When it comes to saving money on your wedding, you look at all ways you can to do so. One of the biggest expenses is the food you will serve at the reception. Some people are put off by the idea, but this can be a huge way to save some money. In some countries, this is how weddings are almost always done. Here are some tips for doing holding a potluck reception in a way that won’t leave your guests wondering.
How To Host a Potluck Wedding Reception
First, know when it is considered “appropriate“. While you could do a potluck wedding for any wedding, really, people will be less likely to respond negatively if your wedding overall is more casual in atmosphere, such as a summer outdoor wedding.
Don’t expect everyone to bring something. First of all, you must keep in mind that everyone you invite is not going to be able to make it to begin with and second, some people will possibly be coming from out of town and it can be hard to bring something when you are traveling with it.
Assign a small group of close friends and relatives to bring items. This helps you better control what will be served and it allows you to give each guest a more specific idea of what you need them to bring.
To help ease the minds of those bringing food, let them know that the food is in lieu of a gift so they don’t feel like you are asking too much. Many times, they will bring a gift anyway, but if they know you aren’t expecting one in addition to the food, they will not feel as if they are “paying” for a part of your wedding.
Remember that since you are not having your meal catered, you will be responsible for plates, napkins, silverware and cups. The lowest cost way to do this is usually by having plates you wash, but if you don’t want to spend hours washing everything afterwards, consider paper options.
If people are bringing hot dishes, suggest they bring them in a crock-pot or something else than can keep food warm for a period of time. Make sure to check with your venue, especially if you will be holding your reception outdoors, about plugin options and be willing to bring some extension cords.
Come up with a theme to simplify what should be brought. This way, when someone asks what they should bring, you have a better idea of what kind of food you are looking for so they can offer suggestions. Make sure your dishes and theme are practical.
To serve drinks, don’t go with individual cans or containers. Instead, serve something as simple as punch or sweet tea from a large glass jug with a spout. You can find one of these online or even at thrift stores and discount department stores for less than $20. If you are doing a potluck style wedding reception, it is usually the job of the host to provide the drinks.
Don’t forget to dress up the table with centerpieces, sashes and tulle. You can make the dishes look extra nice by dressing up the table they are placed on.
If the idea of doing a wedding reception totally potluck style bothers you, consider doing one that is only partially done this way. In other words, you come up with the main course and drinks and ask a few close relatives to provide a couple sides.
If you have done a potluck style wedding reception, do you have any tips for those that are planning one? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments!
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Susan says
We’re planning a potluck. We have both been married before. There are so many who have supported through our journey to this point, we didn’t want to leave anyone out – so to make it manageable financially and because we really dont want our guests bringing unnecessary gifts, we decided to make it a potluck. There is are great websites that will help you manage who’s bringing what. I can’t wait!
Ann says
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been wanting to do a potluck reception for a couple years, but most people think I’m crazy! I love pot lucks and think it would be an awesome wedding memento to have the recipes from the reception in a book forever.