Vegan & Gluten-Free Wedding Catering Options

Vegan and Gluten-Free Wedding Catering

Planning a wedding means accommodating diverse dietary needs and preferences. Whether your guests follow vegan, gluten-free, or other specialized diets, Susan's Kitchen Catering & Events specializes in creating exceptional wedding menus that include everyone at your celebration. Modern weddings celebrate inclusivity, and exceptional food shouldn't be limited to those eating conventional diets. This comprehensive guide explores how to create memorable vegan and gluten-free wedding catering experiences that delight all your guests.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Wedding Catering Menus

All menus are designed to be entirely vegan and gluten-free, suitable for elegant wedding celebrations with various service styles, including sit-down plated dinners, buffets, and family-style service.

Sit-Down Plated Wedding Dinner Menu

First Course

• Heirloom Tomato and Basil Salad with Balsamic Reduction and Microgreens
• Compressed Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Mint, Lime, and Chili Salt
• Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Citrus Segments, Toasted Walnuts, and Cashew “Cheese”

Second Course

• Velvety Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Truffle Oil and Chive Garnish
• Butternut Squash and Apple Bisque with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
• Spring Pea and Leek Velouté with Lemon Zest

Main Course Selections

• Wild Mushroom and Herb Risotto with Grilled Asparagus and Crispy Shallots
• Stuffed Zucchini Roulades with Quinoa, Spinach, and Roasted Peppers on Tomato Coulis
• Cauliflower “Steak” with Smoked Paprika, Romesco Sauce, and Seasonal Vegetable Medley
• Lentil and Root Vegetable Wellington in Gluten-Free Puff Pastry with Red Wine Reduction

Accompaniments

• Olive Oil Whipped Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
• Charred Haricots Verts with Lemon and Sea Salt
• Herb-Roasted Baby Carrots and Rainbow Beets

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate Mousse Cups with Macerated Berries
• Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit and Toasted Coconut
• Almond Flour Berry Tartlets with Vanilla Bean Cream

Buffet Wedding Reception Menu

Cold Displays

• Market Vegetable Crudités with Roasted Garlic Hummus and Red Pepper Dip
• Seasonal Fruit Platter with Berries, Melon, and Citrus
• Quinoa and Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Cranberries, and Lemon Tahini Dressing
• Hearts of Palm, Cucumber, and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Hot Buffet Selections

• Roasted Vegetable Medley with Zucchini, Eggplant, Peppers, and Onions
• Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt
• Grilled Seasonal Greens with Garlic and Olive Oil
• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Wild Rice, Chickpeas, and Herbs
• Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables and Lemon Olive Oil
• Red Lentil and Mushroom Ragout served over Creamy Polenta

Salads and Bowls

• Baby Arugula Salad with Shaved Fennel, Orange Segments, and Toasted Almonds
• Brown Rice and Edamame Salad with Pickled Vegetables and Sesame Dressing
• Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Grapes and Sunflower Seeds

Dessert Table

• Mini Flourless Chocolate Cakes with Raspberry Garnish
• Lemon Bars on Almond Crust
• Assorted Vegan and Gluten-Free Cookies and Biscotti
• Mini Berry Crumble Cups with Oat and Nut Topping

Family-Style Wedding Menu

Shared Starters

• Platter of Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Herbs
• Chickpea and Avocado Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Onions
• Roasted Red Pepper and White Bean Dip with Gluten-Free Crostini
• Marinated Artichokes, Olives, and Heirloom Tomatoes

Main Dishes Served Family-Style

• Eggplant and Tomato Bake with Fresh Basil and Cashew “Mozzarella”
• Herbed Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Slow-Roasted Onions
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Balsamic and Rosemary
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi with Roasted Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes

Family-Style Sides

• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Thyme
• Haricots Verts with Toasted Almonds
• Mixed Green Salad with Cucumber, Radish, and Champagne Vinaigrette
• Warm Quinoa Pilaf with Herbs and Seasonal Vegetables

Sweet Endings

• Family-Style Platters of Fresh Seasonal Fruit
• Assorted Vegan and Gluten-Free Mini Cupcakes
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Sea Salt

Optional Hors d’Oeuvres for Any Style

• Mini Stuffed Potatoes with Cashew Cream and Chives
• Polenta Rounds with Mushroom Ragout
• Grilled Asparagus Spears with Lemon Aioli (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
• Cucumber Rounds with Herb Cashew Cheese and Fresh Dill
• Mini Lettuce Cups with Ginger-Marinated Tofu and Crunchy Vegetables

All menus can be customized for regional flavors, seasonal ingredients, and event-specific themes while remaining fully vegan and gluten-free.

Understanding Vegan and Gluten-Free Wedding Needs

Vegan wedding catering excludes all animal products—meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, and honey. This dietary choice may be based on ethical, environmental, or health concerns. Gluten-free catering eliminates wheat, barley, rye, and related grains, essential for guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many guests may follow both diets simultaneously, requiring careful menu planning and attention to cross-contamination.

The good news? Vegan and gluten-free cuisine has evolved dramatically. Today's plant-based and gluten-free cooking showcases creativity, flavor sophistication, and culinary artistry. Susan's Kitchen Catering understands that dietary accommodations should never compromise taste, presentation, or the celebratory spirit of your wedding. We approach specialized dietary catering as an opportunity to create innovative, delicious menus that impress all your guests.

Creating Elegant Vegan Wedding Menus

Vegan wedding menus have moved far beyond salads and side dishes. Modern vegan catering features restaurant-quality entrees that stand confidently alongside traditional meat options. Consider elegant appetizers like cashew-based crostini with heirloom tomatoes and basil, crispy vegetable spring rolls with ginger dipping sauce, or portobello mushroom skewers with balsamic reduction. These sophisticated bites showcase technique and flavor while immediately signaling to vegan guests that their dining experience has been thoughtfully considered.

For main courses, Susan's Kitchen Catering creates compelling vegan options that focus on vegetables, legumes, grains, and plant-based proteins. Options might include a creamy cauliflower risotto with truffle oil and crispy sage, a hearty lentil wellington with mushroom duxelles and red wine reduction, or a roasted vegetable tart with cashew béchamel. Plant-based proteins like tempeh, tofu, and jackfruit can be marinated, grilled, and prepared with the same culinary attention as animal proteins. The key is creating entrees substantial and flavorful enough to satisfy as a main course, not simply vegetables rearranged on a plate.

Vegan sides elevate the entire meal. Truffle-roasted root vegetables, crispy hasselback potatoes with rosemary, quinoa pilaf with roasted vegetables and pine nuts, or creamy polenta with mushroom ragù showcase the versatility of plant-based cooking. Vegan sauces and reductions—balsamic glazes, red wine reductions, herb oil drizzles—add depth and sophistication to plates.

Designing Gluten-Free Wedding Menus

Gluten-free wedding catering requires meticulous attention to ingredients and preparation methods. Beyond simply removing bread and pasta, effective gluten-free menus feature naturally gluten-free proteins, starches, and vegetables prepared with care to prevent cross-contamination. Fortunately, many elegant proteins—fish, poultry, meat, legumes—are naturally gluten-free, making protein-forward entrees inherently accommodating.

Gluten-free appetizers might include shrimp saganaki (without breading), beef carpaccio with arugula and capers, crab-stuffed mushrooms, or a beautiful cheese and charcuterie display. Main courses could feature herb-crusted lamb (using gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour), wild salmon with lemon beurre blanc, filet mignon with chimichurri, or roasted chicken with pan sauce. Starches might include risotto, polenta, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf—all naturally gluten-free when prepared with appropriate ingredients.

The critical component of gluten-free catering is Susan's Kitchen Catering's commitment to preventing cross-contamination. Separate preparation areas, dedicated utensils, and careful ingredient sourcing ensure that gluten-free meals are truly safe for guests with celiac disease or severe sensitivities. Inform your caterer about the severity of your guests' gluten restrictions so appropriate precautions are taken.

Combined Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

Some guests follow both vegan and gluten-free diets simultaneously. Susan's Kitchen Catering designs menus that seamlessly accommodate both restrictions without creating complicated multiple-meal situations. A roasted vegetable medley with quinoa and herb oil works as a vegan gluten-free entree. A mushroom and lentil tart with gluten-free crust serves both communities. Risotto made with vegetable broth and nutritional yeast (instead of parmesan) accommodates both diets while remaining elegant and delicious.

The advantage of inclusive menu planning is that what works for vegan and gluten-free guests often appeals to all your guests. Many people appreciate vegetable-forward dishes, plant-based proteins, and lighter meal options regardless of dietary restrictions. Positioning these dishes as attractive menu choices for everyone creates a more cohesive, inclusive celebration.

Specialized Breads and Starches

Bread is a cultural and emotional centerpiece of many celebrations. Susan's Kitchen Catering sources exceptional gluten-free breads from specialty bakeries or prepares fresh gluten-free options in-house. Quality gluten-free breads no longer taste cardboard-like—modern options feature excellent crumb structure, flavor, and texture. Vegan guests appreciate crusty sourdough or focaccia made with olive oil instead of butter.

For cocktail hours, gluten-free crackers, breadsticks, and crudité platters allow guests with gluten sensitivities to enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres. Vegetable chips, rice crackers, and naturally gluten-free options ensure vegan guests have plenty of appetizer choices without feeling limited.

Desserts for Dietary Restrictions

Dessert poses particular challenges for dietary accommodations since many traditional sweets rely on butter, eggs, and wheat flour. Susan's Kitchen Catering creates beautiful, delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts that shine as centerpieces of your celebration. Options include vegan chocolate mousse cake with dairy-free chocolate ganache, a gluten-free flourless chocolate cake with raspberry coulis, coconut flour brownies with vegan frosting, or a fresh fruit pavlova using aquafaba (chickpea water) whipped as meringue.

Our luxury custom wedding cakes can be created to meet vegan and gluten-free specifications without compromising on design, flavor, or elegance. A multi-tiered vegan gluten-free cake becomes a stunning visual centerpiece while ensuring your entire guest list can enjoy the dessert course. Vegan buttercream piping, fondant work, and fruit decorations create beautiful results that photograph beautifully.

Beverage Pairings and Cocktails

Beverages deserve thoughtful consideration in dietary-inclusive planning. Most wines are vegan-friendly, though some use animal products in fining (clarification). Ask your wine supplier about vegan certifications. Spirits are typically vegan, but verify specific brands. Beer varies—many are vegan, though some use non-vegan fining agents. Ask your caterer to identify vegan-friendly alcohol options and clearly label them for your guests.

Signature cocktails can be created to accommodate both diets. A cocktail made with fresh fruit juice, spirits, and sparkling water works for vegan and gluten-free guests. Avoid cream-based cocktails and verify that mixers, syrups, and garnishes meet dietary requirements. Non-alcoholic signature drinks ensure all guests feel included in celebratory toasts.

Communicating Dietary Requirements

Clear communication prevents confusion and ensures your caterer can deliver exceptional results. During your wedding menu consultation, specify which guests have vegan or gluten-free requirements. Ask whether these are preferences or restrictions requiring careful handling. Determine how many guests need each accommodation to properly prepare quantities and ensure variety.

On your wedding RSVP card, include dietary questions: "Do you require vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, or other dietary accommodations?" This gives you accurate counts and allows Susan's Kitchen Catering to plan precisely. Include a line for guests to detail additional allergies beyond vegan or gluten-free needs. Clear information prevents assumptions and ensures every guest's needs are met.

Menu Planning and Tastings

Schedule a dedicated tasting for vegan and gluten-free menu items. Sampling potential dishes allows you to ensure quality, taste, and presentation meet your standards. Susan's Kitchen Catering encourages discussing your vision, any guests' specific preferences, and opportunities for creative customization. Our wedding menu samples showcase diverse options available for both conventional and dietary-restricted menus.

Explore menus that feature naturally inclusive options rather than creating completely separate meals. When possible, a unified menu with components adaptable to different diets feels more cohesive. For example, all guests receive herb-roasted vegetables, but some plates include meat and others feature a plant-based protein—creating visual unity while accommodating restrictions.

Budgeting for Specialized Catering

Many couples wonder whether specialized dietary catering increases costs. The answer is nuanced. Vegan and gluten-free ingredients sometimes cost more than conventional alternatives, particularly for high-quality gluten-free flours or specialty vegan products. However, creative plant-based cooking can be extremely cost-effective, particularly when seasonal vegetables are featured. Work with Susan's Kitchen Catering to budget appropriately for your catering needs, factoring in dietary accommodations as part of your overall planning.

Rather than inflating overall costs, specialized dietary catering often means Susan's Kitchen Catering creates thoughtful, creative dishes that might not have been developed otherwise. The result frequently is menus that impress all your guests, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Service Across NYC's Five Boroughs

Susan's Kitchen Catering serves vegan and gluten-free wedding catering throughout New York City and surrounding areas. Whether your celebration takes place in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, our experienced team coordinates seamless execution of specialized dietary menus.

Beyond Wedding Receptions

Vegan and gluten-free accommodations extend beyond reception dinners. Engagement parties, bridal shower brunches, rehearsal dinners, and day-after brunches all benefit from thoughtful dietary planning. Susan's Kitchen Catering ensures consistency across all wedding-related events, making every guest feel welcomed and celebrated.

Creating Truly Inclusive Celebrations

Exceptional vegan and gluten-free wedding catering reflects a commitment to inclusivity. When every guest can eat delicious, beautiful food that aligns with their values and dietary needs, everyone feels celebrated. Susan's Kitchen Catering approaches specialized dietary catering not as an accommodation or afterthought, but as an integral part of creating memorable celebrations where every guest matters.

Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple and celebrate all the people who matter most to you. That celebration includes ensuring every guest—regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions—feels valued and enjoys exceptional food. Susan's Kitchen Catering specializes in creating vegan and gluten-free wedding menus that achieve this goal with creativity, flavor, and genuine hospitality.

Ready to plan your inclusive wedding menu? Contact Susan's Kitchen Catering & Events today to discuss your vegan and gluten-free wedding catering needs. Our dedicated team is excited to work with you to create an exceptional celebration where dietary restrictions never limit culinary excellence or guest joy. Let us handle the catering while you focus on celebrating the people and moments that matter most.