Casual Barbecue

Who Should Choose It: Couples with close-knit friends and families who would enjoy the informality of a backyard, a barn, or a park wedding.

Who Should Avoid It: Control freaks. If your friends are firing up the park grill themselves, burgers may be burned, food may go cold, and wayward Frisbees might come your way. You could hire a caterer, but staff may be trampling through your kitchen if you host the barbecue at your home.

What to Ask: Will the caterer have to bring in a cook tent? Even if you have access to a great gourmet kitchen, it might not be up to catering standards.