Say 'I Do' to Flavor: 9 Outdoor Wedding Catering Ideas
Whether your outdoor wedding is a charming backyard affair or a beautiful lakeside celebration, catering plays a big part in the overall experience. The right food options can add to the joyous atmosphere, complement the theme, and ensure your guests are satisfied throughout the celebration.
If you're looking to dine al fresco on your big day, here are a few outdoor wedding food ideas to get you started.
Factors to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Catering
Outdoor weddings come with their own set of challenges when it comes to food. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning the food for outdoor wedding receptions.
● Consult with your venue: Ensure that your chosen venue allows outdoor catering and ask about any specific regulations or requirements.
● Consider the weather: Weather can be unpredictable. You'll want a backup plan in case of inclement weather, whether a backup tent or an alternative indoor space for food service.
● Plan the logistics: Consider the logistics of outdoor catering, such as access to electricity and proper cooking facilities. Test the cooking facilities before the event and ensure you have backup power sources in case of electricity issues.
● Consider your guests' dietary restrictions: Just like any other wedding catering menu, it's important to consider your guests' dietary preferences and restrictions. From vegan and gluten-free to nut allergies and health-conscious diets, ensure your menu has options for everyone to enjoy.
● Communicate with guests: Include information about the outdoor setting and catering options on your wedding invitations or website so guests can come prepared and excited for the experience.
Outdoor Wedding Catering Ideas
It's crucial to plan your catering with as much care as you've put into selecting the perfect venue and decor. Consider these backyard wedding menu ideas if you envision your nuptials under the open sky.
1. Tex-Mex Spread
We might be biased, but who could deny that Mexican food always makes a great catering option? Tex-Mex can put a playful twist on outdoor wedding catering. Mexican food is delicious and incredibly versatile, catering to various dietary preferences and making it an ideal choice for outdoor weddings. From hearty meat dishes to flavorful vegetarian options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Want to make your Mexican food fiesta even simpler? With customizable options to suit every palate, Burrachos catering service brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your celebration. From classic beef tacos to hearty, vegetarian-friendly bean burritos, we make it easy to add a dash of flavor to your special day.
2. Gourmet Picnic
Bring the charm of a picnic to your wedding with gourmet sandwiches, salads, fresh fruits, and finger foods, like artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Don't forget to include refreshing beverages like lemonade and iced tea to keep guests cool and hydrated. This casual yet elegant option naturally encourages mingling and creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for outdoor celebrations.
3. BBQ Buffet
There’s something about the smell of barbecue that says celebration! Treat your guests to a mouthwatering selection of slow-smoked meats, tangy barbecue sauces, and classic sides like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread. Consider offering vegetarian barbecue options, such as grilled portobello mushrooms or barbecue tofu, to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
From juicy burgers and smoky ribs to grilled veggies and cornbread, this laid-back option will please guests of all ages while bringing summertime flavors to your wedding menu.
Note: Remember to provide plenty of napkins and wet wipes to keep messy fingers at bay!
4. Seafood Station
If you're tying the knot near the coast or simply love seafood, a menu featuring ocean delights is a perfect choice. Treat your guests to an indulgent selection of fresh seafood, including oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail, crab legs, and ceviche. Enhance the experience with accompaniments like lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
Though this option can be pricier, a seafood station adds a touch of elegance. Guests can savor the flavors of the sea while taking in the beautiful outdoor scenery.
5. Gourmet Burger Station
Elevate the classic burger experience by offering a gourmet burger bar at your outdoor wedding. Allow guests to customize their patties with an array of toppings, from traditional lettuce and tomato to gourmet cheeses, caramelized onions, avocado slices, and specialty sauces.
This option not only caters to meat lovers but also provides vegetarian and vegan alternatives like portobello mushroom burgers or plant-based patties. A burger bar's interactive nature adds an element of fun to your reception, allowing guests to create their perfect burger masterpiece.
6. Rustic Pizza Bar
A rustic pizza bar adds a touch of sophistication to outdoor weddings while still offering a familiar and comforting option for guests. Plus, it's a fun and interactive way to cater to different tastes and preferences.
To get started, set up a rustic pizza bar where guests can choose their own toppings and watch as their creations are baked to perfection in a portable wood-fired oven. From classic margherita to gourmet combinations like prosciutto and arugula, the possibilities are endless! You might even include gluten-free crust options for guests with gluten sensitivities.
7. Salad Bar
For a lighter option that doesn't compromise on flavor, consider a salad bar featuring an assortment of fresh greens, vibrant vegetables, protein options, and flavorful dressings. Guests can build salads to suit their tastes, creating a refreshing, inclusive, and nutritious meal.
Salad bars are an excellent choice for health-conscious guests, providing a refreshing alternative to any heavier fare you may have at your wedding.
8. Dessert Bar
No wedding celebration is complete without delicious treats to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth. From your beautiful wedding cake to a whimsical dessert bar, there are countless ways to indulge your guests' dessert cravings.
Consider offering a dessert station featuring an assortment of ice cream, mini pies, cupcakes, and cookies. You can incorporate fun interactive elements, like DIY s'mores or a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar.
9. Late-Night Nacho Bar
Keep the festivities going well into the night with a late-night nacho bar. Complete with crispy tortilla chips smothered in gooey cheese and scrumptious toppings like jalapenos, salsa, and guacamole, a nacho bar adds a playful twist to your outdoor wedding reception and provides guests with a savory option to enjoy as they dance the night away.
Mexican Food Catering with Burrachos
Your wedding day is all about you, but you still want to keep guests happy and celebrating. Mexican food catering is a great way to please all types of eaters, including vegetarians and those looking for healthier options. With Burrachos wedding catering, your taco or burrito will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Contact us today to ask about pricing and book your wedding.