Food Situation

My cousin did this. There were maybe 30-40 people who came. Almost everyone was from out of town though, so it was mostly stuff from the local restaurant or local grocer. The bridal party cooked a covered dish each, but by no means enough to serve 30-40. I don’t remember actually eating anything.

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Exactly this.

You know, I don't think it's a terrible idea but it depends on how many guests you have. If it's a small wedding with lots of family and a small group of friends I'd say go for it. I can't imagine cleanliness would be any more of a problem with a pot luck style food service than it would be for a buffet style service from any restaurant. Anytime you aren't eating food you've cooked yourself you are always at risk for something but hey, I live life on the edge I guess. I will say, I went to a wedding where the family got together and cooked food for over 100 people and it was some of the most delicious wedding food I've had. But it was all cooked in the same place, at the same time. And you are able to control any special requests/food allergies that way as well. As an alternative, perhaps you could do this for your rehearsal dinner which can be a little more casual.

The bottom line is, you do your wedding the way you want to do it and only you know your guests. Think about how they might respond and if you really feel they'd all be cool with it, then entertain the idea. I get it, food and booze are the priciest of things but you can save money in other places too just remember that. Congrats on your engagement!

I’d say no for sure! I don’t think you should throw a party and ask people to bring food. Plus I I wouldn’t eat, Never know what’s in food

I get nervous cooking for work potlucks. I mean I try crazy hard to be as sterile and clean and do everything by the food safety book but my worst fear is being responsible for someone getting sick.

Even if I loved someone and really wanted to help out, this would stress me out so much. I'd end up spending more money to get something from a restaurant and would still worry about proper storage the entire time.

It's really nerve-wracking to put this on guests, even close family and friends who may be okay with the effort aspect!!!!

Thank you for all the comments. We both come from very large families where a potluck thing happens often. Our guest list is high because we come from very large families. This list only includes close family members and friends who I cannot imagine celebrating without. We definitely will check out some different options since we just started wedding planning. Our ceremony and reception are going to take place in his moms backyard. Thanks for the help and opinions every one!

I guess I would have to ask, how big of a wedding is it? If it is a small backyard just family, I could see it working... or somewhere that pot luck is allowed, like a church reception hall--- just keep in mind a. You need somewhere to keep hot food hot, cold food cold etc. Between ceremony and reception. I would maybe suggest what an original commentor said, about supplying the main dish and asking for sides etc.... or. Maybe consider doing something smaller, or a dessert only reception? There are lots of DIYs to help you save!

Personally I feel if you can’t host your guests properly then save up until you can. I personally would not go if I had to get an outfit, cook food, and bring a gift.
A wedding is about you and your SO the reception is a thank you to your guests. Making them cook for that is rude. You could have a cake and punch reception. Also Italian and BBQ is not as expensive as you may think. I worked for a caterer for many years and have been a wedding and vip events planner. I can promise you if you save for two years you’ll have plenty to spend on food. Best of luck to you