Your Wedding Catering Menu Tells Your Story:
A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Feast
Vegan and plant-based wedding catering in Tauranga and beyond is more than just food; it’s a reflection of who you are as a couple. At Veceto, we create menus that capture your personality and elevate your celebration. Take our Wedding Feast Personality quiz to find the dining experience that suits you best.
From seasonal grazing tables to elegantly plated courses and interactive stations, our wedding catering in Tauranga creates memorable moments. Whether your style is romantic, minimalist, abundant, or sustainable, our plant-based creations reflect it beautifully.
Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Wedding Catering Experience,
THAT ELEVATES YOUR CELEBRATION
In our first year designing plant-based wedding feasts, we’ve learned a simple truth: couples feel most connected to their day when their menu is unmistakably them, authentic, intentional, and personal.
Your feast personality goes beyond food, it shapes the atmosphere, honours your values, and creates meaningful experiences for your guests. It determines how they feel at your table and the lasting memories your menu inspires.
Whether you're beginning your wedding journey or refining your vision, this guide will help you discover your authentic catering style.
A Quick Look Ahead
Why your wedding menu matters
The New Zealand advantage
Plant-based luxury and how it has evolved
The 4 feast personalities
Our interactive quiz
How to bring your vision to life
The Veceto experience
Why Your Wedding Catering Choice Matters More Than You Think
Some of our most cherished memories revolve around shared meals. Food connects people, sparks conversation, and marks life’s milestones.
Your wedding is no different. In fact, for many guests, the meal is the longest single part of your celebration. It's when they truly settle in, relax, and experience the essence of who you are as a couple. The menu you choose sets the tone for every precious moment.
We've seen firsthand how the right menu transforms a wedding from beautiful to unforgettable. It's not about the most expensive ingredients or the trendiest presentation. It's about authenticity. It's about choosing food that feels like you.
What Makes New Zealand Wedding Catering Extraordinary
Planning your wedding in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, or anywhere throughout New Zealand gives you a remarkable advantage. We have access to some of the world's most incredible seasonal produce. In many cases, picked only hours before it reaches your plate.
Summer celebrations can feature heirloom tomatoes at their absolute peak, stone fruit bursting with natural sweetness, fresh Mediterranean herbs from coastal gardens, and vibrant vegetables that need minimal intervention because they're simply perfect as they are.
Winter weddings showcase root vegetables with extraordinary depth, locally foraged mushrooms, warming European-inspired preparations, and rich, comforting presentations that feel like an embrace.
When you choose hyper-local, peak-season ingredients, you're not making a compromise. You're choosing ingredients that taste extraordinary, present beautifully, and tell an authentic story about place, time, and intention.
Plant-Based Wedding Catering:
The Luxury Evolution
If you're exploring plant-based wedding menus, you're at the forefront of culinary sophistication. And if there's any hesitation about whether vegan wedding catering can match traditional luxury... let us show you something.
Modern plant-based wedding food has evolved far beyond the stereotypes. We're talking about:| Old Stereotype | Modern Reality |
|---|---|
| Bland, boring food | Restaurant-quality gourmet dishes |
| Limited options | Endless creative possibilities |
| "Healthy but not tasty" | Flavor-packed & indulgent |
| Guests leave hungry | Second helpings all around |
| Budget option only | Luxury fine dining experience |
• Dishes even meat-lovers will adore
• Elegantly plated courses
• House-cultured vegan cheeses and delis with complex European-inspired flavours
• Thoughtful presentations that delight the eyes and palate
The philosophy? Celebration through abundance, not restriction. Showcasing the remarkable depth and artistry possible with thoughtfully sourced, seasonally inspired ingredients.
Here’s the part we love most about weddings we cater: at some point in the evening, a guest will pull us aside with wide eyes and say, ‘Wait… this is all plant-based?’ That moment of surprise and delight is when we know we’ve done our job, proving that wedding food can be memorable, indulgent, and completely animal-free.
The Four Wedding Feast Personalities: Which One Are You?
Every wedding tells a story, and the food is one of its most memorable chapters. As we’ve worked alongside couples planning their celebrations, we’ve started to notice a pattern: Each couple approaches their wedding feast in a way that reflects their personality, values, and the atmosphere they want to create.
Some love abundance and drama, others savour refinement and detail. Some delight in playful, unexpected moments, while others seek timeless elegance. Over time, these approaches have revealed four distinct feast personalities, and one of them might just be yours.
As you read on, notice which description sparks that instant recognition. That’s the clue to the dining experience that will make your wedding uniquely yours.
THE ROMANTIC DREAMER
WHO YOU ARE
You're the couple who believes in magic, in moments that take your breath away, in the power of a perfectly captured glance. Your celebration isn't just an event; it's the visual manifestation of your love story. You've spent countless evenings dreaming together about how this day will feel, saving inspiration, imagining the moment you first see each other.
For you, a wedding is deeply personal and profoundly romantic. You want every guest to feel wrapped in the warmth of your love, to witness something truly special. You're drawn to soft candlelight, flowing fabrics that move with the breeze, and flowers that seem to have been gathered from a secret garden.
YOUR MENU EXPRESSION
The Atmosphere:
Soft, warm, emotional. Fairy lights casting gentle shadows, flowing fabrics, and flowers creating living architecture around your celebration.
Catering Style:
Artful grazing compositions that double as edible landscapes. Beautifully plated courses that feel crafted with intention. Food that invites leisurely enjoyment, encouraging guests to linger, graze, and savour.
What This Looks Like:
Your wedding catering centrepiece takes the form of a stunning grazing table elevated into an artful, memorable installation unlike anything seen at typical events.
Picture this:
Wooden boards laden with house-made vegan cheeses, delis & spreads
Seasonal fruit at peak ripeness
Marinated vegetables with local herbs
Fresh-baked gluten-friendly sourdough, still warm
Colourful vegetable crudités
Fresh herbs and edible flowers as delicate garnishes
Perfect Personal Touches:
A signature cocktail named after your love story. A dessert that echoes your first date. The menu notes that share the meaning behind each choice.
YOUR LOVE, FRAMED BY THE LAND
Bay of Plenty gardens, Tauranga vineyards, and private estates provide breathtaking backdrops where nature becomes part of your celebration. Peak seasons from late spring to early autumn ensure gardens and produce are at their most abundant. Every element of your menu is crafted from scratch using refined techniques, showcasing seasonal fruits, botanicals, and native ingredients like kawakawa, horopito, and pikopiko to elevate flavour and presentation while reflecting the intimacy and elegance of your wedding.
THE MODERN SOPHISTICATE
WHO YOU ARE
You understand that true luxury doesn't shout, it whispers. You're the couple who appreciates negative space, who know that removing one element can make everything else more powerful. You've spent time curating your lives together with the same thoughtfulness you're bringing to your wedding.
For you, every choice is intentional. You'd rather have three absolutely perfect courses than five adequate ones. You appreciate craftsmanship, the skill it takes to make something look effortlessly simple. Your aesthetic is contemporary but not trendy, sophisticated without being stuffy.
YOUR MENU EXPRESSION
The Atmosphere:
Clean architectural lines, elegant simplicity, calm sophistication. Neutral palettes that let quality speak. Spaces where every element has earned its presence. Lighting that creates the right mood.
Catering Style:
Composed plates where each course features three to five elements, each one flawless. Presentations that could hang in galleries. Colour and contrast are used with intention, creating visual poetry on every plate.
What This Looks Like:
Seasonal ingredients prepared with precision. Perhaps roasted heritage vegetables, each variety treated differently to showcase unique character. Accompanied by silky, perfectly seasoned purées. Textural elements for contrast. Delicate infused oils. Nothing superfluous, everything essential.
Perfect Personal Touches:
For you, wedding menu design extends beyond food. Curated beverage pairings. You care about elegant glassware, and specific style matters. Custom menu cards with minimalist typography. Perhaps a single statement ingredient that anchors each course.
YOUR LOVE, FRAMED BY THE LAND
Contemporary venues with architectural interest. Urban loft spaces, modern galleries, and boutique properties in Tauranga and beyond provide a clean, sophisticated backdrop for your celebration.
We bring a culinary philosophy rooted in precision, balance, and thoughtful presentation. Every element on the plate is intentional: the harmony of flavours, the beauty of space, and the artful restraint that lets each ingredient shine. Using New Zealand’s exceptional local produce at its peak, we craft menus that feel refined, modern, and intimately connected to your setting.
THE GENEROUS HOST
WHO YOU ARE
You're the couple who lights up every room you enter. You believe life is meant to be celebrated loudly, joyfully, surrounded by the people you love. Your ideal evening is full of laughter, dancing, incredible food, and moments where everyone loses track of time. You're natural hosts who genuinely love bringing people together.
For you, a wedding isn't just about the two of you; it's about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone celebrating with you. You want abundant food, flowing drinks, surprise moments throughout the night, and energy that never drops.
YOUR MENU EXPRESSION
The Atmosphere:
High-energy, warm, buzzing with joy. Spaces where guests can move freely between experiences. Bold touches that spark delight.
Catering Style:
Multiple experiential stations invite exploration. Interactive elements. Family-style service in the Continental tradition, with beautiful platters encouraging guests to serve one another. Thoughtful surprises throughout the evening.
What This Looks Like:
European-inspired grazing displays. Fresh composition bars with seasonal ingredients. Interactive build-your-own elements. Multiple sweet expressions. Perhaps unexpected late-evening offerings for guests still celebrating.
Perfect Personal Touches:
Surprise elements that appear throughout the night. Stations that encourage interaction. Plenty of variety ensures everyone finds something they love, including all dietary needs.
YOUR LOVE, FRAMED BY THE LAND
Venues with generous space for multiple experiences and stations. Wineries, estate properties, and open gardens allow your guests to move comfortably between areas, discovering moments of beauty at every turn.
We bring a philosophy of generous hospitality to every celebration. Thoughtfully curated menus showcase abundant, beautifully presented food designed to be shared, savoured, and remembered. Using local, seasonal ingredients at their peak, each dish reflects care, intention, and a deep connection to the land, creating a celebration that feels both luxurious and intimately personal.
THE CONSCIOUS CURATOR
WHO YOU ARE
You're the couple who sees the bigger picture. You understand that every choice ripples outward, affecting not just your day but the world around you. You've researched sustainable venues, asked questions about flower provenance, and thought deeply about creating beauty that honours your values. This isn't performative; it's simply who you are.
For you, authenticity matters more than perfection. You'd rather have something real and slightly imperfect than something polished but hollow. You want your wedding somewhere you can breathe, surrounded by nature or in honest, unpretentious spaces.
YOUR MENU EXPRESSION
The Atmosphere:
Natural, organic, grounded. Outdoor settings, wood textures, living greenery, wildflowers. Spaces that feel honest and present.
Catering Style:
We create hyper-local, peak-season menus designed around what’s thriving at the very moment you celebrate. Every dish is plated in an elegant, fine-dining style—modern, design-forward, and deeply intentional. Each ingredient carries a story: why it was chosen, where it comes from, and the techniques that honour its true quality.
What This Looks Like:
Ingredients sourced hours before your celebration. Food prepared with traditional European techniques that minimise waste. Presentations that are refined without being precious. Zero-waste planning is woven seamlessly throughout.
Perfect Personal Touches:
Menu notes about producers and philosophy. Knowing exactly where each element originated. Transparent sustainability practices that are integrated, not added on.
YOUR LOVE, FRAMED BY THE LAND
Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty's thriving local food culture make this approach increasingly accessible. Venues with on-site gardens, composting programs, renewable energy initiatives, and transparent practices create the perfect backdrop.
We bring a deep respect for ingredients and seasonality to every celebration. Thoughtful sourcing, natural preservation techniques, and a focus on peak-ripeness ensure that every bite is purposeful. Here, true luxury is defined not by extravagance, but by mindful choices, sustainable practices, and a connection to the land that nourishes your celebration.
Discover Your Feast Personality:
Take the Quiz
By now, you likely recognise which expression resonates most authentically. Perhaps you see elements of yourself across multiple personalities; that's beautifully natural.
Our feast personality quiz provides clarity through thoughtfully designed questions about your ideal celebration atmosphere, what details matter most, your approach to hospitality, and the experience you wish to create.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Your unique feast personality and how it shapes your celebration
How to plan menu flow, courses, and service style for the perfect experience
Tips for clearly communicating your vision to your catering team
Inspiring examples of celebrations that reflect your aesthetic and values
WHY IT MATTERS
Your wedding menu sets the tone for every moment. Knowing your feast personality ensures your choices reflect who you are as a couple, guiding the menu, service, and atmosphere with ease. It also gives your catering team a clear vision so every detail from presentation to guest experience is intentional and unmistakably yours.
Take the quiz and begin shaping a wedding menu that tells your story beautifully, effortlessly, and entirely yours.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
Your wedding menu is more than a list of dishes. It’s the rhythm, atmosphere, and memory of your celebration. At Veceto, we turn your feast personality into an experience that feels personal, elevated, and entirely your own.
Every wedding tells its own story, and so does its menu. Explore our Vegan Wedding Catering Services to see how we bring ideas to life with thoughtful detail, refined flavour, and seamless design.
Finding the Right Catering Partner
Not every catering company truly understands plant-based luxury. You deserve a team that doesn’t just accommodate vegan preferences but specialises in crafting refined, plant-based experiences that impress every guest.
Ask potential caterers:
• Can you show examples of previous plant-based menus?
• How do you source ingredients, local, seasonal, and sustainable?
• What’s your approach to dietary needs beyond the main menu?
• Can you tailor menus to reflect our feast personality?
• What’s your philosophy on food presentation and waste reduction?
Watch for: generic menus, limited creativity, or vague sustainability claims.
True expertise shows in curiosity, confidence, and care.
The Tasting Experience
We don’t host standard tastings, because nothing we create is standard.
Once or twice a year, we hold intimate evenings in unexpected spaces, part gathering, part seasonal preview. Candles flicker, stories unfold, and each course whispers your story.
There’s more to discover on our Vegan Catering Menu page, where we quietly open the doors to our next tasting evening. Add your name to be the first to know when the table is set.
Crafting Your Menu
Once your catering partner is chosen, the creative process begins, a conversation between your vision and the season’s ingredients.
Your feast personality shapes your menu’s structure:
• Welcome offerings during cocktail hour
• Grazing compositions or passed elements
• The main experience. Plated courses, family-style sharing, or interactive stations
• Sweet courses that complete your story
• Late-night offerings for guests still celebrating
Each personality expresses this differently.
Romantic Garden Dreamers love abundant grazing and natural flow.
Modern Sophisticates prefer composed, design-forward plates.
Generous Hosts create multiple interactive moments.
Conscious Curators seek transparency, craftsmanship, and provenance.
To glimpse how these feast personalities take form, explore our Menu Portfolio, a collection where each creation reflects the art, season, and story behind the celebration.
Shaping the Guest Experience
Your menu sets the tone for how the evening unfolds. Timing, pacing, and presentation all influence how your guests feel and engage.
Even with a fully plant-based foundation, every dietary need - gluten-free, nut-free, allergen-sensitive - is woven into the menu with care. Every guest feels included, honoured, and delighted, not accommodated.
Why Choose Veceto?
Plant-Based Expertise
Plant-based luxury catering is what we do, exclusively. Years of experience allow us to create dining experiences that feel refined, abundant, and unforgettable.
Local Relationships
We work closely with farms, growers and artisans across the Bay of Plenty and Auckland area to source at the absolute seasonal peak, ensuring flavour, freshness, and integrity.
Values-Aligned Practice
Sustainability and transparency guide every decision, from thoughtful ingredient sourcing to presentation, so every choice reflects quality, ethics, artistry, and care.
Your Journey with Veceto
Every celebration begins with a conversation. From your feast personality to your aesthetic, we translate your story into a menu that moves and connects.
Whether you choose from our seasonal signature menus or commission a fully custom creation, every dish reflects your style, values, and the season. From first call to final plate, everything is orchestrated seamlessly, allowing you to be fully present with your guests while we bring your vision to life.
Take the quiz and uncover your feast personality.
Discover the menu style that reflects your love story and the celebration you’re dreaming of. Then let's begin crafting something extraordinary together, because your wedding deserves a menu as thoughtful, beautiful, and authentic as your love story.
Ready to begin?