When you think of planning a vegan wedding, it’s likely the first thing you consider is the food. But for most vegans, it’s a lifestyle choice rather than just a decision about their diet. Veganism is a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty – whether for food, clothing or any other purpose. As a result, there’s a lot to consider beyond just what you eat.

For vegan couples who want to put on a wedding that’s free from the use of any animal products, you should also be considering:

1. The Drinks

If you’re new to veganism, it may shock you to find out that many alcoholic drinks aren’t naturally vegan. That’s because fining agents, such as fish bladders, egg whites, gelatin,  sea shells and other animal products are often used to capture impurities prior to bottling. 

This is something you’ll want to discuss with your wedding venue as soon as possible if they’re providing the drinks. You’ll have to educate them on what is and isn’t vegan – this is something you’ll find throughout your wedding planning process. Not everyone will understand veganism and what can or can’t be used. The earlier you can start letting suppliers know you’re planning a vegan-friendly wedding, the better. 

It may be easier to supply the drinks yourselves. Naturally clear spirits are generally vegan-friendly, many alcoholic beverages are starting to use the Vegan Trademark, or you can check out Barnivore’s comprehensive online directory of vegan drinks.

2. Your Honeymoon

Any vegan who has been on holiday or traveling knows how stressful it can be to find vegan food in a country where you don’t speak the language. Although veganism is definitely on the rise and there’s growing understanding of plant-based diets across the world (in fact, there’s countries where it’s always been more popular than in the UK or US), your honeymoon is a time you want to relax. Therefore, it’s important to plan where you go and make sure there’s plenty of delicious food for you and your new husband or wife to enjoy. 

Luckily, there are vegan-friendly destinations around the world, including over 80 vegan restaurants in Berlin, vegan patisseries in Paris, vegan hot dogs and burgers in Taipei and even dairy-free cheesecake in Chiang Mei. You’ve just got to find the right spot to celebrate as a newly-married couple.

3. Your Makeup

Makeup often contains animal by-products or animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax. What’s more, these products are often tested on animals. For any vegan who wants to wear makeup on their wedding day, it’s likely they will want products that are both vegan and cruelty-free. Vegan makeup isn’t necessarily cruelty-free and vice versa so it’s important to do your research. Again, you may also need to educate your makeup artist in advance or use your own products. There’s a growing number of vegan makeup products available – from both vegan brands and makeup giants recognizing the growing demand for formulas without animal products.

Planning a vegan-friendly wedding may take extra consideration, but it’s important for your big day to reflect your lifestyle choices. Who knows, you may even convince some of your wedding guests that it’s a change they’d like to make. 

This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with any companies that may be linked within the post.