The Ultimate Guide To Hosting A BBQ Party For 80 People

As the autumn chill sets in, BBQ parties flourish in regions like London and Surrey, where the streets come alive with the enticing aromas of grilled lamb chops and smoky beef ribs. Families gather around sizzling grills, celebrating with hearty dishes like BBQ chicken wings and marinated vegetables. While hosting a BBQ might seem simple, organising one for 80 people requires careful planning. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every aspect—from finding a private chef to crafting the perfect menu and budgeting effectively. With our tips, you can ensure your BBQ is a deliciously memorable event for all!
28 October 2024 6 min read
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How to Host a Memorable BBQ for 80 People

Make your next gathering a hit! Our guide to BBQ for 80 people covers everything from menu planning to grilling tips for a stress-free experience.

Where To Find BBQ Caterers And Private Chefs?

Browse through social media platforms like Facebook private chef communities and caterers on Instagram specialising in BBQ. These resources can help you navigate the BBQ scene and find the perfect caterer for your event. You could even post a requirement on LinkedIn for a private caterer for a single event in your appropriate region.

While sourcing through social media platforms might help, they can still take forever to help you shortlist a caterer for your BBQ.

And that’s where platforms like Yhangry come in with over 1000+ private chefs and caterers within your vicinity, each specialising in scrumptious cuisines and delicacies, including BBQ. 

With Yhangry, you can quickly access essential information about each caterer, including their experience, budget, client reviews, services offered, specialities, and sample menus. 

What’s more? You can request a free quote in just minutes, making it easier to shortlist the right chefs for your BBQ party!

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Crafting The Perfect BBQ Menu For 80 Guests

When hiring a BBQ caterer for your party of 80, it’s crucial to share your vision for the event. Discuss everything from colour schemes to spice levels to ensure the menu meets your preferences. Be sure to highlight dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options, and any allergies or restrictions among your guests.

Additionally, provide the chef with venue details and the exact guest count. This information helps the chef plan the dishes according to the available grills and equipment, ensuring there’s plenty of food for everyone without any delays.

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Inquire About Staffing And Equipment 

After finalising your BBQ party menu ideas, it’s time to discuss the logistics of hiring a private BBQ caterer. Different arrangements come with varying costs and conveniences, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option:

You Provide the Grill; Chef Handles the Groceries

Pros:

  • Cost-effective since you only need to supply the grill.
  • The caterer or BBQ private chef takes care of sourcing and purchasing all ingredients.
  • You can tailor the menu based on your preferences without the hassle of shopping.

Cons:

  • The caterer might need more support with available equipment, but clear communication can help resolve this.

You Supply Everything (Groceries & Grill)

Pros:

  • You only pay for the caterer’s time and expertise, making it budget-friendly.
  • You have full control over the menu by choosing the ingredients.
  • This option makes use of your outdoor cooking setup.

Cons:

  • You have less oversight on the quality of ingredients.
  • The chef might factor grocery costs into their hourly rate.

Chef Brings Everything (Including Grill)

Pros:

  • This offers a completely hands-off experience for you as the host.
  • The caterer can provide high-quality equipment and tools.
  • Ensures a polished and hassle-free event.

Cons:

  • Generally, this is the most expensive option.
  • It could create logistical challenges; consider renting grills for easier management.

You Provide Groceries; Chef Brings the Grill

Pros:

  • You can customise the menu by selecting the ingredients.
  • The chef supplies their high-quality grill and equipment.

Cons:

  • You’ll need to handle the grocery shopping.
  • This option may be slightly pricier than when you only provide the grill.

Many private BBQ caterers in the UK work with additional staff including a sous chef, waitstaff, or dishwasher for larger events to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Navigating the Costs of Hiring a BBQ Caterer

Booking a BBQ caterer directly can involve a lot of back-and-forth communication through email, phone, or WhatsApp, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, chefs may not always be available for your event. 

Yhangry streamlines this process by allowing you to choose your date and location, set your budget, and instantly view available chefs in your area.

BBQ catering prices may be higher if the caterer needs to bring their equipment and ingredients, due to additional costs like transportation and storage. You might find a more economical option if you supply the grill and groceries. 

Once you receive the quotes and are ready to proceed, Yhangry offers flexible payment options:

  • You can pay the full amount upfront.
  • Make a 10% deposit to secure your event, with the remaining 90% charged just before the event date. 
  • Option to split the bill with your group and everyone will receive an invoice from Yhangry for their portion.

Cancellation protection is included, allowing you to receive refunds within one week of cancellation. For more details about the costs of hiring a private chef, check here.

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Tips for Hosting a BBQ Party for 80 People

1. Be a Welcoming Host

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is essential when hosting a large BBQ party. Greet guests as they arrive, making them feel valued and comfortable. Consider assigning a few friends or family members to help welcome guests, guiding them to food and drink stations. A friendly smile and personal touch can set the tone for an enjoyable gathering.

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2. Engage and Mingle with Your Guests

With so many people attending, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To foster a sense of community, make an effort to mingle and engage with different groups throughout the event. Move around, join conversations, and introduce guests who may not know each other. You can also create interactive stations, like a DIY drink bar or games, to encourage guests to mix and mingle.

3. Keep Food and Drinks Replenished

One of the keys to a successful BBQ party is ensuring that food and drinks are readily available throughout the event. Set up buffet-style stations for easy access, and have a dedicated area for drinks. Consider appointing a few helpers to monitor food and drink levels, replenishing them as needed. This way, guests won’t have to wait or search for refreshments, allowing them to enjoy the party without interruptions.

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Elevate Your BBQ Party With Yhangry

Hiring a BBQ caterer can transform your gathering into a remarkable culinary experience. Professional chefs bring skill and creativity to the grill, allowing your guests to savour exquisite dishes while you relax without the stress of cooking.

Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-star BBQ chef like Chef Molly or a culinary celebrity such as Chef Nathan, Yhangry can connect you with the finest BBQ chefs in the UK. Enjoy the advantages of effortless, professional home grilling with Yhangry!

FAQs

A professional BBQ chef is often referred to as a pitmaster, a title that reflects their expertise in grilling, smoking, and barbecuing meats and other dishes. They typically have a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, wood types, and seasoning blends to create mouthwatering barbecues.

To host a BBQ at home, start by planning your menu with a variety of meats, veggies, and sides that everyone will enjoy. Set up a comfortable outdoor space with seating, and make sure you have all the necessary grilling tools and supplies ready for a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Yes, you can grill BBQ sides! Vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and asparagus are fantastic on the grill, and you can also cook sides like grilled potatoes, pineapple, or even skewers of halloumi and veggies to complement your main dishes.