A Planner’s Guide to Vegan & Gluten-free Catering Menus
How to Impress Every Guest
(Even the Non-Vegans)
You’ve planned everything: the lighting, the music, the seating chart. Your event is poised to be the talk of the season.
But here’s a moment that can quietly derail your carefully curated experience: A guest quietly picks at a pile of plain rice… because there’s nothing on your menu they can enjoy. It’s more common than you’d imagine. But as a host or planner, you deserve better than that. So do your guests.
We see it all the time at Veceto: hosts and planners who care deeply about their guests’ experience, but are overwhelmed by the idea of pleasing everyone while staying true to their own values.
“How can I make sure everyone feels included without compromising on elegance or taste?”
That’s the question we answer every day. And it’s why plant-based, vegan and gluten-free catering - done well - is no longer a trend. It’s the future.
In New Zealand alone, recent data shows that nearly 25% of Kiwis identify as flexitarian, with growing numbers of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and coeliac guests expected by 2030.
At Veceto, we specialise in crafting premium vegan and gluten-friendly catering experiences that leave every guest impressed, while staying true to your event’s elegance, sustainability, and meaning.
If you’re in the planning phase, keep reading. We’ll walk you through why vegan and gluten-free catering isn’t just the ethical choice — it’s the savvy one. And we’ll share actionable tips, a free planning checklist, and some insider secrets to help you impress your guests and actually enjoy your event, too.
Why Inclusive Catering Is No Longer Optional
The old way of thinking, that one or two “special meals” in the kitchen are enough, is outdated.
Today’s guests come with higher expectations. Food isn’t just about sustenance. It’s about values, wellness, inclusion, and being seen.
Here’s why this matters:
Vegan and gluten-free guests are growing fast in numbers, and it’s what modern guests expect.
Many others prefer plant-based or gluten-friendly choices even if it’s not a strict medical need.
Guests talk, notice and remember when they’ve been overlooked.
Inclusive menus show you care about every guest.
Done well, they’re elegant, surprising, and unforgettable.
Veceto specialises in premium, plant-based and gluten-friendly catering with heart.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
We’ve been watching the New Zealand data for years. Demand is growing:
Vegan guests: doubling to 2% by 2030
Vegetarian guests: around 208.000 people
Flexitarian/mostly plant-based: nearly 1 in 4 guests
Gluten-free guests: nearly 1 in 5 guests will expect a gluten-free option
Coeliac guests (strict medical need): increasing as diagnoses rise, estimated 90.000
When you invest in a menu that accounts for this, you’re not just checking a box.
You’re showing that you care, and that’s what premium hosting is all about.
Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore the Shift
These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real people at your events who are quietly expecting more from you as a host. Ten years ago, vegan and gluten-free guests were grateful just to have something they could eat. Today, expectations have shifted.
More and more guests actively choose plant-based or gluten-free options for health, ethics, or sustainability, even if they’re not strictly required. And they expect those options to feel just as elegant and indulgent as everything else on the menu.
Failing to meet this expectation sends the wrong message: that some guests matter less than others.
But thoughtful hosts - like you - see this as an opportunity.
An opportunity to make every guest feel cared for, to reflect modern values, and to show you’re ahead of the curve. As demand grows, so does the opportunity to stand out as a truly memorable host. That emotional connection is what makes your event unforgettable.
Don’t wait; those who plan early get the best date options. Inquire now and make your event one your guests will talk about for years.
The Emotional Impact of Inclusive Catering
Food is more than just part of your event; it’s the part where guests feel most personally cared for.
When a guest feels excluded at the table because of their dietary needs, they may not say anything… but they’ll feel it. When your vegan guest is handed a side salad while others enjoy a plated masterpiece, they feel like an afterthought.
And yet… when you serve an inclusive menu where everyone’s plate looks just as beautiful, they feel seen, respected, and celebrated, that emotional connection is what turns an event from “well executed” into “deeply memorable.”
Why Hosts & Planners Trust Veceto
We’re not here to “accommodate” special diets. We’re here to curate unforgettable menus for every guest, with elegance and integrity.
Here’s what makes us different:
Every dish is designed to feel indulgent and intentional, not a compromise.
We use premium, seasonal ingredients with ethical sourcing.
Our chefs understand the craft of plant-based and gluten-friendly cuisine at the highest level.
We blend modern culinary creativity with timeless presentation.
With Veceto, you can relax knowing that your menu reflects your event’s elegance and your guests’ diverse needs.
It Surprises and Delights
If you’re worried that vegan and gluten-free catering means boring salads or bland substitutes, let us put your mind at ease. At Veceto, we’re known for elevating plant-based cuisine with flavour-forward, beautifully plated dishes that wow even the most sceptical guests.
“Our guests were amazed! Not just the vegans and gluten-free guests, but everyone. Even the steak lovers went back for seconds of the smoked beetroot appetiser.”
-James D., wedding client
How to Plan an Inclusive, Elegant Menu
Our proven steps to planning a menu your guests will never forget, trusted by our clients who wouldn’t settle for ordinary.
Start Early
The earlier you speak with your caterer about dietary needs, the better your options will be.
Vegan and gluten-free menus take creativity and planning to get right, and the sooner they’re part of the conversation, the better.
2. Gather Guest Information Thoughtfully
A simple RSVP card addition:
“Do you have any dietary preferences or allergies?”
This makes guests feel considered from the beginning.
3. Choose the Right Caterer
Not all caterers specialise in vegan or gluten-free catering, and many treat it as an afterthought. Vet your vendor carefully and look for one that can show you past menus that were designed inclusively.
4. Integrate Options Seamlessly
Guests shouldn’t feel like their plate is “special.” Work with your caterer to design a menu where many dishes happen to be plant-based and gluten-friendly.
5. Make Every Course Count
Don’t stop at the entrée. Include vegan & gluten-free starters, mains, and desserts. Every guest should feel that their meal is a complete experience.
6. Focus on Flavour & Presentation
Nothing says “premium” like a stunningly plated vegan dish that wows everyone at the table.
7. Consider Sustainability & Values
Plant-based menus naturally reduce your event’s environmental footprint, a subtle but powerful way to align with today’s ethical values.
TOMATO AND PORTUGUESE TARTS
Every detail reflects our commitment to creating elegant, plant-based, vegan and gluten-friendly catering that everyone can enjoy, because no one should feel left out at your table.
Insider Tips From Our Chefs
💡 Play with textures and colours.
Nothing delights guests more than a plate that looks like art and feels satisfying. Include creamy, crunchy, chewy, and fresh elements to keep dishes interesting.
💡 Design with everyone in mind, not just “alternatives.”
Create dishes that happen to be vegan and gluten-free, but are so flavourful and beautifully presented that everyone wants them. For example: roasted pumpkin and tahini salad with dukkah, or smoky jackfruit tacos with slaw and avocado crema.
💡 Desserts matter too.
Don’t overlook a show-stopping sweet finish: creamy tropical silk-mousse, mini pavlovas with coconut cream, or spiced poached pears work beautifully. Guests light up when they see a plant-based, gluten-free dessert that’s just as stunning as the others.
💡 Be upfront and clear with labels.
Use clear, attractive signage at your event: “Vegan & Gluten-Free” or “Plant-Based & Dairy-Free” helps guests feel safe and seen, and avoids awkward questions at the buffet. Discreet, elegant menu cards noting dietary info help guests feel confident.
💡Have fun with the drinks.
Mocktails, vegan wines, craft sodas, and fresh-infused water bars show thoughtfulness beyond just the food.
Guest Stories That Stay With You
We’ve heard the stories from our clients:
• The father of the bride, who never thought he’d enjoy a vegan dish, but couldn’t stop raving about the jackfruit-mushroom parcels on lemongrass.
• The corporate executive who, for the first time, felt truly included at the gala dinner, welcomed by a thoughtfully crafted, gluten-friendly menu with house-made pasta dough.
That’s what thoughtful hosting creates: moments your guests will talk about long after dessert is served.
Pro Tips for Hosts
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Pro Tips for Hosts ✦
Work with your caterer to create menu cards marking vegan & gluten-free dishes, elegantly and discreetly.
Make sure staff are trained to answer questions about ingredients and cross-contamination.
Balance familiar and surprising. Comfort foods with a creative twist are always crowd plea sers; they invite guests to try something new while making them feel at ease.
If your event is buffet-style, arrange for separate utensils and stations for gluten-free dishes.
Choose at least one show-stopping dessert that everyone can enjoy. It’s a conversation starter!
Work with a caterer who understands your vision and can guide you through the details so you can focus on enjoying your event.
Enjoy the process. The most memorable events are those where the host feels present and relaxed; your guests will feel it too.
Why Vegan & Gluten-Free Catering
Reflects Your Values
Today’s hosts know: great events aren’t just about impressing guests in the moment, they’re about making a lasting, meaningful impression. By choosing menus that are plant-based and gluten-friendly, you’re aligning your event with sustainability, wellness, modern expectations, and a sense of belonging, values that resonate deeply with guests and elevate your reputation as a thoughtful, modern host.
What Makes a Truly Elegant Inclusive Menu?
Variety > No one wants to feel like they’re eating the only “alternative” option.
Balance > Flavours, textures, and colours that excite the palate.
Integrity > Using ingredients and techniques that honour the craft of great cooking.
At Veceto, we believe the most memorable meals are those where every guest feels their plate was prepared just for them.
The Lasting Impression
Every guest deserves a place at your table and a menu they’ll never forget.
With Veceto’s vegan and gluten-friendly catering, your event becomes more than just a meal; it becomes a true reflection of you as a host.
A host who notices.
A host who includes.
A host who leaves a lasting impression.
You already have an eye for detail. Now, let’s make sure every guest feels seen, welcomed, and celebrated.
Start Planning With Us
You deserve a menu that brings your vision to life and makes every guest feel special. During your consultation, you’ll receive expert guidance on your guest list, creative menu ideas tailored to your style, and the peace of mind that comes with a plan you can trust.
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