Wedding Ideas
January 22, 2020
The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Wedding Reception: What’s On the Table?
Planning the Perfect Menu and Decor for a Backyard Barbecue Wedding Reception
Planning the Perfect Menu and Decor for a Backyard Barbecue Wedding Reception
A backyard BBQ wedding reception is the laid-back and affordable celebration for your wedding that guarantees a good time for you and your guests. Conveniently placed on a private portion of land, backyard BBQ wedding receptions are the perfect solution for couples looking to save money without having to sacrifice space to spread out. However, serving a super upscale meal in a backyard wedding seems a little odd, which is why The Smokehouse Grill is here to break down exactly what to put on your table for a backyard BBQ wedding reception. From crafting the perfect menu to designing a beautiful table setting, we’re sure that the table will be your guests’ favorite place to be all night long.
After attending your ceremony (and probably shedding a few tears), your guests are sure to have worked up an appetite. That’s why it’s super important to include some delicious starters in your backyard BBQ wedding reception menu. Not only will your guest appreciate being able to snack and work up an appetite for the main course, but the children at your backyard wedding are likely to enjoy simple starters throughout the evening -- which their parents are sure to appreciate.
In addition to fruit, veggie, and cheese trays, it’s a nice idea to add a bit of substance and rich flavor to your starters. The Smokehouse Grill has an extensive list of appetizers to choose from, including eastern shore crab dip with baguettes, bacon-wrapped scallops with a maple drizzle, and Hawaiian chicken skewers with a coconut rum glaze, all of which are sure to excite and delight your guests for the next course.
What’s great about choosing a backyard BBQ wedding reception is that you’re building a menu that everyone is sure to love. Barbecue classics like pulled pork, BBQ chicken, smokehouse pit beef and ham are affordable and mouth-watering options to please nearly any palette, keeping your guests satisfied as they prepare to dance the night away.
If you’re looking to take your backyard BBQ wedding reception up a notch, consider some of the Smokehouse Grill’s additional entree options such as a full pig roast or grilled sausage with peppers. All of these options are great for pleasing the crowd on a budget and are sure to keep a few of them coming back for seconds.
Complete your backyard BBQ wedding reception menu with a healthy serving of tasty sides. The Smokehouse Grill recommends adding a few vegetarian options into the mix, including caesar salad, macaroni and cheese, and potato and macaroni salads. Additionally, late spring and early summer leave room for locally-sourced side dished like corn on the cob from the eastern shores of Maryland and southern style string beans with bacon and onion, adding the perfect fresh complement to tasty BBQ entrees.
When it comes to drinks for your backyard BBQ wedding reception, stick to the classics. A selection of sodas, juices, iced tea, and lemonade is sure to please your guests. For guests looking to celebrate with a toast, the Smokehouse Grill offers affordable bar packages starting at as little as $4 per person per hour. Best of all, choosing a caterer for your liquor and bar services keeps you covered in the case of a liquor-related incident on your property.
Make it easy for your guests to fill up their drinks with a table with refillable canisters full of iced tea, lemonade, and water. On the table, place plenty of mason jars as cups for a rustic, laid-back feel that’s perfect for your backyard BBQ wedding reception.
Looking for a simple way to set your head table apart from the rest in an informal setting? In addition to table configuration, be sure to add this adorable ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ banner to your table. Not only does this add to the rustic feel of a backyard wedding, but is a simple and affordable craft you can make for your big day.
While it may seem obvious, bringing flowers onto the table of your backyard BBQ wedding reception is the perfect way to liven up and beautify your outdoor space with minimal effort. We can’t get enough of these beautiful flowers from Ashley & Grady’s estate wedding that balance natural greens with warm florals. (Photo by Brackish Photography)
This simple yet elegant plate setting is laid-back but sure to impress thanks to its tiny details. From loaves of bread and wooden handle utensils to long, flowing napkins, this table setting is sure to inspire beautiful decor on every table at your wedding.
In addition to making the perfect drinkware, mason jars are perfect for incorporating on table decor and for centerpieces. Add on homemade table numbers to the brim of your jars for a simple and elegant look on your table.
Backyard BBQ wedding receptions are the elegant, fun, and affordable way to celebrate your wedding day. For help planning the perfect menu for your big day, get in touch with the team at the Smokehouse Grill today.