Child's meal for wedding?

[workingitthrough]

We have about 10 children coming to our wedding, between the ages of 18 months and 8 years (but most are toddlers). We need a main course for them (starter and dessert are sorted). Ideally it would be vegetarian, as the whole wedding is going to be vegetarian. But we have two children who are lactose intolerant, so perhaps vegetarian isn't such a great idea. Does anyone have any ideas? I'd rather it wasn't something really unhealthy like chicken nuggets (not that it has to be super healthy either).

[TerrysNo2]

I've never met a child that doesn't like pasta! you could do a pasta bake with tomatoes? and bowls of cheese to add to it if they want.

[TerrysNo2]

I would probably put some chopped up veg too as kids love to pick. or, just an idea, you could make them each individual lunch boxes with a picnic selection in, I know my DS loves having those when we go out. maybe put a little toy or colouring in to keep them busy

[workingitthrough]

Thanks, I do like the idea of pasta. The only thing that worries me is that the flower girls might get tomato sauce all over their dresses!

[jojane]

Risotto?
What are the adults having?
Vegetable tempura?

[workingitthrough]

Is risotto popular with kids. The adults are having a puff pastry slice with feta and caramelised onions and orange on the top (sounds weird, but really nice).

We are actually thinking now, perhaps ravioli. It would be meat, but at least its reasonably healthy, and not as messy as spaghetti. And I think they would all enjoy it.

[thistlelicker]

Could u not speak to parents and ask what they offer as meals?

[workingitthrough]

Yes, I've asked them. Pasta was mentioned, and a couple mentioned something with cheese but that's all I got from them. Just wanted something that is universally popular and not too unhealthy really. Am starting to think that the vegetarian thing isn't that important given that it needs to be dairy free, so ravioli might be the best thing.

[ohforfoxsake]

I think picnic boxes are a good idea.

Or veggie sausage and mash?

[thistlelicker]

Do children need a sit down meal? Finger things like cucumber or carrots? Bread sticks? Cheese in breadcrumbs? Fish cakes? Sorry but helpless

[jojane]

Mine love risotto

Regarding flower girls I would provide some aprons no matter what you are eating

[mamij]

Just check with the kitchen that they make dairy free ravioli. One of mine is dairy intolerant and find most that are sold in the supermarket contain milk, even beef ravioli.

[workingitthrough]

Thanks for all your suggestions!

[sashh]

I was going to suggest a pinic box.

At the last family wedding where there was a separate children's menu the children were served 30 mins after the adults. This was not a good idea. Have the children served first or with the adults.

In a picnic box you could have humus and veg or bread sticks to dip, a sandwich, a few grapes, a carton of juice - many places that cater for adults don't do so well with children's drinks.

Maybe a toy / puzzle as well.

The other thing with a picnic is that if the child is full from their starter it can be kept for later.

If you don't mind it being unhealthy for one course I have yet to find a child who does not like chips.