0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Quicksilver Rewards Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Budget for a Backyard Barbecue

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Barbecue

Plan your housewarming cookout without the stress by pacing your bookings and breaking up the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $83.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Picture your backyard on a Sunday afternoon with the grill going and your favorite people holding drinks. Pulling off a catered housewarming takes a bit of coordination, and the real trick is knowing what to lock down early versus what can wait. Catering schedules and equipment rentals fill up fast, so your lead-time is the biggest lever you have.

We are looking at about $1500 for a solid spread, and you do not have to hand over all that cash at once. By pacing your vendor deposits and using the right window to spread out the payments, you can host the party without draining your checking account before the guests even arrive.

That 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card when the 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on whatever is left over, so make sure you plan your monthly payments to finish before time runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your Sunday

    Pick your date at least six weeks out and send informal invites so people actually show up. Sunday afternoons are great because guests usually head home at a reasonable hour, but caterers still book up fast for weekend slots. Get your headcount nailed down before you talk to any food vendors.

  2. 02

    Book the caterer

    Find a local spot or mobile smoker that handles backyard drops. You will usually need to put down a deposit to hold the date, with the final balance due right after the event. Make sure you confirm dietary restrictions early so the menu actually works for everyone.

  3. 03

    Spread out the balance

    If you want to break up the remaining costs, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you plenty of time to clear the bill in smaller chunks without paying extra in interest. Just make sure you track the timeline so you are not caught off guard.

  4. 04

    Rent the basics

    If you do not have enough seating or shade, reserve folding tables, chairs, and a pop-up tent now. Renting is usually cheaper than buying things you will only use once, and most companies deliver on Friday and pick up on Monday. Keep it simple so setup and teardown do not ruin your Sunday.

  5. 05

    Stock the drinks and ice

    Buy beer, seltzer, and soda in bulk about a week before the party. You will need way more ice than you think, so grab a few extra bags and store them in coolers the morning of. Keep the self-serve drink station away from the main food line to prevent massive bottlenecks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does backyard catering actually cost?

For a casual party of around twenty to thirty people, expect to spend about $1500 total for food, basic rentals, and drinks. Prices scale up quickly if you add full-service staff or premium meats like brisket.

Should I tip the caterer?

Yes, if they drop off food and set up the buffet, ten to fifteen percent is standard. Check your invoice first, because some caterer drops automatically include a service charge or delivery fee.

What happens if it rains?

Always have a backup plan, whether that means renting a canopy tent or clearing space inside your house. Ask your rental company about their weather cancellation policy before you put down a deposit.

How do I calculate how much food to buy?

A good rule of thumb is a half-pound of meat per adult and two sides per person. Caterers usually handle these math problems for you, but it pays to check their estimates so you do not run out of food.