Many are now choosing to keep their wedding day very simple. Who says that you have to go all out and have all of the expensive items at your wedding? There is truly nothing more affordable than having a backyard wedding.
If you are having your wedding in a backyard or if it is just the reception why not try a wedding barbecue. Barbecue does not have to mean messy finger foods. You can set up tables in the yard that you will be using for your barbecue reception. Decorate the table with flowers, and have someone who is good with the barbecue be in charge of cooking up the food. Since this is a wedding you may want to have several people helping with the barbecue. You will want to purchase all of the food at least one week before the wedding. Anything that you want to marinate before the day of the wedding barbecue should be done at least several days before the wedding. It is a good idea to have each table set up with a large serving tray. Since barbecue is best served hot off the grill it is best to be cooked at the last minutes. You can have some appetizers already sitting on the table or brought out right after the ceremony. Salads will usually work best.
I have found that placing one large salad bowl in the middle of each table with several serving tongs is a good idea. If you have long tables you can place two bowls on each table. Some bread with a butter spread is also a good idea for an outdoor wedding. Since this is also a backyard barbecue you can have plastic forks and plastic plates. For a wedding the clear plastic usually works best. Be sure to have plenty of napkins set up on each table as well. The person who is doing the barbecue should start cooking at least thirty to forty minutes before the guests arrive. That means the grill should be started at least an hour and fifteen minutes prior to your guest arriving for the reception. As the food comes off the grill you can have several individuals place them on the large serving platters. Then your guest can serve themselves as the barbecue comes out. If you want to make sure you have enough food to get everyone started you can start cooking earlier and place pans of food in the oven covered. Keep the oven off and just let it sit. This will keep the food warm. Then a few minutes before the guests arrive you can place the food that is already cooked on the tables. Replenish the supplies on the table as needed.
Side dishes are also very important for a backyard wedding. You will want to have the typical barbecue food that you and your family enjoy. Potato salad is one dish that should be kept cold until everyone is ready to eat. Macaroni and cheese is also another favorite among many. It is a good idea to make up your barbecue wedding menu at least several months before your wedding. This way you can properly budget.
Remember that your wedding does not have to be fancy or expensive. The wedding itself is truly the most important thing. Being with family and friends is just icing on the cake.
