Is a potluck tacky?

Since this is your reception you should provide all food. Also depending on your venue they might not even allow food that isn't provided by a licensed caterer as potlocks come with added risks since the making of food isn't regulated.

Is your venue allowing you to bring outside food? If so then you should be providing all food

I think this depends on your crowd. My family would probably think this is tacky but my fiancé's family would be all for this. I would probably provide at least the main dish.

For our minimony my parents and sister cooked for everyone. We had 35 guests and the food was amazingggg. I definitely wouldn't ask my guests to bring food but my parents and sister didn't mind, they always cook for events. Maybe ask a set amount of people to cook rather than everyone?

View Quoted Comment Agree with this 💯 percent.

If you weren't renting a specific venue and it was something where you went back to your house and actually had a normal Christmas, I'd say it was fine. Since you're renting a venue I'd say that you are having a reception and therefore should be paying for the food.

Does your venue allow outside food that is homemade? Often they require it to be made by a licensed caterer for food safety and liability issues. Agree with pp that if you are hosting the wedding which the bride and groom do and you are having a reception, you need to cover all expenses yourselves.


In my family, people have no problem with a potluck dinner for a birthday, family reunion or other get together. But at a wedding you cover all the food and drinks yourself and your guests (including parents and siblings) don’t work

Yes. If it's a reception, you should be providing the food and beverages

What kind of venue are you renting? I think you do need to have this catered.

Yes! Pot lucks leave too much room for error. Plus pot lucks and COVID don't mix well. I would either have a fast casual restaurant cater or you supply all food, don't ask your guests to do anything. You've already made your wedding day on Christmas, that is already asking a lot from people, even if they are family

I suggest since this is your wedding reception you supply the food

I don’t think it’s tacky. In general, yes it would be. But if I’m understanding right it sounds like you’re basically just getting married at your families Christmas dinner? I’d provide the main dish and just ask pot luck for sides. (Which is what my family does for Xmas anyway so maybe that’s just where my head is at.) With that in mind, I wouldn’t really be expecting monetary gifts if you go this route. Most people try and cover the cost of their food so if it’s a pot luck I personally (if this happened to me and my family member was going this exact route for their wedding) wouldn’t bring a wedding gift. But also be sure the venue is ok with this. Some force you to use either their approved catering companies or require licenses and such.

I don’t think a potluck is a good idea. Spend the money and have the meal catered.

Potlucks are rife with potential problems. If this is your wedding reception, have it catered.

I think that’s totally fine, since it’s just immediate family. But, my family is super close and we do that kind of thing often, so it’s normal for us!

If it were at home and was your normal Christmas dinner, it wouldn’t be IMO. But since it’s at a venue, that makes it different. Do you really need a venue?