protein source. I don't think all your dishes need to be vegan, since you're lacto-ovo, so maybe some cheese fondues with a variety of dippers.

Best wishes for a beautiful wedding!