The Vegetarian Wedding Reception

Image via Wikipedia

As a vegetarian, you are not a typical bride.  You wouldn’t be satisfied with a typical wedding reception.  You know that a wedding is a joyous celebration.  It is a triumph of love and life.  You want to carry the themes of love, life, and social responsibility from the planning of your wedding through your honeymoon and beyond.  Your wedding reception can be large or small, casual or formal, without having a major negative impact on the environment.

 When a party is thrown in honor of the bride, the food should also reflect the bride’s tastes.  If you are a vegetarian (or a vegan), then the food served should respect your wishes.  There are many delicious and hearty meals which can be served without meat or other animal-based products.

 You can ensure that the event is cruelty-free by avoiding animal-based products altogether.  For every animal-based product, there is a satisfactory alternative.

 Vegetarians, particularly vegans, need to be aware that animal-based products can turn up in the unlikeliest places.  For example, did you know that the primary ingredient in most egg substitutes is egg whites?  Did you know that gelatin is concocted by boiling slaughterhouse waste (hooves, hides, cartilage, etc.)?  Did you know that white cane sugar is often filtered through bone char made from the bones of cows? 

 Some people believe that brown sugar is more natural or organic than white cane sugar.  However, brown sugar is simply refined white sugar which has been combined with molasses.  Although molasses is not filtered through bone char, the refined white sugar may have been.  In contrast, the impurities in beet sugar are removed without the use of bone char.  Companies are not required to label whether their sugar is derived from beet sugar or cane sugar.  Nor are they required to label whether cow bone char was used in their refining process.  The best way to determine whether a particular brand of sugar meets your standards is to phone the company.  You can also opt to avoid these products altogether and instead use turbinado sugar which is never processed with bone char.  Some people may choose to sweeten with honey, but honey is considered taboo by vegans as it is considered an animal by-product. 

 Speaking of avoiding bugs in your food, any food containing Red #4 has the unappetizing ingredient of dried crushed female cochineal beetles.  This disgusting additive can be found in pie filling, ice cream, beverages, yogurt, cosmetics, and other health and beauty supplies. 

 Unless you sacrifice the time and added expense involved in buying organic fruit, you may be consuming a waxy protective coating called shellac.  Unfortunately, shellac is derived from the Asian lac beetle. 

 Some maple syrups have a small amount of lard or other animal fat used as a de-foamer.  Some producers of wine use animal proteins such as blood or eggs to remove impurities from the wine.

 When you hire a caterer, or banquet hall, you need to be very specific about your dietary needs.  If they have any hesitation, contact another provider.  You may have to educate them about certain foods that need to be avoided (especially if you plan to serve only vegan choices).  With planning, you can make sure that your needs are fully met.  This will result in the vegetarian wedding of your dreams.