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Step 1
Find a friend, family member or associate that can either make a wedding cake for you, or knows someone who can donate it as a business promotion, or make it for a very low cost. If you cannot, consider a homemade, less formal wedding cake to top off your pot luck celebration.
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Step 2
Pick a location for your wedding or reception that will be conducive to pot luck meals. Some ideas would be church halls, small taverns, conference rooms or parks. If you decide on a park, obtain permits needed for alcohol and make sure the hours are what you need for your wedding. You will also want a place that has electricity, a shelter, refrigerator and possibly a fireplace, pool or other amenities.
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Step 3
Keep the food safe. Bring lots of coolers, ice and keep it out of the sun. When serving, keep it covered by towels, plastic wrap or covers. Keep hot dishes and veggies hot by placing in a slow cooker or nesco roaster. If you cannot do this, encourage others to bring cold salads, meats, side dishes and hors d'oeuvres.
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Step 4
Specify on your wedding invitations that you are having a pot luck dinner, and what you would like guests to bring, if anything. You can split this up alphabetically, or let people tell you in their reply card or leave it up to the guests and chance what you will have. You can also have a cookout or supply the meat and let everyone else bring the rest of the food. Invite guests to show off their best dishes and even include recipe cards. Do not forget to include beverages.
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Step 5
Keep it casual. Since it is potluck, allow people to dress comfortably and offer games if it is in an outdoor setting. You could also hold the gift opening while the pot luck is going on.
Comments
MariM said
on 1/28/2009 Great ideas, i would like to do this.5*
BHolmes said
on 12/29/2008 My son and daughter-in-law did cupcakes instead of an expensive wedding cake, and everyone loved it! Good ideas. Thanks!
motherNN said
on 10/26/2008 This used to be done all the time, maybe with the economy the way it is now, it's an idea that needs to return!!!5*
MidniteWriter said
on 8/21/2008 Well, I think you CAN expect gifts, however small. It's a wedding for crying out loud! And, it's my article. You don't have to follow all the suggestions or read it!
cupcakes14 said
on 8/20/2008 "You could also hold the gift opening while the pot luck is going on."
Ummm, Isn't the food dish a guest brings to the potluck wedding, the gift? If the bride and groom can save money by having a potluck wedding, the guests can also save money by giving their time in the kitchen and giving the food they put effort into making and purchasing materials for as the wedding present. Another gift should not be expected.