How to Please Vegetarian Guests at Your Wedding Reception

For a vegetarian, there's nothing more frustrating than to attend an event like a wedding and find out there's nothing they can eat. Fortunately, vegetarianism has become increasingly popular, so most caterers are prepared to accommodate your vegetarian guests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   A cheese platter is a lovely meat-free option

   If you are having a cocktail hour, choose at least one vegetarian appetizer. Choose something that will be popular with your non-vegetarian guests as well, such as a mini spinach pie or baked brie.

2. 
   Vegetarian lasagna is a popular option

   If you are having a sit-down dinner, choose a vegetarian entree as an alternative to your meat dish entree. Make sure it's a real entree, as opposed to a plate full of vegetables or a collection of side dishes.

3. If you are having a sit-down dinner, include a line on your RSVP sheet that asks guests to list the number of vegetarians. Or offer several dinner options that guests can select and make sure one option is vegetarian. This way, the caterer will know how many vegetarian dinners to prepare.

4. 
   Stuffed poblano peppers are a spicy vegetarian alternative

   If you are having a buffet, it's not necessary to get a head count of vegetarians. Instead, select at least one vegetarian entree for your buffet that many of your guests will enjoy, such as a gooey vegetarian lasagna or a gourmet grilled portabello mushroom. In addition, make sure at least one of your sides is vegetarian.

5. Make sure your dessert is vegetarian, or that a vegetarian dessert alternative is offered. This usually isn't an issue, but anything that contains gelatin is not vegetarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out if any vegans will be in attendance. If so, provide food that is free of dairy, eggs, and meat. If possible, make your vegetarian entrees vegan as well so you don't have to have multiple vegetarian entrees.
• Don't worry-a vegetarian option rarely is an expensive add-on. After all, vegetarian food is usually cheaper than meat.
• Remember, vegetarian food contains no meat or fish of any kind, incluidng chicken or other types of poultry.
• Always ask the caterer if a dish is 100 percent vegetarian. Just because something doesn't contain any visible meat doesn't mean it doesn't contain chicken broth or other "hidden meat."