Vegan/Vegetarian Weddings: Eat What You're Served? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

snowy · 07-29-2010, 09:43 AM

So I stumbled across this piece about Chelsea Clinton's impending nuptials this morning. I normally wouldn't click on something like this, but the title lured me in.

Chelsea Clinton's Vegan Wedding - Slashfood

Quote:

Chelsea Clinton isn't tying the knot with her fiance Marc Mezvinsky until this weekend, but the wedding has already become the event of the year, at least by gossip-rag standards. Questions abound: Who's invited? (Hint: Not many.) What will she wear? (The smart money, as always, is on Vera Wang.) What kind of ceremony will it be, anyway? Thanks to the publicity-shy bride, there are few confirmed details. One thing's fairly certain, though: The caterers will accommodate the former first daughter's vegan diet.

Despite her father's famous predilection for fast food, Chelsea has reportedly been going meatless for more than a decade, even asking White House chef Walter Scheib to teach her to prepare her own vegan meals, according to the Vegetarian Star. By all accounts, Chelsea is a highly intelligent, ambitious woman who doesn't do anything halfway, and her kitchen training was no exception; she worked with Scheib for six weeks prior to leaving for Stanford, earning a "Walter Scheib cooking school certificate" at the end.

Consequently, "insiders" have told Life & Style magazine, the food for the big day "will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes." (That'll put the caterers through their paces.) Lest anyone accuse Chelsea of being doctrinaire, however, the wedding menu will also please carnivorous guests. According to those same insiders, there will be a beef entree as well -- grass-fed and organic, naturally.

When I first clicked on the item, I was interested because I'm getting married in a month and we're planning on serving a vegetarian meal at our reception. I admit I was disappointed to find out that Chelsea would ultimately be serving meat at the reception. To me, our reception meal (spinach lasagna, assorted delicious salads, Mediterranean appetizers) is representative of who we are as a couple, and it consists of foods we enjoy (yum, hummus and tapenade). Sure, I eat meat, but my SO doesn't, and we agreed that we would serve a meal we were both comfortable with. We offered to let my father-in-law smoke something on his Traeger if he wanted (but we wouldn't pay for it), because almost all of the older folks in my SO's family doesn't understand vegetarianism (they're still mystified as to how we get enough protein to survive). My mother-in-law vetoed that and said the older folks could get along eating vegetarian for one day of their lives

So, would you be okay eating vegetarian or vegan at a reception? Do people really have room to complain about what is essentially free food?

ObieX · 07-29-2010, 10:36 AM

Free food is always good. Anyone who grumbles should go fuck off.

CinnamonGirl · 07-29-2010, 10:46 AM

There is absolutely no way I would complain about food at a wedding, period. A wedding should be about the couple, not the guests. Complaining about free food when you've been invited to share in someone's day like that is tacky and rude.

From the other side, Eden and I went to my cousin's wedding in June. It was very casual, and the reception food was grilling/picnic stuff. I think I ate some mac & cheese and potato chips, and everyone else enjoyed burgers & hotdogs (there was also baked beans with bacon and maybe chicken? I don't really remember.) I still had a great time.

CaliLivChick · 07-29-2010, 11:05 AM

Vegans and vegetarians appreciate good tasting food just like the rest of us. Meat isn't required to make a meal taste good, so having a completely vegetarian meal at your reception, no matter who is invited, is perfectly acceptable. If someone NEEDS meat in their free food, they have issues.

As far as the disappointment that Chelsea is having meat at her wedding, she probably has a different situation than us lay-folk... there's politics involved in her life, probably going to be some political people at her wedding, and politics when it comes to food is all about pleasing everyone, like a dignitary of sorts.

Congrats on the upcoming marriage, btw. =)

snowy · 07-29-2010, 11:42 AM

Thanks!

Happy to see you back around these parts!

noodle · 07-29-2010, 01:05 PM

I would hand-write them all a menu that ended with,
"and if you don't like it, stop at McDonalds on the way home."

Baraka_Guru · 07-29-2010, 01:12 PM

One of the best and most memorable meals I've had was at my best friend's wedding a few years ago. I received the vegetarian option, and it was a squash/turnip soup, salad, and probably the most delicious stuffed vegetable I've had: a full zucchini stuffed with what I think was some kind of savoury miso-based paste. It was fanfuckingtastic.

My SO won't eat beef served at weddings. So in two cases, I've received double beef portions.

Ultimately, people shouldn't complain about wedding dinners. It's bad form. But I can imagine people thinking, OMG where's the meat?!

It's like people complaining about a dry reception despite it being so because the bride's poor brother is a recently recovered alcoholic.

snowy · 07-29-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodle

I would hand-write them all a menu that ended with,
"and if you don't like it, stop at McDonalds on the way home."

Oh snap! I like it.

spindles · 07-29-2010, 09:12 PM

I've been to everything from simple afternoon teas after the service to full on 'rolling drunk when finished' banquets. It is a wedding. Guests are there to help celebrate a very important event in people lives. I can't imagine anyone being affronted by what food is served.

Plan9 · 07-29-2010, 09:14 PM

People complain. That's what they do. But they won't do it to your face.

The "where's the beef?!" people will grumble but still eat the "rabbit food."

I mean, I'd eat the hell outta your hummus.

Lindy · 07-30-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowy

....My mother-in-law vetoed that and said the older folks could get along eating vegetarian for one day of their lives

So, would you be okay eating vegetarian or vegan at a reception? Do people really have room to complain about what is essentially free food?

I agree with your mother-in-law, except it should apply to any age. And it's not a whole day, it's only one meal! People should have no room to complain about a free meal, especially for a special occasion like this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ObieX

Free food is always good. Anyone who grumbles should go fuck off.

There is an old -I think it's Finnish or Swedish- proverb that says: "Always taste good when cost nothing."

Like you say, the reception meal is representative of how you are as a couple. Right along with the style of the invitations, the place settings, and the wording of the ceremony, etc. This should certainly be a "Have it your way" kind of day.
Snowy, I'm a confirmed carnivore that decided to try your "Meatless Monday" idea, and stayed vegetarian for nearly two weeks. It was not that big a deal. The main things I sacrificed were some matters of choice and convenience. But that discussion belongs in another thread.

Lindy

ShaniFaye · 08-20-2010, 05:51 AM

I've been to plenty of weddings were I didnt eat because it was food I wouldnt probably touch unless I was starving on a deserted island. While I myself havent really had vegetarian food I like AND I have to watch things like spinach lasagne because I cant eat spinach, it would never stop me from going to the wedding, I would just make sure I had eaten before, and then after I would stop at waffle house (thats mine and Dave's "oh god we can't stomach the wedding food" traditional place to stop)

Its YOUR wedding, people are there to celebrate with you, food is secondary to the occasion

snowy · 08-20-2010, 08:39 AM

Well, interestingly enough, we had some of our die-hard carnivore relatives try the spinach lasagna that is going to be served, and they were huge fans, snubbing the meat dish offered at dinner the same night for seconds of the lasagna! But yeah, Shani, you have health reasons as to why such a dish wouldn't be good for you to eat, and I would understand/respect that. There are 3 kinds of salads, French bread, and appetizers before dinner, so no one should go too hungry.

Strange Famous · 09-26-2010, 01:01 AM

At the end of the day, I wouldnt moan about it.

If I was just served some salad or whatever it wouldnt satisfy me, but its only one meal and I could just grab a burger on the way home if I was still hungry.

snowy · 09-26-2010, 07:22 AM

We didn't have anyone complain or walk away hungry, that is certain, but we had quite a spread--appetizers, salads, bread, and an entree of spinach lasagna.

In fact, a couple people specifically commented on how the spinach lasagna was a great choice because it was satisfying yet had no meat in it.

Sarah87 · 10-01-2010, 02:58 AM

I don't think you have any right to complain about the food at a wedding! You are a guest who's been invited to join in when two people celebrate getting married and whatever food is served according to their taste, is something you have to accept. Even if you are a meat lover you can survive one dinner without it! It is probably only good for you.

07-29-2010, 10:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
ObieX Pickles Location: Shirt and Pants (NJ)	Free food is always good. Anyone who grumbles should go fuck off. __________________ We Must Dissent.

07-29-2010, 10:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
CinnamonGirl She's Actual Size Location: Central Republic of Where-in-the-Hell	There is absolutely no way I would complain about food at a wedding, period. A wedding should be about the couple, not the guests. Complaining about free food when you've been invited to share in someone's day like that is tacky and rude. From the other side, Eden and I went to my cousin's wedding in June. It was very casual, and the reception food was grilling/picnic stuff. I think I ate some mac & cheese and potato chips, and everyone else enjoyed burgers & hotdogs (there was also baked beans with bacon and maybe chicken? I don't really remember.) I still had a great time. __________________ "...for though she was ordinary, she possessed health, wit, courage, charm, and cheerfulness. But because she was not beautiful, no one ever seemed to notice these other qualities, which is so often the way of the world." "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

07-29-2010, 11:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
CaliLivChick In Transition Location: Sanford, FL (between Daytona and Orlando)	Vegans and vegetarians appreciate good tasting food just like the rest of us. Meat isn't required to make a meal taste good, so having a completely vegetarian meal at your reception, no matter who is invited, is perfectly acceptable. If someone NEEDS meat in their free food, they have issues. As far as the disappointment that Chelsea is having meat at her wedding, she probably has a different situation than us lay-folk... there's politics involved in her life, probably going to be some political people at her wedding, and politics when it comes to food is all about pleasing everyone, like a dignitary of sorts. Congrats on the upcoming marriage, btw. =) __________________ Don't trust anything that can bleed for a week and not die. Oh wait, that's me... nevermind... you can trust me.

07-29-2010, 11:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Thanks! Happy to see you back around these parts! __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

07-29-2010, 01:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	One of the best and most memorable meals I've had was at my best friend's wedding a few years ago. I received the vegetarian option, and it was a squash/turnip soup, salad, and probably the most delicious stuffed vegetable I've had: a full zucchini stuffed with what I think was some kind of savoury miso-based paste. It was fanfuckingtastic. My SO won't eat beef served at weddings. So in two cases, I've received double beef portions. Ultimately, people shouldn't complain about wedding dinners. It's bad form. But I can imagine people thinking, OMG where's the meat?! It's like people complaining about a dry reception despite it being so because the bride's poor brother is a recently recovered alcoholic. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

07-29-2010, 09:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
spindles Mine is an evil laugh Location: Sydney, Australia	I've been to everything from simple afternoon teas after the service to full on 'rolling drunk when finished' banquets. It is a wedding. Guests are there to help celebrate a very important event in people lives. I can't imagine anyone being affronted by what food is served. __________________ who hid my keyboard's PANIC button?

07-29-2010, 09:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	People complain. That's what they do. But they won't do it to your face. The "where's the beef?!" people will grumble but still eat the "rabbit food." I mean, I'd eat the hell outta your hummus. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

08-20-2010, 05:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I've been to plenty of weddings were I didnt eat because it was food I wouldnt probably touch unless I was starving on a deserted island. While I myself havent really had vegetarian food I like AND I have to watch things like spinach lasagne because I cant eat spinach, it would never stop me from going to the wedding, I would just make sure I had eaten before, and then after I would stop at waffle house (thats mine and Dave's "oh god we can't stomach the wedding food" traditional place to stop) Its YOUR wedding, people are there to celebrate with you, food is secondary to the occasion __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

08-20-2010, 08:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Well, interestingly enough, we had some of our die-hard carnivore relatives try the spinach lasagna that is going to be served, and they were huge fans, snubbing the meat dish offered at dinner the same night for seconds of the lasagna! But yeah, Shani, you have health reasons as to why such a dish wouldn't be good for you to eat, and I would understand/respect that. There are 3 kinds of salads, French bread, and appetizers before dinner, so no one should go too hungry. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

09-26-2010, 01:01 AM	#14 (permalink)
Strange Famous follower of the child's crusade?	At the end of the day, I wouldnt moan about it. If I was just served some salad or whatever it wouldnt satisfy me, but its only one meal and I could just grab a burger on the way home if I was still hungry. __________________ "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." The Gospel of Thomas

09-26-2010, 07:22 AM	#15 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	We didn't have anyone complain or walk away hungry, that is certain, but we had quite a spread--appetizers, salads, bread, and an entree of spinach lasagna. In fact, a couple people specifically commented on how the spinach lasagna was a great choice because it was satisfying yet had no meat in it. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

10-01-2010, 02:58 AM	#16 (permalink)
Sarah87 Upright	I don't think you have any right to complain about the food at a wedding! You are a guest who's been invited to join in when two people celebrate getting married and whatever food is served according to their taste, is something you have to accept. Even if you are a meat lover you can survive one dinner without it! It is probably only good for you.