Wedding barbecue shopping list

A wedding barbecue needs more than meat, salads and drinks. You also need enough servingware, cold storage, cooking fuel, tables and shelter for the full guest count. Plan portions from your confirmed guest list, including dietary requirements, and buy non-perishable supplies early. Fresh food, ice and chilled drinks can follow closer to the day, while rented barbecues, gas cylinders, tents and furniture need reserving and delivery time.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 4
Dining tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
High tablesqty 6
Gift table
Tablecloth coversqty 14

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Soup bowlsqty 20
Cutlery setsqty 100
Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving utensilsqty 20

Kitchen

Barbecue tongsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 3
Coolersqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Cabbage tongsqty 3
Lightersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Table decorationsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 10
Buntingqty 12
Balloon bundlesqty 10
Name badgesqty 90
Menusqty 12
Welcome sign
Gift boxesqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Lanternsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Trash bag holdersqty 8
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Spongesqty 12
Draining racksqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 100 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Grill sausage - 6 kilograms
- Spare ribs - 6 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 25 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 25 pieces
- Burger buns - 100 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 1.5 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 6 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 4 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 80 pieces
- Zucchini - 10 pieces
- Mushrooms - 3 kilogram
- Potatoes - 10 kilograms
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Feta cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 6 kilogram
- Potato salad - 6 kilogram
- Coleslaw - 5 kilograms
- Pasta shells - 2 kilograms
- Pesto - 6 jars
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Red wine vinegar - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Rosemary - 3 bunches
- Basil - 4 bunches
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Limes - 20 pieces
- Strawberries - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Whipping cream - 8 spray cans
- Vanilla ice cream - 8 liters
- Chocolate sauce - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Beer - 180 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 10 bottles
- Gin - 3 bottles
- Tonic - 24 cans
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Ice cubes - 25 kilogram
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum trays - 100 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 200 pieces
- Barbecue coal - 30 kilograms
- Firelighters - 3 packs
- Gas lighter - 3 pieces

Tips

Plan 250–300 g of boneless meat per adult, or about 400 g when serving bone-in cuts. Add vegetarian portions separately rather than assuming guests will share the main supply.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per hour. Keep backup coolers ready so drinks remain cold while the main barbecue and buffet are in use.
Count one dinner plate, dessert plate, fork, knife and spoon per guest, then add 10% extra. For a guest list of 80, that means at least 88 of each frequently used item.
Reserve one barbecue for every 30–40 guests if food is served within an hour. Check the gas cylinders before delivery and keep lighters and barbecue tongs with the cooking equipment.
Buy foil, cling film, serving platters and utensils before the fresh food. Refrigerate drinks as soon as they arrive, and confirm tents, tables, chairs and lighting at least one week before the wedding.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a wedding barbecue?: Plan 250–300 g of boneless meat per adult, or around 400 g for bone-in meat. For 60 adults, that is approximately 15–18 kg of boneless meat, before adding separate vegetarian portions.
How many drinks should I buy for a wedding barbecue?: Allow 2–3 drinks per guest during the first hour and about 1 drink per hour afterward. For a five-hour reception with 60 guests, plan roughly 300–360 drinks, then adjust for children, non-drinkers and the weather.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a wedding barbecue?: Buy one of each required item per guest plus 10% extra. For 100 guests, prepare at least 110 dinner plates, dessert plates, water glasses and wine glasses, with extra servingware for the buffet.
When should I reserve barbecue equipment and a wedding tent?: Reserve barbecues, gas cylinders, tents, tables and chairs at least 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Confirm delivery, setup and the rain backup plan during the final week.

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