On June 10, 2023, I married my best friend. As we embarked on this love-filled journey together, we were committed to crafting a wedding day that resonated deeply with our values and preferences. Our culinary choice was no exception; we opted for an entirely plant-based menu. Now, I’m thrilled to share our experience and offer you a comprehensive guide on recreating a delectable plant-based spread for your own special occasions. This guide includes recipes and a shopping list for a fully plant-based taco bar, along with ideas for a delightful cocktail hour and late-night snacks. It’s a resource I wish I had when I first embarked on this culinary adventure!
Jump to recipe packet, shopping list, and other downloads
Why We Chose a Plant-Based Taco Bar
The decision to opt for a plant-based menu was deeply personal for us. As advocates of a plant-based lifestyle, it was crucial that our wedding day reflected our commitment to sustainable living and compassionate eating. And why tacos? Tacos are one of my favourite foods – they are not only fun and hands-on to make and eat, but also offer endless variety of toppings and flavours. Our friends and relatives (most of who do not eat plant-based) were not only supportive but also excited to explore the world of delicious plant-based cuisine for an evening.
Creating the Plant-based Taco Bar Menu
For the taco bar, we wanted to provide a variety of choices for our guests, so we decided to offer both hard and soft tacos. We also included the option for taco salads or rice bowls for those who preferred alternatives to traditional tacos.
Our taco bar featured three delectable fillings – these options provided a range of flavours and textures that pleased every palate:
- seasoned black beans
- saucy, spiced lentils
- roasted sweet potatoes
To enhance the taco experience, we of course offered an array of toppings, including:
- a refreshing cabbage and carrot slaw
- fresh chopped lettuce
- zesty pickled onions (using my recipe)
- salsa
We also offered three sauces (my specialty):
- cashew queso (a HUGE hit among guests)
- burrito sauce (made with egg-free mayo)
- a green herb vinaigrette.
For the spice enthusiasts among our guests, we also provided a selection of hot sauces to customize their tacos to their liking.
Cocktail Hour, Desserts, and Late Night Snacks
We also offered a variety of other foods throughout the evening. While the focus of this post is the taco bar, I am also briefly outlining what we had for cocktail hour, dessert, and late night snack. The items and ingredients needed for these courses are also included in the provided shopping list.
To start off our celebration, we treated our guests to a refreshing gazpacho during the cocktail hour (a chilled tomato soup). It was served alongside some of my favourite salty snacks – chips, pretzels, and popcorn – we wanted to make sure our guests had some snacks before dinner so they wouldn’t get hungry. I also want to note that for the cocktail hour, we used compostable bowls and spoons for the soup and brown paper fry cups for the snacks (for easier clean-up and less $ spent on rentals).
For dessert, we offered an assortment of plant-based treats. Our dessert table featured an array of cookies, donuts from a local bakery, and cakes (both PC plant-based cakes and an AMAZING wedding cake made by a friend).
As the evening celebrations continued, we surprised our guests with a plant-based charcuterie board. This late-night snack was a hit, offering a savory contrast to the sweetness of dessert and keeping the energy high on the dance floor. See the recipe packet below for an outline of what we included on the charcuterie boards.
How We Made It Happen and Rentals
To execute our plant-based taco bar dinner, we enlisted the help of friends, family, and even past co-workers who were eager to contribute (thanks, all!). Some were hired, while others volunteered their time. They played pivotal roles in food preparation, serving, and cleanup. If you have a support network like ours, it’s a great way to ensure everything runs smoothly. However, if you don’t have access to such a network, consider speaking to a professional caterer who can replicate the menu and service for you.
For serve ware, we rented a significant portion of the food and serving equipment (chafing dishes, plates, silverware, glasses, etc.) from a local rental company and also used compostable plates and bowls. After the festivities, we packed everything into a U-Haul and returned it to the rental company the following day. Managing and lifting the equipment can be quite labour- and time-intensive, so if possible, consider arranging for the rental company to pick up the items from your venue the next day to simplify the process.
Naturally Gluten-Friendly and Inclusive
An added benefit of our menu was that the plant-based taco bar naturally catered to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Most items on our menu were naturally gluten-free (excluding the flour tortillas and some of our desserts), making it an inclusive option for a wide range of guests. Serving the meal buffet-style also allows guests to choose what they prefer, reducing food waste and ensuring everyone finds something delicious to enjoy.
Environmental Impact
Choosing a plant-based menu for our wedding was not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, replacing conventional menu choices with earth-friendly options, like whole, plant-based foods, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of an event. They state that for events with 500 attendees, this translates to saving ten tons of greenhouse gas equivalents. To put that in perspective, it’s equivalent to saving five acres of habitat from animal agriculture, avoiding the emissions from 22,000 miles driven by cars, preventing 17 tons of manure pollution, or conserving nearly 10,000 gallons of water from irrigation and food processing. While our wedding had fewer guests than what is outlined in the report, it’s incredible how just one event can make such a positive impact on the environment while still delivering delicious and nutritious food.
Overall
Our plant-based wedding was a resounding success, filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. We even had many satisfied guests asking for the dinner recipes! By sharing our experience and providing you with the tools you need to create a similar feast, we hope to inspire others to incorporate their values and preferences into their special occasions. Whether you’re planning a wedding or any other celebration, embracing plant-based cuisine can be a delightful and fulfilling choice that pleases both your taste buds and your conscience. Cheers to love, togetherness, and the joy of sharing good food!
(Note: This wedding took place in southern Ontario, Canada, and some aspects of planning and resources may vary depending on your location.)
Important Notes
- Customization is Key: Keep in mind that while this guide outlines what worked for my wedding, your event may have different requirements. Depending on your and your guests’ preferences and appetites, you may need to adjust the quantities of food. Feel free to change up the toppings and sauces to suit your taste buds and those of your guests.
- Safety First: When planning any event involving food, especially if you’re serving the public, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure you’re adhering to local health regulations, obtain any necessary permits, and work with a trusted food supplier or caterer if needed. Food safety should always be a top priority.
- Plan Ahead: Planning and preparation are key to a successful event. Start early, create a timeline, and enlist the help of friends and family if possible. It’s a big task, but with careful planning, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
- Consider Dietary Needs: While plant-based menus are inclusive, be mindful of specific dietary needs your guests may have, such as allergies or gluten intolerance. Label dishes appropriately and offer alternatives where possible.
Recipe packet, shopping list, and other downloads
Recipe packet:
Shopping list:
Note that this shopping list was the actual list I used for my wedding. Therefore, it includes the taco bar ingredients, as well as some of the late-night charcuterie items, dessert items, cocktail hour items, non-alcoholic beverages, and cocktail garnishes.
Please use this as a guide and make your own adjustments – this will help to ensure that it will work for you and your needs.
*BONUS* Printable Taco Bar Wedding Sign
I am also happy to share a *bonus* download of the taco bar wedding sign that I designed. We had a lovely friend of ours print the sign onto a thin canvas. You can contact a local or online printer to do this. You could also have it printed on paper and frame it.
It is 16″x20″
