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Potluck Etiquette

yellojelloyellojello
in Minnesota-Minneapolis and St. Paul
I'm helping to throw an engagement party for my good friend and we're planning to have a potluck. However, I have a couple of questions about "Potluck Etiquette".
First of all, the party is quite informal and will just be with the bride, groom, both of their parents, and about 20 friends. Also, we sent out an evite and said "Drinks will be provided, please but help
them celebrate by bringing a brunch food to share!"
1). The invite was sent out a week or so ago and the party is on Saturday- should we ask people what they are bringing to make sure we have enough of everything? Or should we assign foods to people?
2). The other alternative is to have the bride's mom buy 4 or 5 quiches and have the bridal party (5 girls) each bring something. I understand that this would be easier, but we've already asked people to bring a food and it might get confusing to change it now. I'm also concerned about there being enough food if we did it this way.
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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Re: Potluck Etiquette

  • BthorBthor
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would do option 2, but I believe potlucks are poor etiquette to begin with. 

    Edit: Also, one weeks notice on the invite is rather short notice.
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  • ogrady88ogrady88 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_potluck-etiquette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:01ca524f-07b3-477c-a4f4-7880767eb277Post:2081b5d7-dad7-48e6-89db-062626c9311a">Re: Potluck Etiquette</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would do option 2, but I believe potlucks are poor etiquette to begin with.  Edit: Also, one weeks notice on the invite is rather short notice.
    Posted by Bthor[/QUOTE]

    I agree with this. Asking guests to bring food to an even you are hosting is poor etiquette.
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  • TaffetaDarlingTaffetaTaffetaDarlingTaffeta member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Well, I know if I was hosting  for 20 good friends the fact that it was a potluck would be totally fine. Potluck seems to be an evil word on the Knot, but don't sweat it, if you feel it's cool with your crew. Since you already asked people, I would leave it as is, and just let them bring what they want. However, I would have a some savory and sweet items ready to go anyway. Since it's brunch you could make some pancakes with berries and maybe a couple frozen quiches ready to go incase there is not enough. Have fun! 
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  • SuperRNluvsChefSuperRNluvsChef
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'd go option 2.  But I'm also not a fan of potlucks. 
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  • jenn920jenn920
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I think the world "potluck" is damn near synonomous with Minnesota parties.  Have your potluck and enjoy it :)  Personally, I NEVER go to a party empty-handed anyway.  As far as figuring out who is bringing what - I wouldn't worry about it.  Potlucks have a way of working themselves out.  Don't try to assign foods, because some people may not be bringing anything or have already decided what they are bringing.  Instead, I would just ask the bridesmaids who you know are attending to bring some sort of main course, like a quiche, french toast bake, etc.  The rest will come together, like any good Scandinavian potluck always does.

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  • Cackle6Cackle6 member
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_potluck-etiquette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:01ca524f-07b3-477c-a4f4-7880767eb277Post:d449cd04-aaf3-4182-b769-ebee99bf57b5">Re: Potluck Etiquette</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think the world "potluck" is damn near synonomous with Minnesota parties.  Have your potluck and enjoy it :)  Personally, I NEVER go to a party empty-handed anyway.  As far as figuring out who is bringing what - I wouldn't worry about it.  Potlucks have a way of working themselves out.  Don't try to assign foods, because some people may not be bringing anything or have already decided what they are bringing.  Instead, I would just ask the bridesmaids who you know are attending to bring some sort of main course, like a quiche, french toast bake, etc.  The rest will come together, like any good Scandinavian potluck always does.
    Posted by jenn920[/QUOTE]

    <div>This! :) I never understood why potlucks are so frowned upon in general. Obviously you don't have one for your wedding, but I think for a shower or what not, it's not a big deal. We had them all the time when I lived in MN, and we've hosted a few and been to a few out here in Philly, and it wasn't until I came on TK that I had ever heard anyone turning their noses up at potlucks. If it works for you, I say go for it. I also never go to a party empty handed - a concept FI has yet to understand, lol.</div>

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  • TaffetaDarlingTaffetaTaffetaDarlingTaffeta member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_potluck-etiquette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:01ca524f-07b3-477c-a4f4-7880767eb277Post:7919b083-d8b3-462b-ba0c-378f0bc38f83">Re: Potluck Etiquette</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Potluck Etiquette : This! :) I never understood why potlucks are so frowned upon in general. Obviously you don't have one for your wedding, but I think for a shower or what not, it's not a big deal. We had them all the time when I lived in MN, and we've hosted a few and been to a few out here in Philly, and it wasn't until I came on TK that I had ever heard anyone turning their noses up at potlucks. If it works for you, I say go for it. I also never go to a party empty handed - a concept FI has yet to understand, lol.
    Posted by Cackle6[/QUOTE]

    Cheers! I'm finding the potluck poo-poos are very Knot specific. Whatevs!
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  • casijeancasijean
    Fifth Anniversary 10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Always assume everyone is bringing chips, bars, veggies, or fruit. So maybe get a few people to provide a maindish or two. *cough*casseroles*cough*
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  • jenn920jenn920
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_potluck-etiquette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:01ca524f-07b3-477c-a4f4-7880767eb277Post:947b4aeb-74a9-4e78-8bf9-a31a6ee7a78d">Re: Potluck Etiquette</a>:
    [QUOTE]Always assume everyone is bringing chips, bars, veggies, or fruit. So maybe get a few people to provide a maindish or two. *cough*casseroles*cough*
    Posted by casijean[/QUOTE]

    I believe what you mean by "casserole" is "hotdish"    :) :) :) LOL!!!

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