George Boyle
Planning a wedding menu can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on a theme. BBQ is a great option for wedding catering as it is versatile, affordable, and perfect for outdoor weddings. It can be served in a variety of styles, from casual cookouts to elegant plated meals, and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you choose to hire a caterer or go the DIY route, a BBQ-themed wedding reception is a unique and fun way to celebrate your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Grilled and smoked meats, including steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, pulled pork, and roasted pig |
| Sides such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and green salad | |
| Vegetarian options like grilled vegetables, apple coleslaw, orzo pasta salad, and cucumber onion salad | |
| Desserts, such as cake | |
| Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks | |
| Style | Casual or elegant |
| Cookout style or buffet style | |
| Outdoor or indoor | |
| DIY, semi-DIY, or catered | |
| Rustic, vintage, or elegant decor | |
| Lawn games and other activities | |
| Practicalities | Invitations should set the tone for a BBQ-themed wedding |
| Choose an experienced caterer who can provide a detailed estimate | |
| Consider donating leftovers to local food banks or shelters | |
| Tip the catering staff (15%-20% is recommended) |
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What You'll Learn
Elegant vs casual: Finger foods or utensils?
BBQ is a great option for wedding catering, offering an affordable, fun, and versatile food choice. It can be adapted to suit a range of wedding styles, from casual to elegant, and can be served in a variety of ways.
If you are planning an elegant wedding, with guests in formal attire, finger foods may not be the best option. In this case, it is better to opt for a plated menu with traditional BBQ foods like grilled chicken, steak, or smoked brisket, served with sides such as baked potatoes, green salad, macaroni and cheese, or seasonal vegetables. To elevate the elegance, choose all-white linens, elegant glassware, and matching centerpieces with white candles and flowers. Real china and flatware are also recommended for a formal look.
For a casual wedding, BBQ is a perfect fit. It is delicious, filling, and fun to eat. Finger foods are more acceptable in this setting, and you can serve a range of options such as pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, or roasted pig with sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad. You can also set up a french fry bar or a build-your-own burger bar with various toppings and condiments. Mismatched, inexpensive, or even disposable dishes can be used, and you can decorate with checkered tablecloths, paper lanterns, and rustic decorations like wildflowers and string lights.
The style of service is also important to consider. Cookout-style BBQ requires someone to man the grill and help with plating and serving, so it is best for more casual weddings or those with plenty of friends and family to help out. Buffet-style, on the other hand, can be mostly prepared in advance and is therefore a better option if you don't want your guests or helpers to be working during the wedding.
Ultimately, whether you opt for finger foods or utensils, BBQ is a versatile choice that can be adapted to suit your wedding style and budget.
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Main dishes: Grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches?
When it comes to main dishes for a BBQ wedding reception, grilled meats are a popular choice. You can offer a variety of options, such as steak, chicken, or burgers. Hot dogs are also a classic BBQ choice and can be a more economical option if you're working with a tighter budget. If you want to add a more elegant touch, consider serving sandwiches, such as pulled pork or chicken sandwiches.
If you're aiming for a more casual, cookout-style reception, you can grill the meats fresh and serve them straight off the barbecue. This option works well if you have plenty of friends and family who can help with the cooking and serving. However, it requires more coordination and manpower on the day of your wedding.
For a more formal or semi-formal wedding, you might prefer to serve grilled meats buffet-style. This involves smoking the meats beforehand and keeping them hot and ready to serve when it's time to eat. This option reduces the workload on your wedding day and ensures your guests can help themselves to a hot meal.
To elevate your main dishes, consider serving grilled meats with a variety of sauces or condiments. You can also offer sides that complement the meats, such as mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes. If you want to avoid a fully casual vibe, opt for cut corn instead of corn on the cob, and serve foods that can be eaten with utensils rather than fingers.
Remember, the key is to choose main dishes that fit your wedding style and budget. BBQ is versatile and can be adapted to suit casual or more elegant weddings with careful planning and presentation.
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Sides: Mac and cheese, salads, corn on the cob, or baked beans?
If you're serving BBQ at your wedding, you can't go wrong with sides like mac and cheese, salads, corn on the cob, or baked beans. These dishes are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to match your wedding style and budget.
Mac and cheese is a popular choice for a BBQ wedding, adding a touch of pizzazz to the menu. It can be served as a specialty side dish or as a main course for vegetarians. Salads are also a great option, offering something for guests with dietary restrictions. You can get creative with different types of salads, such as apple coleslaw, orzo pasta salad, or cucumber onion salad.
Corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side that can be served in a variety of ways. For a more elegant approach, you can cut the corn off the cob or offer grilled corn salad. Baked beans, such as pinquito beans, are another traditional BBQ side that can be included in your menu.
If you're looking for a more formal presentation, consider serving these sides in nice chafing dishes instead of aluminum catering pans. You can also have someone serve the food or work the buffet instead of doing self-serve. Additionally, using real dishes, china, or nice sturdy plastic plates with real silverware and linens can elevate the dining experience.
Remember, when planning your menu, it's important to consider your budget and the number of guests you'll be serving. For a casual wedding, focus on providing enough food, and for a more elegant wedding, consider plated meals that can be eaten with utensils instead of finger foods.
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Vegetarian options: Salads, grilled vegetables, or veggie trays?
Salads, grilled vegetables, and veggie trays are all great options to serve at a BBQ wedding reception for vegetarian guests.
Salads are a refreshing and healthy option for vegetarians. You can offer a variety of salads, such as a green salad, cucumber onion salad, pasta salad, or potato salad. Salads are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for a wedding reception.
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option for vegetarians. You can grill a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Grilled vegetables can be served as a side dish or skewered and grilled as a vegetarian kebab main dish option. They add a smoky flavour to the meal and can be easily customised to suit different tastes.
Veggie trays are a convenient and healthy option for vegetarians. You can offer a variety of raw or lightly steamed vegetables, such as carrots, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, served with a tasty dip like hummus or tzatziki. Veggie trays are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a hassle-free choice for the big day.
Some other vegetarian options to consider for a BBQ wedding reception include baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, vegetable patties, and veggie skewers. It is important to ensure that there are enough vegetarian options available for your guests and that these options are clearly labelled and separated from the meat dishes.
You can also consider hiring a second caterer to provide additional vegetarian options or asking about dietary restrictions on the RSVP to get a better understanding of the number of vegetarian guests attending. Ultimately, it is important to accommodate your guests' dietary needs and provide a variety of delicious vegetarian options at your BBQ wedding reception.
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Buffet or cookout style: DIY or hire a caterer?
When it comes to your wedding reception, there are several factors to consider when deciding between a DIY or catered BBQ. Firstly, the style of your wedding is important to think about. If you're planning a formal event, a plated menu with traditional BBQ foods like grilled chicken, smoked brisket, and side dishes might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you're having a casual wedding, a cookout or buffet-style BBQ can be a fun and affordable option.
If you're opting for a more casual wedding, you can save money by choosing a cookout or buffet-style BBQ. Burgers, pulled pork, and roasted pig are perfect for this style of service, and you can offer a variety of toppings and sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, and potato salad. This option allows guests to mix and match their meals and creates a fun, interactive atmosphere. However, if you choose to DIY, make sure you have enough helpers to manage all the tasks, especially when it comes to food preparation and serving. It's important to educate yourself and your helpers on safe food handling techniques, including the use of gloves and proper sanitizing methods.
If you have a bigger budget and want to create a seamless, elegant dining experience, hiring a caterer can be a great choice. They can help you elevate your BBQ menu with specialty sides and ensure that the food is safely prepared and served on time. Experienced caterers will also have the tools and expertise required for more complex menus, saving you time and effort. Additionally, they can assist with coordinating leftovers for donation, which is an important aspect of wedding catering that should not be overlooked.
When choosing a caterer, it's essential to select one with wedding experience who can provide a detailed estimate of all services provided. Consider supporting local businesses and family-owned catering companies, as your dollars can directly impact the community. Don't forget to include gratuity in your budget, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the cost of the services. If you're unsure about finding a caterer who suits your vision, many venues have preferred caterers, or you can search for caterers in your area online.
Ultimately, whether you choose to DIY or hire a caterer for your BBQ wedding reception, there are benefits to both options. Consider your budget, the level of formality you wish to achieve, and the amount of work you're willing to take on to help you make the right decision for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A basic BBQ menu should include a selection of proteins (steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, etc.), a few sides, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Sides can include salads, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, and grilled vegetables.
You can plan for about one-third to one-half pound of meat per adult, and about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of sides. It's recommended to have about 1 lb. of food per person.
It depends on your budget and preferences. If you have a bigger budget, you can book a caterer or order from a BBQ restaurant. If you have a smaller budget, you can plan a cookout menu or a DIY/semi-DIY menu.
There are two main ways to serve BBQ at a wedding reception: cookout style or buffet style. Cookout-style BBQ requires someone to man the grill throughout the event and help with plating and serving. Buffet-style BBQ involves smoking the food before the event and setting up a buffet table for guests to serve themselves. If you want a more formal event, you may want to have servers and nice dishes.
