Planning An Outdoor Wedding: Bbq Reception Guide

Planning a BBQ wedding reception is a fun and relaxed way to celebrate your big day. From choosing a casual dress code to selecting a mouth-watering menu, there's plenty to consider when it comes to creating a memorable BBQ-themed celebration. Whether you opt for an outdoor setting or bring the BBQ indoors, it's essential to plan the details, from the décor to the all-important food. So, get ready to fire up the grill and dive into the world of BBQ wedding planning!

Choosing a venue: outdoors is best, with a tent for cover

When choosing a venue for your BBQ wedding reception, it's best to opt for an outdoor space. Not only will this create a relaxed and fun atmosphere for your guests, but it also means you can cook and serve the food outside, making it a true BBQ experience.

To ensure your guests are comfortable, consider setting up a tent to provide cover from the elements. This is especially important if you're planning on having a dance floor, as it will keep your guests dry if there's a sudden downpour. The tent will also provide some shade during the day, which is essential if you're serving messy BBQ food that requires plenty of napkins and handwashing stations!

When selecting your outdoor venue, keep in mind the number of guests you'll be serving and your budget. You'll need enough space for your BBQ station, dining area, and any other activities you have planned, such as lawn games. If you're concerned about the weather, look for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, so you have the option to move inside if needed.

By choosing an outdoor venue with a tent, you'll create a casual and rustic atmosphere that's perfect for a BBQ wedding reception. Your guests will feel right at home, and you'll be able to enjoy delicious BBQ food in a beautiful setting.

Decor: rustic, laid-back, gingham-inspired prints

If you're planning a BBQ wedding reception, you'll want the decor to match the relaxed and fun atmosphere of the event. Since BBQ weddings are typically held outdoors, you can incorporate natural elements into your decor, such as rustic wood slices for centrepieces or hanging greenery installations. To create a laid-back vibe, opt for comfortable seating arrangements, such as hay bales or lounge areas with throw pillows and blankets.

For a rustic touch, consider using gingham-inspired prints in your table settings or napkins. You can also incorporate other rustic elements, such as mason jars for drinks, burlap table runners, or vintage-inspired signage. If you want to add a playful twist, mix and match different patterns and colours within the gingham family.

To enhance the relaxed atmosphere, create a cosy ambiance with soft lighting. String lights, lanterns, or candles can add a romantic and intimate feel to your reception. You can also use lighting to highlight specific areas, such as the BBQ station or the dance floor.

Don't forget to consider the overall colour palette for your decor. Rustic-inspired colours such as burgundy, navy, or blush pink can complement the gingham prints and create a cohesive look. You can incorporate these colours through flowers, table settings, or even in your choice of drinks or desserts.

Food: a BBQ station, with a family-style or self-serve buffet

When it comes to food, a BBQ station is a great option for a wedding reception. This can be set up in advance, and you can decide whether to go for a family-style or self-serve buffet. This style of serving food is more relaxed and casual, and your guests can help themselves to seconds whenever they like.

For a BBQ wedding reception, you can serve grilled and smoked meats and sides either cookout style or as a buffet. A basic BBQ menu should include a selection of proteins such as steak, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken, as well as a few sides. You can also provide alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you're a BBQ fan, you'll know that the best BBQ can be messy, so make sure to provide plenty of napkins and handwashing stations for your guests. You could also provide a more formal meal for guests who don't want to eat with their hands.

A BBQ wedding reception is typically held outdoors, and you may want to provide a tent in case of bad weather. You can also hold it indoors if you prefer. The style of your wedding can be as casual or formal as you like, and you can add a few BBQ-themed touches to your décor, such as gingham prints.

Drinks: alcoholic and non-alcoholic

When it comes to drinks, it's important to provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Alcoholic drinks are a popular choice for wedding receptions, and you can offer a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. If you want to add a personal touch, consider creating a signature cocktail for your wedding, perhaps something that reflects your favourite flavours or colours.

For non-alcoholic options, you can provide a variety of soft drinks, juices, and mocktails. It's a good idea to have some non-alcoholic alternatives to the alcoholic drinks you're serving, such as a mocktail version of your signature cocktail. This ensures that all your guests feel included and can enjoy a drink that suits their tastes.

If you're having an outdoor wedding, especially during the summer months, it's crucial to keep your guests hydrated. Offer pitchers of ice water with slices of lemon or cucumber, and consider providing paper fans or parasols to keep your guests cool as they enjoy their drinks.

Don't forget to stock up on plenty of ice to keep the drinks chilled, and provide coolers or buckets to keep the beverages at the right temperature. You may also want to offer some snacks or appetisers to accompany the drinks, such as nuts, crisps, or small bites that can be easily enjoyed while mingling.

Napkins and handwashing stations: BBQ can be messy

Napkins and handwashing stations are essential for a BBQ wedding reception. BBQ can be messy, so it's important to provide plenty of napkins for your guests. You should also set up several handwashing stations to allow guests to clean their hands thoroughly before and after their meal.

If you're serving food outdoors, you might want to consider providing extra napkins and wet wipes, as well as extra handwashing stations. You could also provide hand sanitiser as an alternative to handwashing.

If you're serving food indoors, you might want to provide a few extra napkins at each table, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser. You should also ensure that there are enough handwashing stations in the venue's bathrooms.

It's a good idea to have a few extra napkins and handwashing stations on hand, just in case. You don't want your guests to be left with messy hands and nowhere to clean them!

Frequently asked questions