Wedding planning on a budget? There’s a lot of advice on the internet about money-saving hacks like off-peak ceremonies and paperless invitations. But there are other creative ways to cut costs — like a vegetarian wedding.
As some people adopt plant-based lifestyles, vegetarian and vegan weddings have become popular. Let’s explore the benefits of a meatless menu and how to serve your guests an affordable yet appetizing meal.
The Cost of Wedding Catering
At $85 per head, wedding catering is one of the top five largest wedding expenses according to The Knot’s 2023 Real Wedding Study. The actual cost of catering depends on a few factors: plated dinner or family-style? Red meat or fish? Fifty guests or four hundred? Regardless, it can add up quickly.
Comparatively, a vegetarian menu can be cheaper than a meat-filled menu due to the cost of ingredients. Think of it like grocery shopping: vegetarians reportedly save $23 per week, or $1,196 per year, on groceries. When you factor those savings into your wedding budget, you can save a pretty penny.
Benefits of a Vegetarian Wedding
But there are other benefits, too. A vegetarian wedding can help you reflect your personal values and support your local community.
It’s Sustainable
Sustainable celebrations are all the rage these days. If you’re looking to plan an eco-friendly wedding, a vegetarian menu can lower the environmental impact of your event.
It’s Seasonal
A vegetarian menu relies heavily on produce. While most fruits and vegetables can be found year-round, some are more seasonal than others — like pumpkins, for example. Eating produce at its peak has nutritional benefits and often tastes better, too.
Plus, seasonal produce is easy to source from local vendors. This eliminates shipping and packaging fees, helping you save additional money and lower your wedding’s environmental footprint.
It’s Creative
Contrary to popular belief, a vegetarian wedding is anything but boring. Caterers who specialize in plant-based meals love to get creative and showcase the beauty of their ingredients.
Vegetarian Wedding Dishes
Now that you’ve decided to plan a vegetarian wedding, it’s time to think about the food itself. Whether you have a specific cuisine or reception vibe in mind, a vegetarian menu doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s a few ideas to inspire you.
- Italian food: from mushroom ravioli to eggplant parmesan, pizza, caprese sliders or bruschetta, Italian food can easily be made vegetarian. There’s something for everyone.
- Mexican food: tacos and nachos and enchiladas, oh my! Swap meat or fish for legumes, cauliflower, or quinoa for a meatless Mexican meal. Bonus: pairs well with bottomless margaritas.
- Chinese food: with an emphasis on noodle and rice-based dishes, Chinese food can be vegetarian-friendly. Add tofu or use mushrooms instead of meat.
- MYO bar: ditch the plated dinner and invite guests to make their own meals with self-serve stations. We’ve seen everything from mac and cheese bars to fondue, flatbreads, and fruit and cheese tables.
- Brunch: as if we needed another reason to love a brunch wedding. Focus on waffles, eggs, pastries, and fruit parfaits. Your guests won’t even notice the difference.
How to Find a Vegetarian Caterer
From cutting costs to utilizing seasonal ingredients, there are many benefits of a vegetarian wedding.
Our top tip for planning one? Find a caterer who specializes in plant-based meals. There’s a huge difference between someone who can make a vegetarian meal and someone who specializes in it. Not sure where to start? Use our wedding directory to find a vegetarian caterer near you.
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
