A wedding menu is more than just food, it’s memories plated up. Let’s talk about choices that will have your guests licking their fingers.
Okay, let’s be real, nothing gets people talking at an Indian wedding more than the food. Sure, the outfits sparkle, the décor is dreamy, and the pheras are emotional, but the wedding menu? That’s what lingers on the tongue and in the memory. And these days, the big question on everyone’s plate (literally) is: vegan vs vegetarian wedding menu. What works? What wows? And what will make even your hardcore butter paneer fan guests come back for seconds? With Wedding Affair, let’s dive into it, because at the end of the day, this is the delicious dilemma every couple wants solved.
Table of Contents
- Vegan vs Vegetarian: What’s the Real Difference Anyway?
- The Luxury Indian Wedding Factor
- How to Decide Between the Two
- Wedding Menu Recommendations: Veggie Classics & Vegan Stars
- The Guest Experience Angle
Vegan vs Vegetarian: What’s the Real Difference Anyway?
So, first things first, let’s not confuse the two. Vegetarian menus still happily embrace dairy and ghee, making way for our beloved butter naans, creamy gravies, and milk-based sweets like rasmalai. Vegan menus, on the other hand, say a hard no to all animal products. That means no ghee, no milk, no paneer, no honey. Instead, you’re looking at almond milk kheer, tofu tikkas, coconut cream curries, and desserts so inventive they’ll have your foodie guests snapping Insta stories mid-bite.
Think of it this way: vegetarian is comfort, nostalgia, and grandma-approved classics. Vegan is edgy, modern, and oh-so-conscious. Both have their charm. It just depends on the vibe you want your wedding menu to give off.
Read Also: Wedding Menu Finger Foods That’ll Steal the Show
The Luxury Indian Wedding Factor
Now, since we’re talking about a luxury Indian wedding, let’s get into the real tea. You want your wedding menu to scream opulence, but not in a “stuffed-to-the-gills” way. More like, “I just tasted heaven on a plate and I want to tell everyone.” The difference between vegan vs vegetarian wedding menus isn’t just about food groups, it’s about presentation, creativity, and curating a culinary journey for your guests.
For example, imagine a cocktail night where the bar snacks are entirely vegan: avocado chaat canapes, beetroot galouti kebabs, and jackfruit sliders paired with smoky cocktails. Now contrast that with a vegetarian sit-down dinner featuring truffle butter naan baskets, paneer lababdar towers, and gold leaf-topped rasgullas. Both sound luxe, right? The real trick is in choosing which identity suits your big day’s personality.
How to Decide Between the Two
Here’s the thing: there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to a wedding menu. But ask yourself:
- Do you have a lot of vegan or lactose-intolerant guests?
- Do you want your wedding to lean towards trendy, eco-conscious vibes?
- Or would you rather stick to timeless flavours that feel like home?
If your answer is “all of the above,” then honestly, mix and match. A half-and-half wedding menu is not just doable, it’s a power move. Keep your hearty vegetarian dishes and weave in some stellar vegan options that stand tall on their own. This way, no one feels left out, and everyone leaves talking about how inclusive and creative your spread was.
Read Also: Simple but Delicious Ways to Curate Your Wedding Menu
Wedding Menu Recommendations: Veggie Classics & Vegan Stars
Vegetarian Showstoppers:
- Paneer Tikka with a Twist – Think saffron marinades or stuffed with dried fruits.
- Dal Bukhara – Rich, slow-cooked, and always a crowd favourite.
- Stuffed Malai Kofta – Soft dumplings in a velvety gravy, plated elegantly.
- Chaat Corners – Because let’s be honest, no Indian wedding menu is complete without them.
Vegan Champions:
- Tofu Makhani – Creamy without the cream, thanks to cashew paste.
- Jackfruit Biryani – A royal dish that doubles up as a conversation starter.
- Vegan Kulfis – Made with almond or coconut milk, garnished with rose petals.
- Avocado Pani Puri – A millennial-approved spin on a classic.
Pro tip: When working with your caterer, emphasise presentation. Even a simple vegan gulab jamun looks five-star when plated in mini brass bowls with edible flowers.
The Guest Experience Angle
Let’s not forget the guests. Indian weddings are about feeding not just the stomach but also the soul. A vegetarian wedding menu gives them nostalgia, those familiar flavours of home weddings past. A vegan spread, on the other hand, adds curiosity and freshness. Guests will walk in expecting “missing butter” but walk out raving about how indulgent cashew cream can be.
At the end of the day, your wedding menu is an extension of you as a couple. Are you classic and rooted? Are you modern and experimental? Or are you both, balancing the old and new like the perfect yin-yang? Let the food tell that story.
Read Also: Flavours of India for Your Wedding Menu
FAQs About Vegan vs Vegetarian Wedding Menu
Q1: Should I mix vegan and vegetarian dishes in my wedding menu?
Absolutely, it’s the smartest way to cater to all preferences without compromising variety.
Q2: Will vegan food feel too “light” for a wedding feast?
Not if done right. With curries, biryanis, and innovative desserts, vegan menus can be as indulgent as vegetarian spreads.
Q3: Is it more expensive to curate a vegan wedding menu in India?
It can be slightly pricier due to specialty ingredients, but the creativity and inclusivity often make it worth it.
