10 Ideas for a Wedding Potluck

A wedding potluck—not a new idea. Think back to a few generations ago and it was the norm. And, when you think about it, it's a great idea; it makes the celebration easy, economical and fun for those who want to be more personally involved with the wedding.

Bring the wedding potluck idea back with a contemporary flair. If you're hosting a wedding reception for a relative or a friend, suggest that potluck food for the reception be brought in new serving or cooking pieces that are later washed and given to the couple. Be sure to have the cook bring the recipe, too!

Check out these gift ideas and recipes for food and drinks that you can serve inside or alongside them.

1. Slow Cooker
Every new couple needs a slow cooker, so present them their gift filled with Slow-Cooker Spanish Manchego Pork Meatballs or Slow-Cooker Root Beer Pork Sandwiches—both make enough to feed an entire wedding party!

2. Waffle Maker
It’s not even a question, everyone absolutely needs a waffle maker in their lives. And to really show off the versatility, we recommend bringing this Black Forest Cherry Waffle Cake to the party.

3. Servingware
If you want to gift some serving spoons, salad sets or even cheese knives, consider bringing any of these crowd-pleasers: Grilled Stone Fruit Salad, Asparagus Tart or a Cranberry-Blue Cheese Ball.

4. Serving Tray
No one will even try to resist these amazing Bacon, Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels, especially if they're served on a pretty new appetizer tray. Same goes for these Cookie-Cutter Spicy Deviled Eggs.

5. Bundt Pan
Even if the happy couple didn’t register for a Bundt pan, they’re going to want one; trust us. Especially when you show up with a Salted Caramel Bundt Cake or Chocolate Cheesecake Swirl Bundt Cake (both are incredible!) And lest you think Bundt pans are only for cake, check out our 5 Killer Bundt Pan Hacks!

6. Cast Iron Skillet
If there’s one tool a kitchen shouldn’t be without, it’s a cast iron skillet. This is a gift that will last a lifetime, even if the Skillet Pizza Dip you bake it in only lasts a few minutes (which is to be expected!).

7. Drink Pitcher or Punch Bowl
Bring an icy pitcher full of Sweet Bourbon Peach Lemonade or a big batch of Pineapple-Orange Sherbet Punch and you'll be the most popular guest at the wedding—guaranteed.

8. Instant Pot
Is there anything an instant pot can’t do? It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and steamer all in one. Make a batch of Instant Pot Honey Teriyaki Chicken to prove to everyone—bride and groom included—instant pots are the greatest things to happen to kitchens since stoves were invented.

9. Casserole Dish
Everyone loves a casserole, and there are countless ways in which to use the dish. For example, you could make this Raspberry Almond Croissant Bread Pudding or even a Monte Cristo Biscuit Slider Bake.

10. Dutch Oven
No one will be able to resist Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Horseradish Cream and you can serve them up in a gorgeous new Dutch oven.