A backyard wedding gives you more freedom than a traditional venue, but it also means you handle details a venue would normally take care of. Food is one of the biggest. This guide covers how to plan catering for a wedding at home.
Choose a Menu That Holds Up on a Buffet
Food at a backyard wedding often sits on a buffet for an hour or more, sometimes outdoors. Choose dishes that keep their quality during that time. Smoked meats such as brisket and pulled pork stay moist and flavorful, and sides such as mac ’n’ cheese, BBQ beans, coleslaw and potato salad are easy to serve from a buffet.
How Much Food to Order
For a dinner reception, plan on about one third to one half pound of cooked meat per adult and about four to five ounces of each side. Order toward the higher end if dinner is the main meal of the day or if you are not serving many appetizers. For a group of 50, see our guide to how much BBQ to order for 50 people.
Plan the Buffet Setup
- Tables: Plan on one long buffet table for about every 50 guests, plus a separate table for drinks.
- Shade: Place the buffet under a tent or in the shade so the food stays out of direct sun.
- Power and water: Ask your caterer whether they need access to electricity or water.
- Serving line: A buffet that guests can use from both sides moves the line faster for larger groups.
- Trash and recycling: Set out clearly marked bins near the dining area.
Food Safety Outdoors
Hot food should stay at 140°F or above, and cold food should stay at 40°F or below. The USDA recommends not leaving perishable food out for more than two hours, or one hour when the temperature is above 90°F. Plan your timeline so food is served soon after it arrives.
Questions to Ask Your Caterer
- Is the service drop off or full service?
- What is included in the price per person?
- Are serving utensils, plates and chafing dishes included?
- When do you need the final guest count?
- Can you accommodate dietary needs?
- Are tastings available?
Backyard Wedding Catering at Stampede
Stampede Barbecue caters weddings for groups of 15 or more. The Stampede Package is our most complete option, with three meats, three sides, dinner rolls and our BBQ sauce for $34.50 per person. The Value and Standard Packages work well for smaller or more casual weddings, and the Custom Package lets you build your own menu.
Drop-off catering keeps a small wedding simple, and full-service catering covers setup through cleanup. Tasting sessions are available by appointment, and we can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Learn more on our wedding catering page, or request a quote on our catering page and we will get back to you within 24 business hours. If you are also hosting a rehearsal dinner, see our casual rehearsal dinner ideas.