How to Make Vegans Feel Included (Without Losing Your Mind) at Catering Events

Planning an event in St. Petersburg? Great! Now, let’s talk about that moment when you realize you have:

✅ 75 chicken dishes

✅ 100 salmon plates

✅ 5 vegan meals

And then—like clockwork—15 non-vegans suddenly want the vegan plate because it “looks good.”

We get it. It’s enough to make any planner want to hide in the kitchen with a plate of mashed potatoes.

As a caterer in the st.petersburg area for over 25 years Sofia Forte’s Catering, we’ve seen it all, and we believe that making vegan guests feel included doesn’t have to be a headache (and can even add fun and color to your menu).

1. “Vegan Option” Shouldn’t Mean “Sad Side Salad”

Your vegan guests are tired of piecing together meals from sad lettuce and roasted carrots. As a top caterer in St. Petersburg, we believe your vegan guests deserve a real entrée, like:

🥬 Mushroom coconut curry w/ jasmine rice

🥬 Vegan Chili

🥬 Vibrant classic bolognese

Spoiler alert: Your non-vegan guests will probably want to try these too. Take it as a compliment.

2. Label It Loudly (and Clearly)

No vegan wants to feel like a buffet detective, poking around dishes asking, “Is this butter or olive oil?” Clear labeling saves time, reduces confusion, and shows you care about every guest’s needs.

3. Avoid Cross-Contamination Drama

Some guests are deeply committed to avoiding cross-contact with meat. We get it, and we respect it. At Sofia Forte’s Catering, we use separate prep areas, utensils, and serving platters for vegan dishes to keep your guests comfortable and confident.

4. Don’t Leave Them Out at Dessert

The dessert table shouldn’t be where vegan guests feel left out. Vegan desserts can be the sleeper hit of your event:

🍮 Vegan peach cobbler

🍮 Fruit salad with lemon dressing

🍮 Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars

Your guests will thank you, and your event will feel warm, inclusive, and welcoming.

5. Ask Guests Ahead of Time

Want to prevent the “non-vegans taking the vegan meals because they look so good” problem? Ask about dietary restrictions during RSVPs. This lets us prepare the right portions so your vegan meals don’t mysteriously vanish before your vegan guests get a plate.

Why This Matters

Making vegan guests feel included is about more than food—it’s about hospitality and respect. It shows that your event values every guest, no matter what they choose to eat.

As a Black-owned, female-owned caterer in St. Petersburg, Sofia Forte’s Catering takes pride in delivering inclusive, beautiful, and delicious meals that ensure everyone feels seen, cared for, and well-fed.

Let’s Plan an Event That Everyone Can Enjoy

Looking for a top caterer in St. Petersburg who can help you create an inclusive, stress-free event with dishes your guests will rave about? Sofia Forte’s Catering is here to help you plan a menu that ensures everyone—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or omnivore—can fully enjoy your celebration.

We handle the details so you can focus on making memories (and not counting how many salmon plates are left).

Ready to get started? Contact Sofia Forte’s Catering today to plan an event that welcomes everyone at the table.