| The taste of barbeque food eaten al fresco style can | | | | keep costs down using one supplier for both the food |
| be some of our best memories of summer. If you | | | | and drinks. Check they supply all the glasses. |
| think this style of food will fit with your party whether it | | | | 6. Discuss your menu requirements with them. |
| is for a wedding or another occasion we have | | | | Include some trusty favourites such as sausages |
| provided a useful checklist here to help the smooth | | | | and burgers as well as some marinated meats and |
| running of your event. | | | | other varieties of meat for the barbeque. Remember |
| 1. The weather - unfortunately unless you live in a | | | | to include vegetarian options and other dietary needs |
| very warm climate there is never any guarantee what | | | | depending on your guest list. |
| the weather will do. Keep an eye on the forecast | | | | 7. Lighting and decoration. Create the mood of your |
| leading up to your event. With any outdoor barbeque | | | | event with lightening and decorations. Do you have a |
| event you will need to be prepared for wet and cold | | | | theme for the event? Look on the internet for ideas |
| weather options with marquees or covered areas and | | | | and draft in an artistic person to help with these areas. |
| patio heaters if needed. | | | | 8. Delegate as much as you can. Identify motivated |
| 2. Plan your budget and stick to it. It is very easy | | | | people and give them a role. Let them get on with |
| for spending to spiral out of control. | | | | their job and organize regular catch ups for feedback |
| 3. Schedule when you have earmarked a date work | | | | on how things our progressing. |
| backwards with deadlines for things to be done. | | | | 9. Music and entertainment. The best budget |
| Leave plenty of time as there are often unforeseen | | | | system is to make sure you have a good sound |
| problems that will need to be dealt with. | | | | system and create some play lists that can be burnt |
| 4. Toilets - if you are having an outdoor event with | | | | onto CDs or played through an iPod on the sound |
| temporary facilities such as marquees you will need to | | | | system. You do not want to be constantly looking |
| provide portable toilets. The simplest calculation is to | | | | after the music during the event. Alternatively hire a |
| allow 1 toilet to 100 people. This will vary depending | | | | DJ or a band but remember there will be periods prior |
| on the total number of people at the event, the mix of | | | | to and after they play that you will have to fill with |
| gender as well as the duration and amount of alcohol | | | | other music. |
| that will be consumed. There are a variety of toilets | | | | 10. Party games - if you have a large number of |
| on the market ranging in style and quality so shop | | | | people who have never met each other create |
| around for one that suits your taste and budget. | | | | several games to get people to move around and talk |
| 5. Talk to a number of catering suppliers and find one | | | | to each other. Have a look on the internet to find |
| that specializes in barbeques. They will be able to | | | | ideas that would suit your style of event and your |
| supply all the equipment including chefs and waiting | | | | guests. |
| staff. Often these caterers will have the option to | | | | We hope this checklist will help the smooth running of |
| look after the bar and drinks. This works well to | | | | your event. Enjoy! |