How to get a good vegetarian option?

Mary, this is a tough one. Have you tried actually asking the vegetarians what some of the things they eat? Or google-ing "What are main courses for Vegetarians" or Vegetarian diets? That may help you with the search.

One of our options is a wild mushroom strudel. Honestly, it sounds so good, my mom and I are both thinking of getting that over the chicken romano and beef tenderloin!

I have asked my vegetarian friends and they are being gracious and refuse to ask for anything (even though it would actually be helpful to me if they did).

I've been to many other friends' wedding with them, though, and pasta and steamed vegetables has been served about 90% of the time...

Asking the venue what the options are, and then asking for an upgrade if that doesn't make he cut, might work. I'm definitely not going to just let them serve whatever, especially since it will only be for a handful of guests.

(Does anyone know of a vegetarian entrée that would be more than salmon and beef, in general, that would be over the top and offensive to ask for? Is a rissoto too much work, for example? We're paying more than $200 a person, but I don't want to be the crazy, demanding bride.)

$200 per person???? Yikes! No offense, but you are being robbed!

Imported mushrooms are pretty pricey. Go for truffles!

No, not in downtown Chicago, it's actually a real bargain. Believe me, we shopped around and haggled to get what we did for the price we're paying.

Mary, I know the feeling, Boston is the same!!..

As for suggestions, when I went to my venue, he was very clear that if there was anything that I wanted that wasn't on the menu, to just ask and they would be able to do it. I think that chefs should be able to come up with some ideas, and I am sure this is something they have dealt with before, especially as more people are opting to be vegetarians these days, I do not have any suggestions, other than to ask the chef!!

For $200 per person, they should give you more than risotto. Risotto is nothing more than Italian rice.

Our vegetarian selection is Alfredo lasagna with asparagus, roasted peppers, summer squash and portobello mushrooms. It is on the buffet. I don't have any vegetarians, but I just liked the options.

I think for $200 a person they should happily make you a porcini risotto with shaved truffles.

@Marisa...and line the plates with gold.

In NYC. 200. is about standard, but your vegetarian guests should get a nice option; grilled veggie and goat cheese lasagne or napoleon, a beautiful pasta course with wild mushrooms, (not everyone loves truffles...) olives, artisan cheeses.

If it's an upscale venue, they will not be shocked to hear that you have vegetarian guests, and I'm sure they'll do a great job for them.

And risotto isn't just rice; it's laborious, time consuming and expensive.

@Celia.... I know it is. I am of Italian descent and cook several varieties(all vegie) on a regular basis. However, the bottomline is it is just rice, albeit difficult to cook and labor intensive rice. ; )

@Celia...And risotto isn't just rice; it's laborious, time consuming and expensive.

It is, IF the venue makes it the real way. But many do not. Many restaurants take the easy way out.

Agreed!

I'm a veggie (for the most part) and a vegetarian lasagna or stuffed eggplant would be good options. We are doing an eggplant dish for our veggie plate.

As a fellow vegetarian, I like the veggie lasagna or stuffed eggplant idea. As much as I personally love pasta, it does seem like a cop out (for a lack of better word).

Stuffed portabello mushrooms are a favorite of mine with lots of grilled vegetables. I also love the indian curry dishes. but that might not work for your venue.

Mary, are any of your friends vegan? That limits selection even more.

Mary, I've attended many functions as an almost vegan, and I can't tell you how considerate you are for thinking about those folks....I agree with Nancy T, you need to verify if your friends are vegan or vegetarian....there's a huge difference!

I attended a wonderful wedding of friends at a spa/resort in the Vancouver islands in Canada....the bride knew I was a new vegetarian, and told the resort. She invited all of her out-of-country friends/family to the rehearsal dinner, and they had bbq food (hamburgers, etc.). She did have them set out a small pan of faux burgers for me.

For the actual reception, the chef made me a special tagine!!!! It was HEAVENLY! Definitely NOT the plate of steamed veggies and salad I was expecting.

We are doing a ginger vegteable stir fry with tofu and jasmine rice