Are you hosting a barbeque wedding reception? How fun! Let’s talk about the best way to go about it!
The key to having a successful barbeque wedding reception is to have awesome food, great ambiance, and the right logistics, while keeping it all a bit elevated. You don’t want your wedding to feel like any old barbeque, right? The thing is that if you do it right, your guests will have a wonderful and memorable time. This means being dialed in with the planning, having the right supplies, making guests comfortable, and providing lots of options. More on all that later.
If your barbeque wedding reception is planned correctly, and the food is on point, the goal has been met. Do it all wrong, and your wedding can be a big mess, literally and figuratively. As long as you and your partner are on the same page with what you’re planning, you’ve accomplished the first step towards a fantastic barbeque wedding reception.
Hosting A Barbeque Wedding Reception: Everything You Need To Know
This post is going to go over everything you need to know about planning and hosting a barbeque wedding reception. Just to be clear, a barbeque wedding reception is one in which you mainly serve barbeque food. The seating may or may not be casual. The reception is likely outside, but it doesn’t have to be. Food is the main requirement, and beyond that, there are tons of variables.
Let’s get into it!
MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ARE ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT HOSTING A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION
The number one thing that needs to happen before you host a barbeque wedding reception is that you and your partner are on the same page.
Why does this matter? Because it’s super hard to plan an awesome event if a key participant doesn’t believe in it. You both should want barbeque food. You both should see it at your wedding. There should be consensus that this feels right for your shared day.
And look, it’s okay if the food doesn’t fit the venue. Even if you’re getting married in a ballroom, barbeque can still have it’s place. It’s also okay if you and your partner slightly disagree about what kind of food should be served, as long as there’s a compromise there. You both should buy into it.
Side note, it’s okay if your family disagrees about you having a barbeque wedding reception. They don’t get a vote. It’s not their wedding. Just saying.
AS WITH ANY WEDDING, KNOW YOUR LOGISTICS
Other than being on the same page as your partner, you need to have your logistics dialed in for a barbeque wedding reception (or any wedding reception, for that matter).
This means that you know what will be served. Who your caterer will be, if you’re hiring one. How much food you’ll need per person, and overall. There should be logical ways to grill the food and then serve it while it’s still warm. Obviously, there should be methods to keep warm foods warm and cold foods cold to prevent anyone from getting sick. Beyond that, you should have a plan for how the food will be laid out. For example, buffet or family style.
Thinking through your food logistics will ensure that meal time goes smoothly and those cooking and serving the food have everything they need.
For additional tips on causal wedding logistics, check out this post on backyard weddings.
MAKE SURE THERE’S A WAY TO KEEP THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE FOR THE FOOD
As mentioned in the last tip, you’ll want to make sure food stays at a correct temperature.
Now, most caterers are equipped for this. If you’re hiring a caterer, check to make sure they have their methods. And, if you are going DIY for some of your barbeque wedding reception (more on DIY later), you’ll want your methods, too. This may mean warmers under grilled meat. Salads on ice. Netting or covering to prevent bugs from getting after the food. That sort of thing.
ELEVATE THE FOOD, EVEN AT A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION
For a classic and elegant feel at a barbeque wedding reception, the key is to help people avoid eating with their hands.
Now, this may mean no ribs. Ideally, the menu will consist of grilled chicken, steak, brisket, or pulled pork. The easier to eat with a utensil, the better. Sides like beans, salad, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese are popular. Plus, there are methods to make each of them fancy with add-ons and options. Grilled veggies are always a hit, too.
ALLOW YOUR APPETIZERS TO BE BARBEQUE FRIENDLY
To keep with the barbeque theme, don’t forget about your appetizers.
I could write a whole post about barbequed appetizers, but I’ll summarize a little preview here. Items like skewers, small salads, and mac and cheese bites all come to mind. Deviled eggs, or grilled shrimp or veggies are great, too. Think of items that you tend to see at a regular barbeque and how you can make them wedding-friendly. If they can be made ahead of time, or are part of the grilling experience, even better.
OUTSOURCE THE COOKING IF IT’S IN YOUR BUDGET
Though a barbeque wedding reception may appeal to some couples because it’s one of the easier DIY wedding catering options out there, one big way to help out your wedding day experience is to hire a caterer to take care of it all for you.
Essentially, this isn’t the time for your dad to man the grill.
Yes, you may have family members who are barbeque masters. They may love it. However, ideally they will be at your wedding enjoying your wedding. Not feeding a crowd. If you can swing it, hire a professional so everyone can relax and eat.
MAKE SURE THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR VEGETARIANS, EVEN AT A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION
Maybe you don’t know any vegetarians. Maybe you’re sure none will attend your wedding. Still, an elevated and inclusive barbeque wedding reception will still have vegetarian options, just in case.
As mentioned before, the options can still be grilled. Think impossible meat, falafels, or portobello mushrooms. Some carnivores may even indulge. Think outside the box and have some variety.
CONSIDER POTLUCK IF YOU’RE STRAPPED FOR CASH
I know that I said earlier that you should swing for a caterer, if you can. That you, or your family, shouldn’t have to be cooking or grilling on your wedding day. There is one loophole to that recommendation.
The potluck.
If you are hosting a barbeque wedding reception, and you want to save some money, consider a potluck. This is where some, or all, of your guests, bring something for everyone to eat. It could be a side. A drink. Or, dessert. You can crowd source items like glasses, eating utensils, napkins, or plates. Yes, you are asking something extra of your guests. And yes, you lose some elegance when you go potluck. However, you will save money, and the food will be delicious.
HAVE LOTS OF WET WIPES AROUND (ESSENTIAL AT A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION)
I mentioned trying to keep the food hands-free as much as possible at your barbeque wedding reception. Even if this is your strategy, you’ll still want to have some wet wipes around.
Of course, you can elevate wet wipes. They can be substituted with little bowls of warm water with lemon, and a warm toilette handy for cleaning and drying. Fancy paper towels can be put out. There can be monogrammed napkins everywhere. You get the picture. The point is to have items available so guests can have clean hands before they eat, and afterwards.
BRING OUT THE LAWN GAMES
One thing that holds true for most barbeques is that they are fun. So, have games there.
Lawn games are becoming more and more popular at weddings. And, they don’t have to be complicated. A simple corn hole or horseshoe set up isn’t that hard to do. You can also bring oversized Jenga, or simply some balls or frisbees to throw around. Lawn games and a barbeque can be a great combination.
MAKE SURE SOMEONE IS CHECKING AND CLEARING THE TRASH
One thing about barbeques is that they generate a lot of trash. And, when you’re trying to keep things classy, it’s not a great thing.
So, be proactive. Make sure someone is checking and clearing the trash. It could be someone who works for your caterer. Or your venue. Perhaps you have some helpful friends or family members who understand the importance of clearing away napkins and bones and used utensils. Just make sure someone is clearing off surfaces, and taking away full bins.
ALWAYS KEEP BUG REPELLENT HANDY AT A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION
When there is meat, there will be bugs.
In most places, at least.
If your wedding is in a location that is known to have bugs, have the repellent handy. Now, you may hate bug repellent. This is fair. It smells, and it’s sticky. It is better than having flies, mosquitos, or bees around though. So bring it. And bring some citronella candles while you’re at it. Every little bit helps.
CONSIDER MAKING BBQ YOUR THEME
If you are hosting a barbeque wedding reception, you might want to lean into it.
What does this look like? It’s about making barbeque your wedding theme.
For this, you can have a picnic style ambiance. Red checkered linens. Baskets and weaved items around. Maybe drinks are served in mason jars and little bottles of sauce are given away for your favors. Perhaps you skip the cake and have a wedding pie. Have fun with it.
GO FOR WHATEVER DESSERT WORKS FOR YOU
Speaking of cake, let’s talk about dessert at a barbeque wedding reception.
I have said it in the past, and I will say it again. Your wedding your way. If you want a four tiered wedding cake, and barbeque food, go for it. However, if you want to mix things up, that’s fine, too. Serve up delectable blueberry pie. A peach cobbler. Have an ice cream or popsicle bar. Have a sweets table filled with various brownies and blondies and goodies. Go with whatever you truly enjoy.
THOUGHTS ON HOSTING A BARBEQUE WEDDING RECEPTION
Friends, if you are having a barbeque wedding reception, go and have fun with it. Remember to keep it classy you may need to be strategic about your food, lean into the theme, keep the bugs away, and have a mitigation plan for messes and trash. Don’t forget games, and serve the most delicious dessert you can think of. Enjoy! Happy wedding planning!
More On Wedding Receptions From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Dessert Only Wedding Reception Do’s & Don’ts
12 Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas
Entertaining Table Games For Your Wedding Guests
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