I'm getting married in July. It's an outdoor wedding. I don't want to say that it's a 4th of July wedding, but we will have fireworks since this was how we met. What types of food are appropriate for this type of occasion? We will have outdoor tents, fireworks, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail bar. I am trying to keep it fairly reasonable in price.
By Ash from MD
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
It would be fun to do traditional summer cook-out food like burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon and so on. That should keep expenses reasonable.
I agree with OliveOyl, that would be perfect. If you want to "up" it a bit just fancy up the condiments for gourmet dogs and burgers. In our area a tri-tip barbecue is also very popular.
Felicitations to you, congrats to the groom! I don't know how hard you're having to pinch those pennies, but at my daughter's August wedding year before last they served pulled pork. You should be able to get it ready-made in bulk at a restaurant-supply store like Gordon Food Service. Sloppy joes could also work, and that should be available ready-made as well. If not, you or your designated cook can make it with hamburger or ground turkey and bottled or canned Manwich sauce.
Simple sides like potato chips and sweet or sour pickles are good. Traditional picnic side dishes like potato and macaroni salad would also work. If you're looking for a slightly fancier pasta salad, here's a simple and addicting recipe: one pound of rotini pasta (cooked, of course,) a 16-oz jar or bottle of ranch salad dressing (my daughter used Marzetti's.) A handful or two of shredded mild cheddar, about half a pound. I used a can of black olives for my version, my daughter used one each of chopped fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for hers. Change the veggies to fit your taste and style. That's the basic recipe, which can be multiplied according to how many guests you expect. Beware, though, everyone will be demanding this recipe!
If you are having it on private property, should be fine, but anything on a public park, etc needs a permit. Also may have restrictions on the booze served. You may be liable for any accidents on site and leaving the wedding if you supply the booze.
Congratulations on your upcoming July wedding. As a professional bridal consultant of 10 years I love the fact that you have choose to go with traditional BBQ fair. Having pulled pork is a great idea (from JustPlainJo) and is very reasonable. BBQ houses offer inexpensive pricing. If you want to dress up some of these traditional classics try to serve with so grilled pineapple and some fruit Kabobs. Mini short ribs and grilled corn on the cob (still in the husk), would also be fun.
Don't forget about classic smores around the campfire, or grilled banana splits (they are fantastic). Serve risotto with lots of grilled Mediterranean veggies with shrimp skewers for a little fancier food fair. (I have found that you can buy shrimp in bulk from Sam's for a good price or buy over time from Aldi's. They always have great prices on ready to eat shrimp)
Break out the spices to add simple pizazz to any traditional favorites. Or try serving beverages in a decorated outdoor wagon or wheel barrel.
Hope this helps. Good Luck and I wish you continued success in your planning.
A friend of mine had an ice cream truck at his wedding, it was so much fun! I don't know how much it cost, though. Cotton candy machines and popcorn carts can be rented at party rental places, and they're fairly inexpensive, fun and summery. :)
FYI: Watch out for sparklers if you're planning to have those, they can reach temps of 1800 degrees Farenheit.
My daughter is having her wedding in July, and we live in Texas. So it is hot in July. So we are doing BBQ'd brisket, Myself and two Grandmothers are making the beans in crockpots and we will have sliced pickles and sliced onions and bread.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
