Here's How To Throw an "I Do" Barbecue

Eat, drink and be married!
amanda casertano the knot contributor
by
Amanda Casertano
amanda casertano the knot contributor
Amanda Casertano
The Knot Contributor
  • Amanda Casertano is a teacher at John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School.
  • Amanda started her career in public relations, but now works in education.
  • Amanda worked for The Knot as a Venue Concierge and Editorial Social Coordinator.

A barbecue always brings people together for delicious food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere—so it only makes sense that this theme would work perfectly for your wedding too. Comfort food, backyard bashes and food trucks are more popular than ever for wedding receptions. From lawn games to homemade pie, here are 17 ways to inspire your own barbeque-themed wedding.

1. Rib Roast

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu
Chris Kruger Wedding Photographer

Cue mouth watering.

From: An Intimate Waterfront Wedding at a Private Residence in Jupiter, Florida

2. Family Recipes

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu
Eliza J. Photography

Does Aunt Debbie have a signature dish that's irresistible to the whole family? Package it up. It works as a favor or welcome gift (and a delicious addition to the reception food).

From: A Vintage, Garden-Inspired Wedding at Bissell House in South Pasadena, California

3. Fried Favorites

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu

Fried pickles, bacon baskets and chicken are barbecue necessities.

From: A Green Building Wedding in Brooklyn, New York

4. Cute Koozies

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas decor
The Harris Company

Since your guests will probably have a drink in their hands all night, a koozie to hold it in is a cute touch.

From: A Modern Nautical Wedding at Newport Beach House in Middletown, Rhode Island

5. Bite-Sized Eats

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu
Mango Studios

There's only one thing better than bite sized appetizers, and that's anything on a skewer or in a cup for easy eating.

From: An Elegant Tuscan Wedding at Castello di Vincigliata in Florence, Italy

6. Cinnamon Buns

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu and decor
KAREN FEDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Serve some classic sweet treats, like cinnamon buns in a picnic basket and gingham pattern cloth.

From: A Charming, Brunch-Themed Wedding at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul, Minnesota

7. Homemade Pie

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu
Mary Alice Hall

Pies are barbecue necessities, so go ahead and opt for a pie station.

8. Condiment Wall

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu and decor
NATALIE FRANKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Yes to salsa, pickles and sweet and spicy sauces—especially if they're on a fun display wall. (This is an easy DIY!)

From: A Nautical Vintage Wedding in Edgewater, MD

9. Dip, Dip Hooray

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas menu
Z MEDIA

How many different veggies can you combine with dip? The limit does not exist.

10. Ceremony Supplies

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and decor
Paper Antler Ltd

For outdoor ceremonies, anticipate your guests' needs. Help them beat the heat (and fit your theme) with brimmed hats, or prevent them from bug bites with bug spray.

11. Rustic Table Numbers

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and decor
Michelle Walker Photography

Wooden plaques make perfect DIY-able table numbers, and bright florals pop against wooden textures.

12. Love You Like XO

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and decor and games
Jessica Sparks Photography

Outdoor games go hand-in-hand with barbecues. Make it kid friendly too and opt for a classic, like tic tac toe.

From: An At-Home, Rustic, DIY Wedding in Woodville, Alabama

13. Good to the Bone

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and menu

Seriously, you can't have enough delicious barbecue-inspired food. Think ribs, grilled veggies and pasta salad. Red gingham table linens tie everything together for a true rustic vibe.

From:

14. American Pride

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and decor

Surprise your partner and his groomsmen with flasks or flag-patterned bow ties and even patriotic socks.

From:

15. Matching Mugs

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and decor
ANNA DELORES PHOTOGRAPHY

Beer is a barbecue must-have. Make sure to invest in signature his-and hers-mugs. Cheers!

From: A Rustic, Romantic Ranch Wedding at Red Tail Ranch in Ojai, California

16. Lawn Games

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and games

You might have tons of kids at your wedding. If that's the case, make sure they're entertained so the adults can enjoy themselves too! Lawn games are a perfect solution—think Croquet, corn hole and life-sized Jenga.

From:

17. Throwback Snacks

Barbecue Wedding Food Ideas and menu

Bring this oldie but goodie snack to your wedding menu, perfect for a touch of nostalgia and deliciousness.

From:

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