Vegan and Vegetarian Wedding Menu Ideas

As more and more people adopt plant-based lifestyles, the popularity of vegan and vegetarian wedding menus continues to rise. More people than ever are looking for eco-conscious and cruelty-free options that cater to the diverse dietary needs of their guests. Whether you're fully vegan or vegetarian or simply want to include plant-based options at your wedding, there are countless ways to craft a delicious and satisfying menu. From elegant appetisers to show-stopping desserts, here are some vegan and vegetarian wedding menu ideas that will delight every guest at your celebration.

Start with Show-Stopping Appetisers

Appetisers set the tone for your wedding meal, and when done right, they can offer a range of textures and flavours to whet your guests' appetites. Vegan and vegetarian appetisers can be both creative and crowd-pleasing, ensuring that your guests are excited for what's to come.

For a wedding, consider serving a variety of bite-sized canapés that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some ideas include:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These can be filled with a mixture of garlic, herbs, and plant-based cheese, offering a rich, savoury bite.

Mini Falafel with Hummus: Small falafel balls served with a dollop of hummus and a drizzle of tahini are sure to be a hit. They can be served on skewers or in mini pita pockets.

Caprese Skewers: For a vegetarian option, skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light and refreshing starter.

Vegan Sushi Rolls: These rolls, filled with ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and pickled vegetables, offer a vibrant and healthy option.

When planning your appetisers, think about balancing flavours and textures—creamy dips paired with crunchy vegetables, or spicy bites complemented by cooling sauces. Also, ensure your venue can accommodate the storage and serving of these appetisers, especially if they involve chilled items.

Hearty Mains with Plant-Based Protein

For the main course, it’s important to ensure your vegan or vegetarian menu feels substantial and satisfying. With more innovative plant-based products available in 2024, you can create hearty dishes that everyone will enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Vegan Wellington: A modern twist on the classic beef Wellington, this version is made with mushroom duxelles and a plant-based meat alternative, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s a rich, indulgent main course that feels luxurious and celebratory.

Stuffed Aubergine: Roasted aubergines filled with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables make for a vibrant and hearty dish. Topped with a tahini drizzle or a rich tomato sauce, these stuffed vegetables offer a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired main.

Vegetarian Lasagne: Layered with fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara, vegetarian lasagne is a comfort food classic that will be a crowd-pleaser at any wedding.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry: For a more global menu, consider a warming chickpea and spinach curry served with fragrant basmati rice. This dish, full of spices and rich flavours, offers a satisfying main course that can easily be scaled for larger events.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider offering two or more main course options to cater to different palates. Be sure to work closely with your caterer to ensure all ingredients are fresh and that the dishes are timed correctly, as many plant-based mains need careful preparation to maintain their flavours and textures.

Sumptuous Side Dishes

Your side dishes should complement the main course and add variety to the meal. The beauty of a vegan or vegetarian wedding menu is that side dishes can be incredibly versatile and packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Depending on the season of your wedding, choose locally sourced vegetables for roasting. Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are popular choices for an autumn or winter wedding, while courgettes, peppers, and asparagus are ideal for a summer celebration.

Vegan Mac and Cheese: A plant-based version of this classic comfort food can be made with cashew or coconut-based cheese, offering a creamy, indulgent side dish.

Grilled Halloumi: For vegetarians, grilled halloumi can be a savoury and satisfying side dish, pairing well with fresh salads or grains.

Herb Couscous Salad: A light and refreshing side dish, couscous salad made with fresh herbs, lemon, and vegetables is perfect for balancing richer mains.

When planning your side dishes, try to include a mix of lighter salads and more substantial roasted or baked dishes to ensure your guests have a variety of textures and flavours to enjoy.

Decadent Desserts

Dessert is where you can really impress your guests, and the good news is that vegan and vegetarian desserts can be just as decadent and delicious as traditional ones. In 2024, many bakers and caterers are using creative techniques and alternative ingredients to craft desserts that will leave your guests wanting more.

Vegan Chocolate Cake: A rich, moist chocolate cake made with plant-based ingredients is always a crowd-pleaser. Consider layering it with coconut cream or vegan buttercream for extra indulgence.

Fruit Tartlets: These miniature tarts filled with dairy-free custard and topped with fresh berries or tropical fruits are a light and refreshing option that looks as good as it tastes.

Vegan Cheesecake: Made with cashew or almond bases, vegan cheesecakes can be flavoured with chocolate, berries, or even caramel. These cheesecakes are typically rich and creamy, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

Vegetarian Sticky Toffee Pudding: A classic dessert option, sticky toffee pudding can easily be adapted for a vegetarian menu. Rich in flavour and texture, it provides a comforting end to your wedding meal.

Creative Drinks and Cocktails

Don’t forget to include plant-based beverages when planning your wedding menu. Signature cocktails using fresh fruits, herbs, and vegan-friendly alcohol brands can add a personal touch to your reception.

Coconut Mojitos: A refreshing take on the classic mojito, made with coconut milk, lime, mint, and rum.

Lavender Lemonade: A fragrant and refreshing non-alcoholic option that can be a hit with all your guests, this drink uses fresh lavender and lemons for a beautiful presentation.

Planning a vegan or vegetarian wedding menu is no longer about making sacrifices—it's about embracing creativity and flavour. With so many options available, you can design a plant-based menu that is as indulgent and satisfying as any traditional feast, ensuring your wedding day is a delicious and memorable celebration for everyone. Make sure to work closely with your caterer to ensure that all ingredients are of the highest quality and that your menu offers something for all of your guests, whether they are long-time vegans or new to the plant-based lifestyle.