Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning an outdoor wedding reception BBQ is a fun and relaxed way to celebrate your big day. There are a few key things to consider when planning your special day. Firstly, the food and drink – a BBQ is a great, low-maintenance way to feed your guests, with something for everyone's taste. You can choose to hire a caterer, or go DIY. You'll also need to decide on a setup, whether that's a cookout or a buffet, and how much food you'll need. Secondly, the venue – you may want to host the wedding in your own backyard, or look for a bookable venue that suits your needs. You'll need to consider the layout, and whether you'll need to bring in any furniture or equipment. Thirdly, the decor – you can add a few touches or go all out with a theme, with everything from invitations to table settings and centrepieces. Finally, you might want to think about entertainment, such as lawn games, to keep your guests amused.
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What You'll Learn
Food and drink: BBQ staples like pulled pork, chicken, brisket and ribs
BBQ is a great choice for an outdoor wedding reception, as it's versatile, delicious, and can be served in a variety of styles to suit your wedding theme and budget. It's also a good way to feed a large group of people without breaking the bank.
BBQ Staples: Pulled Pork, Chicken, Brisket, and Ribs
Pulled pork is a BBQ classic and can be served in many ways, from sliders to mac and cheese toppings, or even as hors d'oeuvres. Chicken is another versatile option, and you can choose to serve it grilled, fried, or smoked. You can also offer chicken thighs with an apricot BBQ sauce, or chicken kabobs for a more casual vibe.
Brisket is a hearty option that can be slow-cooked to perfection and mixed with BBQ sauce. It's a great centerpiece for a BBQ spread and can be served with a variety of sides. Ribs are another BBQ favorite, and while they take time to prepare, they are worth the effort and will be a hit with your guests.
Sides and Drinks
Sides are an important part of a BBQ feast, and you can offer a variety of options, including classic BBQ favorites like mac and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and cornbread. Don't forget to include plenty of your favorite barbecue sauce! You can also set up a french fry bar or a pretzel bar to give your guests a fun, personalized experience.
For drinks, you can offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Beer, tea, and soft drinks are always popular choices, but you can also include signature cocktails or mocktails to suit your guests' preferences.
Budgeting and Preparation
BBQ can be an affordable option for feeding a large group, and you can save money by shopping around for the best prices on larger cuts of meat. You can also make some dishes ahead of time, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can even DIY your BBQ menu or semi-DIY with the help of volunteers.
Overall, an outdoor wedding reception BBQ is a fun and delicious way to celebrate your special day, and with careful planning, you can create a memorable feast that your guests will love.
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Decorations: Gingham, sunflowers, bunting, and fairy lights
When it comes to an outdoor wedding reception, decorations are key to creating a memorable and beautiful atmosphere. If you're going for a gingham, sunflower, bunting, and fairy light theme, here are some ideas to consider:
Gingham and Sunflowers
Gingham, or checkered patterns, instantly evoke a fun and casual vibe. You can incorporate this pattern into your wedding reception decor in several ways. Start with tablecloths—a checkered pattern will add a playful touch to the tables. If you want to go beyond tablecloths, consider using gingham ribbon to decorate chairs, hang gingham bunting, or even use it to create a backdrop for photos. As for sunflowers, these vibrant flowers will instantly brighten up your outdoor space. Place them in vases or jars on the tables, or create larger arrangements by grouping them together. You can even add smaller sunflowers to your hair or the bridal bouquet for a fun pop of color.
Bunting
Bunting is a versatile decoration that can be used in many ways. Hang bunting across the reception area to create a festive atmosphere. You can mix and match different patterns and colors, including gingham, to add visual interest. Consider using bunting to frame a photo backdrop, creating a charming setting for wedding photos. Another idea is to incorporate personalized bunting with your initials or a fun message to make it even more special.
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a magical addition to any outdoor wedding reception. Drape them across trees, bushes, or even the ceiling of a marquee to create a sparkling canopy. For a whimsical touch, wrap fairy lights around large branches or archways, creating a fairy-tale-like entrance for your guests. If you have a dance floor, hang fairy lights above it to create a starry effect, providing a romantic setting for your first dance. You can also intertwine fairy lights with the bunting for a magical, illuminated decoration.
These decorations will help transform your outdoor space into a charming and memorable setting for your wedding reception. Don't be afraid to get creative and add personal touches to make it unique to your special day.
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Seating: Enough chairs for guests, and tables if serving a buffet
When planning an outdoor wedding reception BBQ, seating is an important consideration. You will need enough chairs for all your guests, and you may also need tables if you are serving a buffet.
First, decide on the number of guests you are inviting and whether you will have enough space to accommodate them. If you are planning a formal wedding, you will need to ensure there is enough space between tables for guests to move around and dance. If you are serving a cookout-style BBQ, you may not need full tables, but if you are serving a buffet, you will need enough tables and chairs for all your guests to sit and eat comfortably.
Consider the layout of your space and how you will arrange the seating. If you are setting up a dance floor, you may want to group the tables and chairs around it. If you are serving a buffet, ensure there is a clear path for guests to access the food.
If you are renting chairs and tables, be sure to plan for their transportation and set-up. Ask yourself: Will they fit through the gates or doorways? Will you need help carrying them? Will you need to hire staff or ask friends to help with the set-up and clean-up?
Finally, think about the style of your wedding. For a casual wedding, you can mix and match chairs and tables, and even choose inexpensive or disposable dishes. For a more formal wedding, you may want to opt for elegant, matching tables and chairs, and consider renting real china and stylish glassware.
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Catering: DIY, semi-DIY, or professional?
Catering is a crucial aspect of your wedding, and there are a few approaches you can take: DIY, semi-DIY, or professional catering. Each option has its pros and cons, so consider your budget, the level of effort you want to put in, and the overall experience you wish to create for your guests.
DIY catering can be a great way to save money, especially if you're already planning a backyard wedding, as you won't have to pay rental fees or hire an external venue. You can design the menu, prepare the food, and set up a self-service buffet for your guests. This option gives you complete control over the food choices and can be a fun way to involve your bridal party or family in the wedding preparations. However, it does require significant effort and time, so ensure you have a clear plan and the necessary equipment.
Semi-DIY catering is a happy medium between full DIY and hiring a professional caterer. With this option, you can prepare some dishes yourself while leaving the more complex or time-consuming items to a caterer. For example, you could make some simple sides or desserts, while the caterer handles the main course. This approach can reduce costs while still ensuring you have professional support. It's a good idea to communicate clearly with your caterer about what you need and ask any questions beforehand to avoid surprises or additional charges.
Professional catering is the most convenient option, as it takes a significant burden off your shoulders. Experienced caterers can provide a seamless dining experience for your guests, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. They can also offer a wide variety of menu options, including elegant, plated meals for more formal weddings. However, professional catering tends to be more expensive, and you may be limited by the caterer's availability or specific requirements.
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, the number of guests, and the level of formality you desire. DIY and semi-DIY catering offer cost savings and flexibility but require more effort and planning. Professional catering ensures a stress-free experience and a higher level of service but comes at a higher price. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and how much time and energy you want to invest in catering for your outdoor wedding reception BBQ.
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Entertainment: Lawn games like Jenga, or a photo booth
If you're looking for entertainment ideas for your outdoor wedding reception BBQ, consider lawn games like Jenga and a photo booth. These can be a great way to keep your guests entertained and engaged during the celebration.
Lawn games are a fantastic alternative to traditional wedding reception activities like dancing. They offer an interactive and fun experience for your guests, young and old. Set up a few different games, such as a three-foot-long Jenga game on the grass, which can be enjoyed by multiple players and is simple and easy to set up. You could also opt for classic games like 4-in-a-row, which can be set up quickly on a table. These games will keep your guests entertained during the in-between moments of your wedding, such as when they are waiting for their turn at the buffet or in between dances.
Additionally, a photo booth can be a wonderful addition to your wedding reception. It provides an opportunity for your guests to create memorable keepsakes and offers a fun activity for them to partake in between dances or while they enjoy their food. You can set up a dedicated area with a backdrop, props, and a camera, or hire a professional photo booth service. A backdrop with a rustic feel, perhaps in a BBQ theme with gingham details, can be a great addition to your overall wedding theme and will look fantastic in photos.
If you're feeling creative, you could even combine the two ideas and set up a DIY photo booth with a lawn game theme. Provide your guests with fun props, such as oversized sunglasses, funny hats, and BBQ-themed cutouts, and let them strike a pose with a giant pair of lawn dice or a Jenga block. This will surely result in some memorable photos and keep your guests entertained throughout the reception.
By incorporating these entertainment ideas, you'll ensure your guests remain engaged and create a fun and interactive atmosphere at your outdoor wedding reception BBQ.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your preferences and the number of guests. Consider a charcoal grill for that authentic barbecue taste, or a gas grill for convenience and speed. If you're expecting a large number of guests, a barrel grill might be a good option as it offers a large cooking surface.
Classic barbecue foods are always a hit, such as burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and chicken. Offer a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob. Don't forget to include vegetarian options, and have some grilled veggies and salads.
As a rule of thumb, plan for around 1 pound of meat per person. For sides, estimate about 2-3 different options, and calculate about 1/2 cup of each side dish per person.
You'll need serving utensils, plates, and cutlery. Consider chafing dishes to keep food warm, and cooling trays for cold dishes. Don't forget trash and recycling bins, as well as hand washing stations or sanitizing wipes for guests.
Keep perishable foods refrigerated until it's time to grill. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked meats to prevent cross-contamination. Ensure that foods are cooked to the right internal temperatures. Keep foods hot (above 140°F) after cooking to prevent bacterial growth, and chill any leftovers promptly.
