Have An Unusual Vegetarian Reception
Everyone wants an unusual wedding. There are people who are heading the spiritual way and have adopted new lifestyles or diets. For people who have already turned vegetarian, a vegetarian wedding is not far-fetched. It is more like an extension of their own personality. Others may opt for one in their attempt to be different.
It is not difficult to organize vegetarian fare if you understand the term “vegetarian”. To most of us, a vegetarian diet means abstinence from meat, fish and poultry products. We need further clarity regarding eggs and dairy products. If you wish to offer “ovo-vegetarian” fare you can include eggs as the term “ovo” means eggs. Another option is to serve “lacto-vegetarian” food which means you can use dairy products. This is a necessary option because your choices become very limited if you can’t serve even basic white sauce and cheese. For greater convenience look at the “ovolacto-vegetarian” option so that the use of eggs and dairy products is permitted. There are some vegans who do not consume eggs or dairy products. Some may avoid even honey. Such people are too rigid and you may not wish to go to such extremes, but the choice is yours.
If the bridal couple wishes to have a vegetarian wedding, they must first discuss the matter with their family. There will be elders and seniors who will expect non-vegetarian food and may be disappointed with vegetarian fare. Some guests also will be upset with vegetarian food. Have the same kind of spread you would have had with a non-vegetarian menu, except that you don’t add the meat. Do not select ethnic fare as it may not go down well with your guests. Another smart move to make would be to spread the word in advance that the meal will be vegetarian. This way the guests are prepared and may even look forward to the vegetarian fare. You could even make a mention in your wedding card about the vegetarian reception.
Once you have decided to have a vegetarian reception, go that extra mile to find a good caterer. Take some trouble to find one who can be innovative and at the same time give popular choices in mind. A Jewish caterer may be able to do justice since certain Jewish receptions are meatless. There are some restaurants which offer exotic vegetarian food. You can have a meal there, taste the food on their menu and decide if you want to hire them for your wedding reception. Make sure they are experienced with large parties and off-site catering. Be clear about what you want, a formal sit-down meal or an informal buffet. Once you have found the right caterer, discuss the menu, offer your own ideas or recipes and finalize the menu. If you can’t find a suitable caterer or want to cut down the expense, you can even explore the do-it-yourself option. It won’t be easy but nothing is impossible.
You may have to go around in circles to find a vegan cake. Egg substitutes such as flaxseed or EnerG egg substitute may be used as an alternative to eggs.
Don’t hold back if you want to do something different. Put in a little extra effort and make it worthwhile.