Don’t want to pass up this opportunity to have a summer barbecue while the kids are free, but don’t have a big budget? Well, there is no need to worry because below are some proven money saving tips you can follow for that barbecue get-together you have in mind! With these tips, you won’t only be able to stick to your budget, but also get to add one more happy memory to reminisce about later.

1. Look For Quality Grill, Practical Grilling Equipment

Savings on your summer barbecue starts with the primary equipment you use during the event. They are the grill and the grilling equipment you often use. If you are always organizing a barbecue party, it is important to invest in a quality grill and ensure that it is maintained well at all times. You want to enjoy long-term savings here, which you can only do so through those two.

By quality grill, it means it has sturdy construction, and has enough space to allow you to do a few things at once. Together with the grill, you just also need to have the two primary grilling accessories — a pair of tongs and a thermometer. You don’t need any more accessories than these for they are all you need to cook sumptuous barbecue foods.

2. Choose Money-Saving Meats

Examples of these are flank or skirt steak, chicken wings, legs and thighs, blue fish, mackerel, and bone-in cuts of meat. But if you are after further savings by having inside knowledge on when your preferred barbecue meats get pricier, then it helps to make friends with your butcher.

3. Get Creative With Rubs and Sauces

True, there are now pre-packaged seasonings that are purchasable at supermarkets, and they cost around $4 to $6 per small bottle. However, if you do not have the budget for those, you still have another alternative. That is to make your own rubs and sauces. You only have to check what is in your pantry and use whatever ingredients that suit your palate. You not only get to save, but you also get to experiment with flavors and blends. Hence, it gives you the opportunity to create different flavorful rubs and mouthwatering barbecue sauce recipes.

4. Just Use Enough Fuel

People often waste too much fuel whenever grilling. So, you need to be careful with the amount of gas or charcoal you dump on the grill every time. It is enough to use half the content of the charcoal bag to build the fire then save the remaining for the next BBQ party. And if you are using propane, make sure that you set it on high for five minutes only and turn it on low afterwards.

5. Take Advantage of Sales and Deals

Some of the best parts of summer are the many sale events that grocery stores have. You can get plenty of great deals from products like hotdogs, hamburgers, marshmallows, chips and soda. Just imagine how much you can save when you make the effort to look for grocery store deals and coupons!

Throwing a summer barbecue party on a budget is possible as long as you know what you can do and where you can save. At this point, the above money saving tips are already enough to give you an idea on the how aspect. But if you want more tips and possible savings, then perhaps you can ask your friends to bring some food as well!