Planning a big event is a lot of work. There are so many things to do – rent a space, pick a band or DJ, decide on decorations and then there’s the food. No matter what type of event you’re planning, whether it’s a wedding for 250 people, a work event for 50 or a small family gathering, figuring out how to feed everyone is the biggest task of all. Figuring out how to feed everyone a plant-based meal that they will love makes it even more of a challenge. There was a time when finding a caterer who would provide vegan and vegetarian menus was a struggle. Happily, that’s changing. More and more caterers are realizing that people have all types of diets and lifestyles, and they are trying to … well, cater to their needs by providing plant-based meals. Even better, there are lots of totally vegan catering services popping up all over the country If you’re looking for a caterer, you could always inquire with your favorite restaurants. Many of them offer catering services for special events. Another option is to look for catering companies that offer plant-based options. Here are 12 vegan-friendly catering companies from New York to Portland that can make your big event spectacular! jay astafa catering is a full-catering service providing everything from the food to the staffing. They coordinate the venue, event production services, bar services, rentals, lighting, florist, cake, and more. They are based in New York and willing to travel to all major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and more. Jay Astafa is known for creating “melt-in-your-mouth, ever-memorable fare” by modernizing and veganizing traditional dishes and presenting them in unique ways. Sample dishes include Caprese pops served with his signature cashew milk mozzarella, basil and grape tomatoes, beet tartare served with a golden beet yolk and cashew chèvre, steak spiced grilled carrot with parsnip purée, creamed kale, horseradish crème fraîche and an onion ring and a variety of fish-free seafood dishes. For dessert, there is a mini pie bar as well as a milkshake and cookie bar. See more cuisine and sample menus here. To plan your event, jay astafa catering asks that you email them with your event request, and they will reply within forty-eight hours. Tastee Vegan is a vegan catering company based in New York. They serve the five boroughs as well as Long Island. They specialize in delicious, gourmet, and approachable vegan cuisine for any occasion, offering gluten-free and oil-free options. The president and chef of Tastee Vegan, Lisa Lopez, creates innovative yet approachable gourmet food with organic ingredients. They cater weddings and parties as well as corporate and organizational events. Tastee Vegan collaborates with their clients to make the perfect menu for the event. There are sample buffet menus, breakfast and brunch menus, sandwich platters, and a dessert menu. Wedding menus and packages are also offered. Menus can be chose as they are written or dishes can be mixed and matched. Dishes include mushroom seitan bourguignon, seasonal vegetable lasagna, Greek tofu scramble, scones, rustic vegetable quiche, tempeh satay sandwiches, and salads. Desserts include cupcakes, tarts, cobblers, puddings and cookies. To get started planning your event, fill out the form on their contact page. Beyond Sushi is a plant-based eatery in New York City founded by Chef Guy Vaknin and his wife, Tali. The culinary team at Beyond Sushi fuses fruit and vegetables with whole grains to create vegan sushi, rolls, wraps, and other dishes. They bring a modern approach to traditional sushi and create dishes that are healthy, intricate and delicious. Beyond Sushi offers a unique catering experience with beautiful and flavorful bites. There are menus for every occasion including a casual menu for informal gatherings, corporate meetings, and intimate dinner parties. Make your party like no other with a live sushi station. Beyond Sushi offers customized menus for weddings, galas, and cocktail parties with hors d’oeuvres, buffet stations, and plated meals. In addition to sushi rolls and rice paper wraps, Beyond Sushi offers full vegan menus including salads, sandwiches, noodles, legumes, and grains. Party platter menu items include Cajun seitan skewers, garlic tofu bites, and crudité. A global menu offers main dishes include lemon seitan, tofu mole, veggie tagine, edamame dumplings, spaghetti aglio olio, and BBQ maple braised seitan. Email or call them to start planning your event. Two Brothers Catering in New Jersey offers vegetarian and vegan catering as well as a weekly food delivery service. Operated by Chef Joe Rosolen, Two Brothers Catering uses the finest and freshest ingredients to create delicious meals for a variety of events in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Most of the items on their catering menu are vegan except where noted and all of their desserts are vegan. Menu items include endive with hummus, stuffed mushrooms, Italian “sausage” and peppers, wrap platters, tofu ravioli, vegetable lasagna, and a variety of salads. Desserts include various cakes, cookies, and banana bread. To plan your event, email them or visit their contact page. Miss Rachel’s Pantry, located in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers full-service catering for all types of special events. They offer fresh, delicious, home-style vegan food for lunch events, baby and bridal showers, cocktail parties, dinner parties, and weddings. They work in a variety of venues as well as offering their own space for private parties with up to twelve seated guests or twenty-five mingling guests. There are several menus to see on their website for cocktail parties, dinner parties, and weddings. The menus are seasonal, and there are options for a la carte, buffet, family-style, and full-service events. Dishes for cocktail parties include truffled cashew cream tartlets, seitan cheesesteak dumplings, hearts of palm, and artichoke crab cakes, little two-bite sandwiches, vegan cheese platters, mini cupcakes, and brownie bites. Wedding menus include a cocktail hour filled with hors d’oeuvres, dinner with salad, bread, appetizer, main dish, and side dishes, dessert, and beverage options. Contact them here to start planning your event. Green Plate Catering is a catering service run by Kit Wood in Maryland that offers vegetarian and vegan menus for events in the greater Washington, D.C. region. Committed to sustainable, local and organic food sourcing, Green Plate Catering partners with local farmers and produce co-ops to create menus from range from simple to sophisticated. They also offer gluten-free dishes and artisanal baked goods. Green Plate Catering strives to meet your needs and provide delicious dining with striking presentations.