Crazy Little Things for Love: A Guide to Vegan Wedding Planning

Posted on 23 January 2013 at 4:16AM by Ashley Fruno

Impress your guests with a delicious vegan wedding cake

Cruelty-free living is important every day, especially on our big day. Whether you’re getting married on the beaches of Bali or organizing a high-society gala in Seoul, we’ve got some awesome and easy ways to veganize your wedding:

Serve the best food in the world: Serve delicious, healthy vegan food at your wedding reception. It might be the easiest thing that you’ll do. You may have to explain what you want (and don’t want) to the caterers, but they’ll listen—you’re paying them to! Be clear and get involved in the meal-planning process—you can even provide the chef with some of your favorite vegan recipes.
Dress in (kind) style: Animal-friendly fashion is a must, so don’t be shy about checking labels and asking questions. Never use silk, wool, or any cruelly produced material. Instead, go for satin, lace, organza, or tulle made from cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics. Cruelty-free cosmetics and accessories are also important and can be great gifts for the bridal party.
Give the gift of life: In lieu of wedding favors or party gifts, consider making a donation on your guests’ behalf to an animal rights organization or to a local animal shelter or rescue. Write a personal message to each guest letting them know that a donation to help animals has been made in their honor. You can also include a small gift with your message like wildflower seeds, a vegan recipe booklet, or a box of vegan chocolates.
Love animals by leaving them out: Animals aren’t ours to use for entertainment or for decoration. Horse-drawn carriages, doves, and fish don’t have any business in your wedding. Opt for flowers, the sunset, or the beach for photo ops. There’s nothing more romantic than nature.
Never be silent: Chances are that there will be nonvegans at your wedding, so use the opportunity to make a difference for animals. Tell everyone about the vegan items on their plates and tables. If you hear someone talking about how beautiful the wedding gown is, let him or her know that it’s cruelty-free, and give guests the recipes for the vegan food and wedding cake. Your compassion for animals deserves to be shared, just like your special day.