When visiting possible reception sites, ask immediately if there is a vegetarian choice available. This is not a question to be left until three weeks before the wedding. If you do wait to ask, you'll inevitably find out that, to your reception director, vegetarian means fish fillets. I am asked on a weekly basis if fish is considered vegetarian. My answer is, "Is fish a vegetable?"
Take into account that not all guests have or like meat-free diets. Notice I said "take into account," not "plan your wedding according to the fact that." If you know that Uncle Roy loves a thick juicy steak, but you don't care, so be it. Remember that this is your event; plan it the way your dreams dictate. When planning my wedding, I knew that there were going to be only two vegetarians, including myself, in attendance. After conferring with my cousin, we determined that she would eat the side dishes and I would be too nervous to eat anything. It was decided that Chicken Marsala would be served to the general population and she and I would make do.
You may decide that you would rather not eat around the meat in your meal. If you are planning to serve a vegetarian meal at your wedding, you may want to consider some of the information listed below. There is also a detailed listing of five example wedding menus at About.com. http://vegetarian.miningco.com/library/b...
1 - Tofu is an acquired taste. Don't make it the centerpiece of the meal unless you are prepared for some grumbling from the meat and potatoes crowd.
2 - Pasta stations allow your guests to pair plain pasta with the sauce of your choice. If you include meat sauces and vegetable sauces everyone will have an edible choice.
3 - Buffet meals can also be structured to include something for everyone. Some vegetarian favorites that can easily be served buffet style are: eggplant parmesan, vegetable lasagna, stir-fry with noodles or rice, and any kind of spicy Indian dish. Served along with other meat selections, everyone should find something to suit them.
Never let a caterer tell you that a vegetarian meal cannot be done. Not only is it possible, it can be an enjoyable and memorable meal. If haughty caterers and skeptical relatives make you feel like giving up your dream of a vegetarian wedding, just remember my plate of boiled carrot sticks and stick to your principles.
For more information on vegetarian weddings, take a look at the Veg*an Reception Mini-FAQ; http://www.terracom.net/~dorothea/vegrec.... (Note: the term Veg*an includes vegetarian and vegan lifestyles)
