Vegetarian wedding ? help!

People will definitely live without meat for one meal. I eat meat almost every meal but I also love pasta, salad, potatoes, etc. Definitely wouldn't leave because they didn't have meat, or I doubt I would even notice. It will be great either way don't stress!

I have been a vegetarian for 11 years now. We are having steak, chicken, and fish as options for wedding; however there will also be some killer vegetarian options as well. It's natural that people are upset meat eaters LOVE their meat, however it is your wedding. How many times have you gone to an event only to find that there are only a few options for you to eat? I've taken down multiple plates of side salads because it was the only option to eat.

If you do go the full vegetarian route just make sure the food slays! A lot of people have the misconception that vegetarians only eat rabbit food. I have taken meat eaters to some amazing hearty vegetarian restaurants that the ended up loving.

It can be done, but it needs to be done right. Having a rice, baked potato, and pasta (all carbs) bar isn't going to cut it. The dinner options need to be just as hearty and well-balanced as they would be if you were serving all meat options. However, this is coming from someone who is the furthest thing from a picky eater. As long as it's properly cooked and tastes good, I'll eat it.

Have some tasty, hearty, filling options and run with it! I cooked a vegan meal for a bunch of carnivores over the summer and it went over really well. People will be fine!

You should be fine with good, filling, non-members options. I went to a wedding where the couple were vegetarians (for similar reasons that you've given) and was shocked when there was a meat option. It made it feel less like it was their wedding and more like a general dinner.

As long as the food is delicious, I think your non-vegetarian friends and family will be fine! Maybe take someone to your tasting who typically eats meat but who is supportive of your decision not to serve meat. They might be able to offer a helpful opinion on behalf of those unfamiliar with completely vegetarian meals

I think most people will be fine without a meat option, so long as you have a substantial dinner.

I also considered doing this when we first started planning. I am a vegetarian and my FH doesn't eat red meat. We decided to have local farm-raised chicken, vegetarian, and vegan options (quinoa-stuffed Chile Relleno with mustard greens yummm - we live in NM). We have received an overwhelming request for vegetarian and vegan entrees from ppl who usually eat meat. I'm not sure if they're doing it out of solidarity or if they've been traumatized by bad chicken dishes at weddings in the past, but it does make me feel slightly better that we're not contributing too much to the meat industry. I think at the end of the day, people are there to celebrate your marriage. So if they're miffed that there was no meat, but they are fed and got to be a part of such a special day...it's still a win. Just make sure they know what to expect

Honestly its YOUR wedding. Who gives a hoot what anyone else wants? As long as your FH is good with vegetarian then that's all that matters. People are there for YOU not that food. So do what you want, be a gracious host and just make sure everyone is fed. That's all that matters.

I didn't read the comments.

Just as the outcry comes when non drinkers keep their weddings dry and meat eaters fail to have a veg option....it's the same answer. Once you invite other guests, the reception ceases to be about just you.

@celia So are you saying people should send invites and take questions on what they can and can't eat? Or do or don't like? There's absolutely no way to please EVERYONE.

As long as the entrees are heavy and well rounded carb/protein wise, I see nothing wrong with not having meat. As long as there is food that I can eat, is filling and is tasty, I am a happy guest.

I think a meatless reception could be done if you had hearty Alfredo of marinara and pasta or veggie lasagne. Whatever you do, have some options that are carb heavy and veggie lite for your people who would be disappointed to not have meat.

"Honestly its YOUR wedding. Who gives a hoot what anyone else wants?"

Audrey, the ceremony is for her and her FH. The reception is for the guests. Your attitude is what a bridezilla is made of.

@Emily, I'm pretty sure Molly's point about diabetics was in reference to all the posts suggesting pasta and potatoes. That is a valid point for a diabetic guest.

@Elizabeth: Exactly. I love fettuccine Alfredo, but you better believe it can spike my blood sugar horribly sometimes because of the high dairy content, plus the high carbs from the pasta itself. The dairy breaks down into a lot of sugars just like carbs, so it's like a double hit. Marinara sauce just doesn't have enough substance to it to balance the carbs, just like cheese doesn't for mashed potatoes, which is why I often add bacon or ham to them.

I have no issue admitting that if I attended the average vegetarian or vegan dinner, I would be absolutely lost on what to eat, because of how I eat versus what I expect would probably be served. Granted, I'm in the minority, and I realize that as well, but at the least, it's something for op to consider.

I personally don't mind, as long as it's filling and tasty, but I'm super picky about pasta - I can't eat tomato-based foods very often.

Anywhoo, I'd be fine. My husband, however, wouldn't. He eats meat all the freakin' time. Yes, we'd be there, but he would want to leave early to get "real food" (as he says).

So, think about that - if family/friends are saying that it's rude not to, you might have some leave and maybe/maybe not come back. I'm sure many of you would say "Good riddance" and "they don't care about you anyway, " but it's the truth. Some people (like you) are very particular about what they eat.

I'm having 40 people and not only do have a vegetarian options, I have gluten free and lactose free options. The reception is not for you.

Ugh. Where is @travelers?

@Swin brought up a good point. Her FH ate her fish at a recent wedding, so he obviously eats some meat.

If you are really set on not offering meat, you need to have substantial other options, like a meatless lasagna or something similar. I know that most times I've eaten something vegetarian it wasn't very filling and seems like more of a side dish

No, I"m not saying that at all and I don't understand how you even got there @Andrea. I"m just saying that in a large group of people, most of them won't be vegetarian and will expect some kind of entree that is not pasta or grilled vegetables.