A Pig Roast

bethgraczyk

I was curious what everyone’s initial thoughts of having a pig roast instead of a plated or buffet dinner (with chicken or beef selections) would be. We would  offer sides (veggies, pasta, rice, etc), and a vegetarian lasagna for our non-meat eaters. Initial thoughts? We are going for a vintagey, fun and relaxed party, to give you an idea of the overall feel...

itzMS

Honestly, it makes me think of my aunt's retirement party at the Community Park pavilion versus a wedding.

Plus it limits you so much. There are plenty of people who would be able to choose beef or chicken, but don't eat/like pork.

coopsbaby

We're having a pig roast, so I'm obviously biased. We're doing a large variety of sides, plus grilled chicken and a pasta dish, so everyone should be covered. Pig roasts are pretty popular here, and everyone we've told is stoked about it. We're doing a real casual type thing as well, it certainly isn't a super formal meal, but oh so yummy!

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

It has a very casual feel, but to me it's similar to have a backyard reception with a BBQ or picnic food theme. If it flies in your circle, go for it.

NOLAbridealmost

That sounds awesome! I'd love that. 

MrsGandthebeag

I've never been to a pig roast.  Do guests actually see the whole pig turning on a spit and all that?  If so that would freak me the F out.  I love pork and have no problem eating it.  But, I wouldn't want to see it whole before digging in.  

coopsbaby

MrsG- I don't believe they usually do. Every one that I've ever been to it's in a huge roaster, and it's just the "body" part of the pig (no head or feet or anything). But you never even see it or anything, it's carved/pulled/whatever and then served in big roasters or chafing dishes or something.

JoanE2012

Have a chicken or beef dish in addition to the pig and you'll be good.

cwaggoner07

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_a-pig-roast?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:61f5598b-7929-409a-baae-db2abed1c323Post:ebcca80b-4b71-42cf-9dd9-b6c3089e9169">Re: A Pig Roast</a>:
[QUOTE]Have a chicken or beef dish in addition to the pig and you'll be good.
Posted by JoanE2012[/QUOTE]

My only thing to add would be definitely chicken (as opposed to beef), as I know some people who eat only poultry.

bethgraczyk

Thank you everyone!

We are going for a vintage, old world fair theme and feel. I am considering adding a checkbox to my RSVP asking if people would prefer chicken, vegetatrian or the bbq pork...

I just don't want to serve plain jane chicken, I want people to walk away with full bellies and good memories.

beardownbchs

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_a-pig-roast?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:61f5598b-7929-409a-baae-db2abed1c323Post:baffcc03-15fe-42a0-909b-d76fe5985577">Re: A Pig Roast</a>:
[QUOTE]I've never been to a pig roast.  Do guests actually see the whole pig turning on a spit and all that?  If so that would freak me the F out.  I love pork and have no problem eating it.  But, I wouldn't want to see it whole before digging in.  
Posted by MrsGandthebeag[/QUOTE]

<div>My stepdad built a pig roaster and we do one at least every summer. The whole pig usually  roasts all day (enclosed) and then is "butchered" right before it is served. Our goup loves it and we usually all stand around and pick at it while he's pulling the meat (the cheeks..OMG they're the best!).</div><div>But...for a wedding..I would recommend that this part of it is done in an area where it is not toally visible. I know lots of people/kids that get freaked out by the sight of the pig itself. Plus it gets very smoky and even though it's not black tie, people would probably be in nicer clothing and don't necessarily want to smell like a smoker. And serving chicken is also a great idea for those who don't like the thought that pork was actually pig-shaped once.</div>

bethgraczyk

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_a-pig-roast?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:23Discussion:61f5598b-7929-409a-baae-db2abed1c323Post:e6895771-45a7-4225-aa46-d9e544069571">Re: A Pig Roast</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: A Pig Roast : My stepdad built a pig roaster and we do one at least every summer. The whole pig usually  roasts all day (enclosed) and then is "butchered" right before it is served. Our goup loves it and we usually all stand around and pick at it while he's pulling the meat (the cheeks..OMG they're the best!). But...for a wedding..I would recommend that this part of it is done in an area where it is not toally visible. I know lots of people/kids that get freaked out by the sight of the pig itself. Plus it gets very smoky and even though it's not black tie, people would probably be in nicer clothing and don't necessarily want to smell like a smoker. And serving chicken is also a great idea for those who don't like the thought that pork was actually pig-shaped once.
Posted by beardownbchs[/QUOTE]

Great points! We plan to have it served in a stainless steel roasting pan (versus a pig on a spit). I don't want any kids to be permanentaly damaged by seeing a whole pig on a spit! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" />

Also, the roaster will definitely be outside. To your point, it smells good at first but I don't want to smell it all night long.

Thank you to everyone who commented, it was a huge help in a very big decision!

TiffanysEngaged

I would love a pig roast at a wedding! Sounds fun and delicious.  From reading everyone's messages above it sounds affordable as well.  I think that if this is even an idea you are considering, your friends and family will be on board.