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..BBQ?!
Yes, the words spoken by my very own mother. She is the most generous, selfless, wonderful person I know, but when faced with the prospect of a “BBQ Reception”, let’s just say she didn’t take to the idea very well. The conversation went a little something like this:
Me: “So, we’ve decided we’re going go with a different caterer and have BBQ at the reception! Fun, huh?”
Mom: “BBQ? Don’t you think it’s a little messy and unsophisticated for a wedding?”
Me: Silence
Mom: “I would be worried that people would be thinking ’I came all this way for their wedding, and all I got was BBQ?!’”
Me: “Sigh… Yeah… I guess…”
Feeling defeated, I resigned myself to the caterer that we had already booked, but I just couldn’t shake the BBQ idea. Mr. Rainbow and I both fell in love with the idea of a BBQ reception as soon as I suggested it. We LOVE BBQ, no doubt about it. Sure, it’s messy, but it would create such a fun, laid back atmosphere, and really, that’s exactly what we’re going for. We certainly don’t want a fancy schmancy reception, and if we did, we wouldn’t be marrying outdoors with a 30 person guest list, am I right? Plus, who doesn’t like BBQ?!
Mrs. Mary Jane certainly likes “Reception BBQ”…
… so does Mrs. Cowboy Boot…
… clearly Miss Snow likes “Reception BBQ”…
… and apparently, Mrs. Beagle does too!
See? In my opinion (and obviously a few others’ before me), a BBQ reception is perfectly acceptable. And if someone *cough my mom cough* needs a little more persuasion, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each at the same price point:
Original Caterer:
BBQ Caterer:
After going over this with Mr. Rainbow, obviously, the logical choice is to get more bang for our buck and go with the BBQ. Now, how to break it to my mom? 
What do you think about BBQ receptions? Have you ever been to one? Are you having one yourself?
I’ve never been to a wedding BBQ, but I can’t see any reason that I wouldn’t love it. 
Just… make sure there are LOTS of napkins!
I really want to go to a BBQ wedding! I think it’d be so much fun.
I love BBQ. The only thing I would worry about at a reception would be allowing people to eat it neatly without getting themselves messy. Meaning non-plastic fork and knives and plates. As long as you’ve got good utensils, and plates I think you’re good to go. You may want to make placemats as well so the linens don’t end up getting too dirty. But other than logisitics, I think it’s a great idea and super super yummy, I’d rather be well fed at a reception than too fancified.
I think that majority of people will really enjoy this…especially since youre having a more casual wedding. Plus, it offers more options and its comfort food! I think she will change her mind once she realizes its not hot dogs and hamburgers.
I really don’t like when people say, “But they came all this way, you can’t / have to do ___!!” It’s your WEDDING. They came to see you because they love you. It shouldn’t matter if you have a hot dog cart, get married in jeans and a ripped t-shirt, and your ceremony is thirty seconds long.
Also, BBQ is delicious.
Num, num, num… that all looks so much better than my can of soup!
I have been to a BBQ reception and the trick is presentation. They had everything platted beautifully with great plants and potted flowers on the buffet. I bet your mom would like that!
We’re having a BBQ reception, and I’m doing little bottles of BBQ sauce as favors on the table. LOVE LOVE LOVE. 
Do it! we wanted BBQ too but our venue has on site catering. do it do it do it!
I’ve been to 2 and loved them! Of course, I live in TX.
Thanks for the mention!! Everyone loved, loved our BBQ menu. If the food’s good, people don’t care what they’re eating. Secretly, people would rather be eating ribs than tuna tartar. Plus, they always leave satisfied and not hungry.
I love me some BBQ & I would happily eat it as a wedding guest!
I went to one last spring, and my husband’s friend is getting married in April and they’re having one as well. I can’t wait! They’re delicious.
I think it’s a fun alternative…and really if the food is good, who cares what it “looks like!”
We just decided to go with a BBQ/Tailgate theme rehearsal dinner… that way I never have to worry about bbq sauce on my dress!
I went to a wedding last summer with a BBQ reception and it was AWESOME! It was catered by a local joint, so it was food none of us out of towners could get back home. It was a casual, laid back, outdoor ceremony and reception and it was PERFECT. If your mom is worried about people being disappointed with a BBQ dinner, I’d recommend putting it on your invitations (e.g. “BBQ and Dancing to follow”).
We did a dessert-only reception and specified that on the invitations, that way no one was expecting a full meal when they got there. If you set the expectation for BBQ, no one will be surprised or disappointed when that’s what they get.
And if they’re only coming to your wedding for the food…well, I don’t have anything nice to say about them, so I won’t say anything at all
oh, and sure ribs are messy, but brisket is my fave and very easy to eat w/ a fork/knife
I haven’t been to a BBQ reception, but I went to a BBQ rehearsal dinner which was AWESOME!
My sister was married in Memphis, and had BBQ at her rehersal dinner. I think it all depends on the culture people are coming from. I guess you have to think about whether you prefer making yourself or your mom happy on this one. The age old challenge of every bride has again reared its ugly head…
Matthias
matthiasphoto.com
I went to a BBQ reception and although the food sucked, I love the idea of it. I think others have said this already, but be sure to have non-plastic utensils. I really hate plastic utensils and I always seem to break them. But other than that, I think a BBQ reception is a great idea!!
I agree. The mister and I wanted that laid back BBQ feel from the beginning, and once we fleshed out the idea a little bit, both sets of parents got on board. (His are deffinately thrilled not to have to do something super formal and soooo-not-them - and mine are excited that we get way more value and get to invite more people for the same $$) Its all about how you phrase it on the invite, since we’re down the shore we’re using “Join us for a Beach Chic BBQ”. And more bang for the buck in the food department is deffinately what you want right now, especially with the economy not being so great. More options is always a plus - that way no one is disappointed if they don’t like the entree choice. If you lay it out for your mom with the pros and cons and explain that this is something that you and your FI want and isn’t just a whim, she’ll probably come around.
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Mrs. Rainbow, Tampa Age and Occupation: 22, Makeup Artist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Electrical Engineer/Programmer Engagement Date: November 27, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: The Gamble Plantation About Me: I'm a quirky (and slightly Type-A) freelance makeup artist who was born in Washington State, raised in Alabama, and now living with my one and only in sunny Florida. I'm fashion and beauty obsessed, and have recently discovered my inner domestic diva extraordinaire. I'm a wannabe chef, decorating addict, and trying desperately to be as crafty as possible---albeit only with a glue gun. I'm hopelessly in love with my fiance, and all things sparkly and feathery. Despite the glittery exterior, I'm a total hippie on the inside. When I'm not making up pretty faces, I love doing what I can to help people, animals, and the environment. Someday the FI and I will change the world, but first we're tackling our modern-vintage-Marie-Antoinette-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland inspired wedding. I just can't wait to be Mrs. Rainbow!
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