What do you think of potluck weddings? Do they say "cheapo" or should I consider it?

Answer 1

Hi Ana,

I'm actually a wedding planner so I find this question interesting. It's not one that I have ever been asked before. My first impulse was to say avoid it unless it is your dream to have a potluck. I think that it probably really has a lot to do with where you live. I'm in a large city and would not recommend it here. The general rule of thumb is treat your guests the way you would if you were inviting them into your home. That is why they say not to do a paid bar. Because you would never ask a guest to pay for there drink at your home. If you would ask everyone to bring a dish then it might be ok to do it at your wedding. If it is your dream and you have a neat twist to it like telling everyone to bring a dish that they remember from a really happy moment in there life then go for it. Otherwise there are lots of great ways to cut down wedding food costs like having a coctail reception with appetizers, having an afternoon garden party or having a sunrise ceremony with brunch following. Happy Planning!

Answer 2

I think it all depends! We had a "potluck" wedding of sorts, in a sense that we had it at an outdoor event with lots of friends there, and everyone contributed - some decorated the arbor, others took photos and video, a friend of mine did my hair and make-up, the matron-of-honor wrote the vows; even the minister and the musicians were "recruited" from our circle of friends. It was super-informal and fun, no formal "reception", just partying all night with plenty of booze and some deli trays from a nearby supermarket. Everyone had a blast. I would do it all over again!

The following weekend we had a get-together at our house which we called jokingly a "reception" - but it was just a backyard BBQ with several people contributing their gourmet cooking skills.

I think one can pull it off, but it will be very "untraditional", and might draw a few criticisms.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Yikes! I don't think that you should do this unless you are looking for an ultra-informal wedding (perhaps for a second or third marriage for each of you). There are many ways to save money if that is what you're going for. Perhaps a Sunday afternoon wedding where you wouldn't serve a full meal? Sundays are cheaper too, so you could end up saving so much that you could have everything that you'd want for a Saturday wedding.

Answer 5

Big time "cheapo." If you want your wedding to be nice, please don't have a potluck. Actually, I am not a fan of buffet-style weddings either. Try to invite less people but have the wedding at a nicer place.

Answer 6

I think it depends on the type of wedding you are planning. If it is a small wedding with only family and close friends, like 50 people or less, then I think you should go for it, it'll be fun and intimate. More than 50 people... hire a caterer.

Answer 7

We went potluck for our wedding - it was awesome! It was like a big ol' church picnic with a wedding ceremony tossed in the middle. It was SO much more relaxed, and it took a LOT of the stress out of the planning... :)

Answer 8

Welllllll.....they do say cheapo, but if that's all you can afford, then make the best of it! Make the reception a family event, casual, and very festive! At least provide the meat and drinks for everyone. and the cake, of course!

Answer 9

they kind of do say cheapo, so if money is a factor, have a wedding and then have a reception with an open (paid) bar and light refreshments, not a sit down dinner.

Answer 10

I don't like this idea. It does kind of say cheap. You can time your wedding mid-afternoon. That way, snack food would be in order. Maybe cake, cupcakes, doughnuts (Krispy Kreme cakes are popular here in the South) Whatever you guys like - who knows, instead of a traditional cake you could go for rice krispie treats or something like that - your wedding reception should be uniquely you.