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Planning a Vegetarian & Vegan Wedding Menu | Caiger & Co.

Paul Roku Agency • Jan 08, 2024

Planning your wedding menu is a crucial - but very exciting - aspect of your special day, and for couples who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, this stage can be even more exhilarating!


But how do you ensure that your vegan wedding catering company can provide food and drinks that are both delicious and diverse, accommodating all your guests, including those with additional dietary requirements, as well as non-vegan ones?


At Caiger & Co., we're pleased to provide you with fantastic tips and ideas that will make your wedding catering menu a memorable and moreish experience for everyone.

 

The difference between vegetarianism and veganism


Before diving into creating a fantastic vegan wedding menu, it's essential to understand the difference between vegetarianism and veganism.

Vegetarianism


Vegetarianism is a diet that excludes the consumption of meat, including poultry, red meat, and seafood. Some vegetarians also avoid by-products of animal slaughter, such as gelatine and rennet.


Veganism


On the other hand, veganism goes beyond diet and is more of a lifestyle choice. Vegans refrain from consuming any animal products or by-products, including dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatine. 


Moreover, vegans also avoid using products derived from animals for clothing, cosmetics, or any other purposes.


Understanding these differences is crucial when planning your vegan or vegetarian wedding menu. It helps to ensure that all dishes are appropriate for your lifestyle and that all your guests, including those who follow a similar lifestyle, can enjoy the delicious food together.


Creating a delicious and diverse vegan wedding menu


A well-rounded vegan wedding menu can offer a delightful dining experience for all your guests while staying true to your lifestyle values. To achieve this, focus on using seasonal and locally sourced produce, offering a range of flavours and textures, and including protein-rich plant-based vegan and vegetarian options.


 
Start with seasonal produce


Making the most of seasonal produce is not only a practical choice, but it also ensures a fresh and flavourful vegan wedding menu. As fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness and nutritional value when in season, your guests will enjoy the vibrant flavours and textures that only seasonal produce can offer.

Incorporating locally sourced organic and seasonal produce into menus also stands in favour of local farmers, and encourages sustainable eating by lessening the dependency on long-distance transportation.


Start planning your menu around the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables available during your wedding season for a tasty feast with the finest ingredients.


Offer a variety of flavours and textures


An assortment of flavours and textures is vital for a satisfying vegan wedding menu. One way to achieve this is by experimenting with different plant-based foods, cooking methods, and exciting flavour combinations.


To create variety in your menu, you can also contrast textures by incorporating diverse ingredients, experimenting with different cooking techniques, and combining ingredients with contrasting textures. 


With a little creative vegan catering too, you can create visually appealing menus and delicious dishes that will impress both your vegan and non-vegan guests!


Don't forget about protein


Protein is an important component of a balanced, organic vegan wedding menu, ensuring that your guests feel satisfied and nourished. To make menus for weddings that incorporate organic, protein-rich plant-based options, consider using versatile ingredients like:


  • Tofu
  • Jackfruit
  • Legumes
  • Seitan


These protein-packed, nut free and gluten-free alternatives can be used in a variety of dishes, from hors d'oeuvres to main courses, and even to desserts, providing a fulfilling dining experience for all your guests.

Rest assured, your guests won’t leave hungry - a balanced vegan menu ensures everyone will be satisfied and content.


Satisfying non-vegan guests


Despite your passion for the vegan lifestyle, it’s important to make sure your non-vegan guests are content and satisfied with the menu choices. To achieve this, consider serving familiar comfort foods with a vegan twist, using creative presentation techniques, and highlighting the benefits of plant-based meals.


Familiar comfort foods


One way to make non-vegan guests feel more comfortable is by serving plant-based versions of familiar comfort foods. This can help bridge the gap between their usual dietary habits and a vegan menu, making the dining experience more enjoyable for everyone.


For example, you can offer vegan mac and cheese bites, lentil soup with crusty bread, or hearty vegetable pies as delicious vegan comfort food options.

By offering familiar and wonderful food options with a vegan twist, you’ll increase the chances of winning over even the most sceptical non-vegan guests!


 

Creative presentation


A visually appealing presentation can make a world of difference when it comes to satisfying non-vegan guests.


By using herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables to add vibrant colour and create visual appeal to menus, you can create dishes that look as good as they taste. Experiment with unique serving vessels, garnishes, and artistic elements to add a touch of creativity and style to your menu.


With a little imagination, your vegan dishes can become an irresistible feast for the eyes, enticing all your guests, especially vegan junkies, to enjoy your plant-based offerings with gusto!


 

Highlight the benefits


Educating your guests about vegan food options and the environmental and health benefits of a vegan wedding menu can help them feel more connected to your choices and encourage them to embrace the plant-based dining experience.


Some key points to discuss include:

  • The lower carbon footprint associated with plant-based meals
  • Reduced water pollution from animal agriculture
  • Land use considerations and the impact of plant-based diets


You can also discuss the various health benefits, such as weight loss, heart health, and lower blood pressure. By highlighting these benefits, you’ll help your guests appreciate the positive impact of your vegan menu on both their health and the planet, contributing to less waste.


By sharing this information, you can help your guests understand the positive impact of choosing to eat and cook a vegan menu for your wedding.


Light bites


If your wedding catering will be a more informal experience, look for vegan nibbles, finger food, and hors d'oeuvres that can be easily passed around and shared. A more formal dining experience would include salads or light starter dishes as an entrée.


 

Finger food


Vegetarian and vegan options for finger food include:


  • Mini chickpea burgers
  • Pani puris
  • Samosas
  • Stuffed mushrooms
  • Bruschetta


These more informal choices for starters are smaller, handy for your guests to grab, and are easily made and brought out in batches. With the right wedding caterers to offer quick and efficient service, finger foods make a great choice for your wedding.


 

Entrées


For a formal, sit-down wedding meal, consider these vegan and vegetarian options:

  • Lime and coconut dahl
  • Sweetcorn fritters
  • Vegetable gyoza
  • Arancini
  • Tabbouleh

Salad and soup is an excellent choice for your entrées, as they are easily adapted to a vegan or vegetarian menu - and won't fill your guests up too much before the main course!


 

The main course


And now, for the main event! To show you a wide range of options, we've collected a popular variety of both vegetarian and vegan main courses.


 

Vegetarian mains


Vegetarian mains can include eggs and dairy products. Cheese is a popular choice of ingredient for weddings! Think along the lines of these dishes:


  • Goat cheese and onion tart
  • Truffle risotto
  • Mushroom ravioli
  • Lentil lasagne
  • Aubergine parmigiana


 

Vegan mains


Vegan options for the main course should include hearty, healthy meals, packed full of locally sourced seasonal produce. Consider:


  • Chickpea tagine
  • Tofu steak
  • Jackfruit curry
  • Mushroom Wellington
  • Ratatouille


 

Desserts and sweet treats


No vegan wedding catering is complete without a tasty array of desserts! When planning your vegan wedding menu, be sure to include a variety of sweet treats that cater to all taste preferences. 


 

Vegan wedding cake


A wedding cake is the centrepiece of any wedding reception, and a vegan wedding is no exception. When choosing yours, consider the following factors:


  • Flavour
  • Texture
  • Appearance
  • Availability of vegan-friendly decorators in your area


With a little research and planning, you can find and create the perfect showstopper that not only tastes delicious but also beautifully represents your special day.


 

Bite-sized delights


Offering a variety of bite-sized vegan desserts allows guests to sample multiple treats and satisfy their sweet tooth in style. Some delightful bite-sized vegan dessert options include:


  • Vegan cupcakes
  • Brownies
  • Cookies
  • Doughnuts
  • Muffins


These can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer to ensure freshness on your wedding day.


With a diverse array of delicious vegan food, including bite-sized delights and all your favourite drinks, your guests will be spoilt for choice and leave your wedding with a lingering taste of sweet vegan indulgence, making it a truly memorable event.


 

Vegetarian & vegan wedding caterers


At Caiger & Co., our vegetarian and vegan wedding catering options ensure that everyone can enjoy the delicious food and beverages at your special event.

We offer bespoke menus and creative catering for weddings and other sustainable events. With seasonal, locally sourced produce, working with Caiger & Co. gives you the best possible culinary experience.


From luxury corporate events to fun family celebrations, we can cater for a range of specific requirements. We are based in London, but operate anywhere in the UK. If you're feeling inspired, and would like to work with us for your wedding, contact us today.



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