Tiny Details for Your Big Day: Is Barbecue a Good Idea?

When it comes to your wedding, you want everything picture-perfect down to the reception menu. Should you consider serving something as reputedly problematic as barbecue? If you love nothing more than a mouth-watering rack of ribs, you can share that passion with your guests. However, you do need to exercise caution to please everyone and keep revelers from ruining their Sunday finery. 

So where should you start?

If you plan to say “I do” at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in India, barbecue sauce might clash as awkwardly as blasting Slipknot during a Latin high mass. A rack of ribs offers many charms, but this menu item doesn’t mesh with white-tie elegance. If you plan an uber-upscale evening soiree, you might do better serving foie gras and caviar. 

Your guests will sport decent duds to the most casual affair, so make sure you have plenty of napkins available. Sure, paper ones offer convenience. However, if you're eco-conscious, be aware that it takes a ton of trees and water to produce one package. Reusable cloth versions look more elegant and can go in the laundry with the rest of the wash.

Let’s say you plan a family and volleyball-friendly beach or backyard bash. If so, break out the grill, but ensure you bring the correct supplies. If you want unbeatable flavor, you can’t top hardwood products, plus you get low ash and a near-smokeless burn that won’t irritate your guests’ eyes. 

Do you like your barbecue spicy? If so, bring a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to make sure everyone stays hydrated and can handle the heat. Beer isn’t always the best choice when you’re trying to suppress a lot of spice.

You hear ribs and start singing that you want your baby back. However, not all your guests consume meat, and some may even have an allergy to beef or pork. You don’t want the veggie set going hungry, so offer at least one meat-free alternative main course. Cauliflower steaks, anyone? 

Barbecue can make a delicious alternative for your big day menu. If you plan to serve it on your wedding day, heed the tips above.