Menu help: to BBQ or not to BBQ?!

Sweetsunshine83

My FI are planning a rustic yet classy wedding in a historic barn in May. We can't afford, and also don't want, the typical beef/chicken/fish options and are thinking of going with an 'upscale picnic' menu. My friends think I'm crazy already for going a slightly non traditional route (no wedding party, dessert table instead of cake, DIY instead of all put together by a fancy venue-all wonderful things but I did all that for my first wedding and want something different (and so does FI). Anyway- menu main buffet includes BBQ pulled pork, BBQ chicken (breast/drumsticks), baby red potato salad, red cabbage slaw, corn on the cob, mixed green salad, roasted veggies. I do need a vegetarian option so I am working on that but for now: too much BBQ? Too messy? If so, other main meat suggestions? And is corn on the cob a good option -should I do a roasted corn or similar side instead of on the cob because of the messiness factor? Thanks in advance!!

kmmssg

 Where are you registered and what time do we eat? I love BBQ and with a veg option I think this would be good.  Corn on the cob?  I'm on the fence about the messy factor, but I would eat if if you had it.  You should get very GOOD quality napkins for this shindig.

Maggie0829

I know a lot of people on here may not like your menu due to messiness but since you aren't having a formal dinner where I need to be in a gown and an updo I think you are fine.

I do think you need to switch to a different corn dish not for the messiness factor but for the kernels in the teeth factor.  I don't know about you but whenever I eat corn on the cob I need dental floss ASAP.

I would maybe add in a pasta salad as well.  This way you don't really have to add in a veggie entree because pasta sald along with your other sides would equal a nice meal for your vegetarian guests.

Maybe think about providing wet naps (maybe you can even order custom wrapped ones in your wedding colors) so that your guests can clean up their hands once they are done eating.

kmmssg

Ditto on those wet naps.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

That actually sounds great, and I'm a vegetarian. I might try to do sauce on the side (you didn't specify what type of BBQ) in case people don't like sweet sauce, or spicy sauce (whatever the case may be). Seriously, I think I could cobble together a meal from that. Add in some kind of pasta/pasta salad and you're fine. Maybe a bowtie or tortellini salad?

MrsGandthebeag

Sounds delish to me.  I love BBQ.  If you wanted something a little less messy, maybe brisket instead of pulled pork?

reppunzel

Sounds delicious!  If you wanted an alternative to the corn-on-the-cob (for the messy and skins-int-the-teeth), you could do a corn casserole / corn pudding.  Roasted corn cut off the cob sounds good, just putting out some options.

Maybe vegetarian baked beans for a non-meat protein choice?

Sweetsunshine83

Thank you all so much -very helpful!! Definitely wet naps, reconsidering corn on the cob and nice ideas for veg options!

JoanE2012

Agree w/ others....drop the corn on the cob and add the roasted corn niblets.  Sounds yummy and probably better than many traditional wedding reception dinners!