Just because you're a vegetarian doesn't mean that you can't enjoy all the great flavors of barbecue. Corn on the cob, for example, tastes great roasted on the grill, and barbecue catering virtuosos can work wonders with marinated and gently grilled tofu.

Barbecue catering companies will be happy to provide you with the kind of sauce you prefer. Kentucky sauces are flavored with sweet and bitter molasses; Texas sauces with a generous helping of hot spices; Memphis sauces are gentle and tomato based; Kansas City, thick and tangy.

Make sure you confirm your book your barbecue catering provider well in advance; in some cases, several months' lead time might be required. In addition, be sure you confirm the booking at least a week in advance. You don't want to be left embarrassed by someone else's mistake.