On average, food for a reception can set a bride and groom back a good $4,339. Most of this has to do with the cocktail hour and a traditional three-course meal that has become standard in the industry. While this is the norm and proper for a lot of couples, the idea of the "potluck reception" is gaining popularity as of late. In many cultures this is already tradition and I'm happy to see more Western weddings grasping on to this concept.
One bride wrote into "Offbeat Bride" asking if it was "tacky" to have a potluck reception. The moderator response was spot on: "It's YOUR wedding so if it feels good do it." I agree. There are too many couples and families out there who use a wedding to flaunt status or "one-up" other weddings they have been to. That's not what a wedding is about. If you want to go back to ye olden days, weddings were used to bring families and sometimes cultures together through the union of two people. It's time we get back to that. Guests get to sample and taste a variety of dishes that may be unique to them. It's what a wedding should be all about: sharing and togetherness while enjoying new experiences with new members of one's family.
Randy and I decided a long time ago that a potluck reception is fitting for our needs. We are fortunate enough to have friends and family who love to cook and love to share their talents. Plus, to be honest, we are on limited funds and cannot provide a lavish sit-down affair. We do not want to take out loans or max out credit cards to bring our special day to fruition. And besides, people potluck for parties and get-togethers all the time, so why not a wedding?
This also falls within our sustainability model. Food production contributes to a lot of waste. Home cooks in general produce less waste and might be more inclined to recycle packaging that ingredients come in. Containers are more likely to find their way into homes rather than in a landfill. Smaller dishes with a greater variety provides guests with more food options. There are also places for people to grill if they feel so inclined to do so.
I know some guests, particularly out of towners and those who feel a bit alien in a kitchen, will balk at such a request. Every potluck has a few inexpensive store bought items and that is perfectly fine. Some guests might see this as a inappropriately cheap way out and that we lack some sort of organization in our reception. Some guests might not even show up at all thinking that they are "expected" to provide food. That is their right, just as it is our right to make this part of our day. We will not apologize for what we have decided.
I do not want to end this entry on a down note. We personally love this idea. As I've told a few friends, it's very "Methodist church Sunday picnic." Here's hoping for less Jello salads. :)
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