Ithink it’s safe to say that nearly every teenager goes through the “I’m not eating meat any more” phase. Today, for adults, being a vegetarian is not uncommon. Whether you and/or your spouse are vegetarians, or whether you have guests invited to your wedding who are, there are issues that will need discussion and resolution, so that this aspect of your wedding will run smoothly.
Dear Wedding Guru: “I’m a vegetarian — my bride is not. We each have friends and family who are vegetarians. Can you please share some of the issues in planning a vegetarian-friendly wedding that takes these sensibilities to heart?”
(Our answer on next page)
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The Wedding Guru says: Planning a vegetarian-friendly wedding is pretty much the same as planning any other kind of wedding, except that the menu choices are slightly different. The key words here are conversation and compassion. You and your bride need to discuss your beliefs with your families, with the hope that the people closest to you will understand, respect, and support your wishes. Keep in mind that sticking to your beliefs need not mean offending others.
Your best approach is to offer foods familiar to meat-eaters that just happen to be vegetarian. Breads, pastas, vegetable platters, sweets, cheeses, soups, salads, and potatoes are all great food choices. (It’s probably a good idea, in keeping with the emphasis on sensitivity, to let guests know in advance that the reception will be vegetarian.)
Pick a caterer who likes and knows vegetarian foods. With enough pre-planning, your guests will be pleasantly surprised — especially those experiencing the vegetarian lifestyle for the first time.
Check out my suggestions for vegetarian wedding menu choices in this “Planning a Vegetarian Wedding” article at HudsonValleyWeddings.com.
» More on vegan and vegetarian weddings
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2013
