That one vegetarian friend rant.....

I am vegetarian and when I mentioned that to my caterer they said that if we chose a menu that wasn't veg friendly they would make a plate for me and any vegetarians there separate. I appreciated the offer but we are going to have our whole buffet vegetarian friendly. Maybe ask your caterer if you can get a single plated meal vegetarian?

I will definitely try that. Thanks ladies.

We had some veggie options but a main course those vegetarian had to ask for it so others wouldn't eat it. We ended up with only one coming vs the few we knew.

We were also told about having those wanting a vegetarian option to quietly tell the caterer when they arrive at the buffet because everyone else will eat it if it is presented.

As someone who has some fun food-weirdness: most people with "non-mainstream" food restrictions are used to making sure they have a plan to feed themselves. Chances are, she'll already be working a plan to bring her own "just in case" snack/food but will appreciate your effort to provide something for her. (I am soooo used to bringing food in ziplocks in my handbag at this point that I don't even blink.)

Find out if your caterer will prepare a separate plate for her and, if so, work out how they would make that particular plate available to the one guest who needs it. If this doesn't work, then let the friend know. Chances are she should be reasonably understanding and may have a suggestion for how she can feed herself.

My MOH and my Grandma both are gluten-free and dairy free. I'm having special cupcakes, or a small cake, made for them. And my MOH is bringing her own bread for our bruschetta. But having a special plate for you guest sounds like it would be a great option.

I am a vegetarian. I'm the only one in my family that is. The caterer was going to have my meal separate for me. I would do that before I ordered vegetarian food for 20 people.

I agree with songbird to let the vegetarian know if the caterer doesn't have any options other than DOUBLING your food. Are your side dishes meat free? I am so used to only eating side dishes when I go to functions...no matter what just talk to her so she knows what to expect.

Do not listen to the caterer - ordering TWO times the amount of food you need is not the correct portion at all!! Typically, you want to double or triple the number of veg meals requests that you receive.

Example: 2 vegetarians that you know of - order 6. People forget to mention it, you forget, etc.

Doubling is ridiculous and they're after your money. Our wedding was buffet style as well, I told my caterer about the vegetarians that I knew of, and asked for a few more plates just in case. All worked out swimmingly!

Have the vegetarian meal plated separately. Either that, or have a sign that says "Vegetarian Option" in front of the tray of vegetarian food. As a carnivore, I would know to leave that meal for my vegetarian friends. I wouldn't touch it.

I get where you are coming from. Vegetarian is easier to deal with than some of these fad "diets". That's the only one we will accommodate though. My fiancées sister is gluten free though because of an intolerance so we will have to see about that. It's frustrating though so I feel your pain

My caterer said to give them a count of vegetarian plates that we will need (we will only need one, I think) and they will make a special vegetarian plate just for them. Separate from the buffet options. Maybe your caterer would do that rather than having to add in a whole option for everyone?

I completely disagree with songbird and whoever else agreed with her. I have never once in the 8 years I've been vegetarian brought my own food.

I also don't think you should have to pay however much just for someone to eat side dishes.

I wouldn't want to pay $100 for someone to eat if they can't actually eat.

My venue gets a count before hand of vegetarians and they will serve them plated meals instead of making them pick random sides like salad out of the buffet.

I am vegetarian, and I don't bring my own food at weddings and catered events because 98% of the time, there is a vegetarian entree if I ask. For the other 2%, I can eat enough of the side dishes to fill me up. Can you have the vegetarians put at the front of the buffet line? Or can the caterer bring the dish out only on request? I think your caterer is right-- people like to try everything at a buffet. If you have chicken parm and eggplant parm, most guests will like to take a little of both. (Now if I had allergies to 3 different things and had a restriction like being gluten-free, THEN I might bring food with me, but vegetarian/ vegan is so simple to accommodate and common that it really shouldn't be a big deal.)

We're having a buffet. Main course is meat, but there are 4 vegetarian sides. I'm vegetarian and totally cool with this. (I told the groom to pick the food because I didn't want to deal with it.)

You don't have to listen to the caterer. Can't you just order a small amount of veggie but make sure your friends table is one of the ones that gets food , that way it won't be home by the time she goes up. As long as people are fed, they should be fine that the veggie option isn't there. Good luck!