Bride Sues Caterer for Inadequate Menu Options

As an Event Planner who specializes in food, I was shocked to hear about this bride in Australia, and wanted to weigh in.  To quickly summarize the story, the bride was vegetarian, and sued her caterer for neglecting to serve an adequate vegetarian menu. 

My piece of advice is, if you are vegetarian or vegan, choose a caterer who specializes in that food!  Sounds obvious, but this particular bride hired a “dude food” van, who by this account, specialized in burgers.  While I am a big fan of the “late night bites”, burgers as the main offering does not quite match the occasion, in my opinion.  There are several different cuisines and menu options, whatever your budget, that could have been a better fit. 

If any guests have specialty diets, you must let your caterer know as soon as possible, and up front – these days, most diets, including coeliacs can be accommodated. 

Advice to the caterer – make it work!  No matter the event, client, or confirmed menu – always have a vegetarian option.  If you want to surpass expectations, a vegan/vegetarian option that would satisfy both is a great idea. 

Here are some Vegan/Vegetarian menu items that I love:

Buddha Bowl
Saffron Rice, Edamame, Beet Hummus, Roasted Sweet Potato, Roasted Broccoli, Purple Cabbage & Peanut Sauce & Thai Basil

Summer Rolls
Marinated Tofu, Vermicelli Noodle, Mint, Cashew Dipping Sauce

Gardener’s Pie
Roasted Winter Vegetables, French Lentils, Sautéed Broccolini & Kale,
Braised Butternut Squash, Phyllo Pastry, toasted Pistachios

To my fellow planners/readers out there - have you faced this challenge?  I'd love to hear about it!