Is a Gift Auction Tacky?

Who is bringing the money ( on the table, and that they would exchange for tickets) they are playing with, you?

View Quoted Comment They are playing with funny money that we are having printed. No actual money will be used. We are having the games just as a fun activity that will encourage everyone to interact with the people they may not know. I just thought the baskets would be a fun incentive for people to get up and play

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the explanation. It makes more sense now.

View Quoted Comment Do you think that's tacky? I really just want everyone to have fun and I'm not sure if I'm bias (I LOVE winning things), but I thought this would be better than just giving a prize to whomever won the most. It would allow everyone to participate.

View Quoted Comment A play money casino night, not tacky if your people are into it. You might want to make it little favor type items, like decorative hair clips or packets of old fashioned candy, or decks of cards, too. $2-5 stuff, no candles or scented things.

View Quoted Comment We are having favors for everyone, whether they play or not. For the gift baskets we were going to do things le a Fitbit, a chrome book,a nice bag and things of that nature

I think this is definitely a "know your crowd" type idea. I've been to "casino night" events -- usually they were either fundraisers for nonprofits or some kind of a themed adult birthday or anniversary party. Under those circumstances, I found them okay. Personally, I've only been to (and expect) weddings to be more formal and meaningful events...I'm definitely more traditional that way. I'm not sure I'd find what you're planning "tacky," but it is certainly unconventional. I'm not a big fan of games, so I wouldn't enjoy those much and we probably wouldn't stay very long. But, if your friends and family are into it, it could be great.

I don't think it's tacky, but I do agree that you should know your crowd. If this is something that they'll really enjoy then I'd say go for it! Just make sure you have a fun announcer that can make this whole game sound exciting just in case you have some guests that really won't be into it. It would help get them having fun and to enjoy it! I'd suggest, depending on how many guests you have, to try something like gift cards instead of play money (even if it's just $10 bucks to starbucks). It would make a bit more sense than play money but that's just my opinion. Either way I think this is such a fun and unique idea!

View Quoted Comment We can't use real money unless we get a permit for gambling on the premises, which we aren't going to do, this is why I want to have the basket raffle so people are playing for more than just to play. As a couple we are extremely activity driven, which is why we are having the tables in the first place. We like when people have something to do, and we're also want people to interact with the people they don't already know. We have many different friends groups and it's important to us for everyone to interact. We're also having a photo booth and dj so We just want everyone to have as much fun as possible.