What do you think about a potluck reception...is it okay or not?

Well I think if people are willing to help, then you should take them up on that. Personally I think a potluck is a gamble. If you want to ensure that your guests have something to eat, then you should take care of that. I'm not sure what kind of wedding you are having, but I don't think BYOB should go on an invite. Perhaps you should spread the news by word of mouth.

There is soooo much debate on this topic. People have very strong opinions against it because you're inviting people to share a special day with you but making them bring their own food and drink on top of what they pay to come [gas, gift, etc]. For me, i'd look at my list of people, you know them, we don't. Do you think it would offend any of them or cause them not to come? I know a lot of people feel it's wrong, but if you don't think it would bother your guests I say go for it. It's your wedding. There are "guidelines" but no set in stone rules you have to live by. I hope whichever you choose, you and your guests have a blast.

It really depends on your circle of friends and family. Have you been to a lot of potlucks with your guest list of people? Some love potlucks and some hate them.

I think it totally depends on the tone of the wedding. My friends got married on their property, the family made the main entrees & people brought dishes to share, a friend officiated the ceremony with a beer bottle in his hand and it was mostly BYOB.

This was one of the most fun weddings I've attended because it was low key and the focus was truly on the union of our two friends and having some fun! I wore jeans and a cute top, the bride wore a white skirt and a white cardigan. They did not send out official invites either, just a phone call or e-mail.

If you do make it potluck, BYOB I think it's more appropriate to send a flyer type of invite rather than a fancy enveloped one. Stick to one style. Can't ask people to bring their own food and drink and expect them to wear tuxedos.

Second Jackilyn & Sara. It depends on the crowd and location.

My cousin did a potluck for her outdoor wedding and it was absolutely perfect - there was more than enough food. She and her DH brought a few dishes, and made sure a couple of close friends planned to bring a large dish. I think if you do this, you should prepare to bring some food yourselves. I think she used 2 boxes of pasta to make the LARGEST cold pasta salad ever... inexpensive but delicious.

We came from out of town and brought no food, which they were more than happy with.

They did supply champagne, wine and beer from costco though. I think it was just a couple hundred dollars for about 50 people.

Me and My FH are have a potluck reception... I went to my neices wedding yesterday and there was hardly no food because nobody was told bout it or told not to bring anything..

@Ms. L.....LMAO..at the officiant holding a beer. Our officiant is the owner of the inn and a dear friend. He has discussed marrying us in snorkeling gear to add our other hobbie into the mix. Also...I do believe you gave the perfect scenario for a potluck wedding. In your scenario, I would gladly bring a lasagna and a case of Coors Light in a cooler. : )

My goal is for my guests to leave our wedding weekend and say that it is the most fun they had at a wedding because they can wear what they want. While we are interested in the details, and want a touch of casual elegance, we have emphasized laid back.

In my world it would be....

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!

But, that does not hold true for everyone. I think you need to look at the "norm" in your area and with the guests you are inviting.

Normally, guests are treated to something, not asked to bring food to a "party".

Personally, I do not like potlucks because I have no idea what the cleanliness while cooking is like in someones home. Of course, you can have someone in a restaurant not wash their hands too, but that is less likely.

I agree with the rest of the girls, however, I caution you about one thing: Under NO circumstances should you put BYOB on your invites, unless it's going to be just really, REALLY close friends and family, and even then, I'd advise against it. Either hire someone to do a cash bar, or have your wedding party spread the word. To tell guests to BYOB, especially on a formal wedding invitation, is very poor taste. I understand that this economy sucks, but it doesn't give the green light for poor etiquette.

PS-I didn't see Kathy's response before posting mine, but I TOTALLY agree with her.

When I first read the title of the post, I thought NO WAY!!!! But after reading some of the other posts, I think it could be done tastefully. Ms. L and Anna B laid out how to do it perfectly.

Starlette! Great to see you posting!!!!

Hello, "mom"

I'm sitting at work bored out of my mind, so I thought I'd come be a forum troll lol.

LOL! "daughter" I miss your posts on here. Your PM's are set to private...or I'd pm you. Hmm, I will find an old email. :-)

You might check out this article on Offbeat Bride, which discusses when potluck weddings will and will not work.

My sister had a potluck wedding. It was perfect for her. She did not put it in her invitations. She put an insert in her invitations stating that the reception was immediately following the wedding. She stated that the wedding was informal and the bride was the only one wearing a formal gown. She said something like "Please feel free to bring a dish for everyone to share and beverages of your choice." Like the other ladies have said it depends on the circle of friends and family you are inviting. I briefly entertained the idea then dismissed it because I'm going for a little more formal. I am however putting on my insert that my guests should feel free to bring beverages of their choice because I am not serving alcohol.

Personally I dont think its a good Idea, I dont see having people bring food to a wedding that i invited them to but like serveral other people have posted it depends on what your friends and family are like.

My best friend just had a potluck wedding earlier this month and it turned out very well. BUT, it could have turned out very badly... she knew exactly WHO was bringing WHAT and how much. she also knew she could trust the people who were bringing food because she knew they could all cook. her wedding was very casual and laid back. the food was good, there were plenty of options and there was plenty of food. but if you want this to turn out well, you're going to have to be really organized and stay on top of it, or else you might be disappointed by the turnout. good luck!

Oh, also. she only accepted food from those that offered. she didn't ask anyone to spend extra money or time for her wedding.

Thank you to everyone...I was talking to my sis-in-law, and she said maybe suggest to the girls who have offered to help me..maybe they would do some side dishes for me....still time to figure it out...