Is this rude?

My cousin is expecting a baby. We (her family) will be planning her a baby shower. Its like a couple months away, but we're wanting to start thinking about some things. So, my question is it rude to have a potluck baby shower?
If some of you are not familiar with what 'potluck' means it means that like for instance....If you have a reception, babyshower,etc you ask your guest to bring their favorite covered dish, or favorite finger food..........
Is that a rude thing to do? Have any of you had a potluck babyshower?

Not at all... That's actually a really good idea... You save a ton on food that way  

Quoting ~*Betsy*~:“ My cousin is expecting a baby. We (her family) will be planning her a baby shower. Its like a couple ... [snip!] ... favorite covered dish, or favorite finger food.......... Is that a rude thing to do? Have any of you had a potluck babyshower?”

I would say it is because they are bringing gifts already.

I had a potluck shower this Wednesday! We provided sandwiches and drinks and cake, everyone else brought the sides.

my friend did this but it wasn't written in the invite or anything, it was just word of mouth of "bring your favorite dish...if you want" and then closer to the date say "just want to make sure there's enough food for everyone, were you planning on bringing anything?" That way, if someone doesn't want to, then they don't.

also wanted to add that everyone brought something and no one had a problem with it at all.

My family always has "pot luck" celebrations....birthdays, showers, 4th of July...Lol...you name it. I do'nt think it's rude. Now maybe if you are inviting a bunch of people that you don't really know I wouldn't ask them to bring food, but if it's mostly family, I say go for it.

No I dont think it is. My friend threw me one when I was pregnant with my 1st.

I would do what the other girl suggested. Provide some sort of main dish like sandwiches orhamburgers, ect and have everyone else bring side dishes and desserts.

I don't think so. I do potluck for every party.

if its just family I think you could make an exception but I think it would be rude to ask people to bring food to a shower that they're already bringing gifts to. Just my personal opinion though. I would never do that & I think i'd be a little flabbergasted if i got a baby shower invite & was asked to bring a dish.

Quoting ~*Betsy*~:“ My cousin is expecting a baby. We (her family) will be planning her a baby shower. Its like a couple ... [snip!] ... favorite covered dish, or favorite finger food.......... Is that a rude thing to do? Have any of you had a potluck babyshower?”

Personaly I woud never do that... it seems like it would be a bite tacky! IMO

It's not rude at all. My church throws babyshower/potlucks and it always works out perfectly. The cake and drinks are always provided and then everyone just brings something. My baby shower is on Sunday after Church and I'm even going to make something though I know I don't have too. I like any excuse to cook for big groups.

Potluck is ok for a 4th of July bbq, but IMO I find it a little rude to ask someone to bring food AND a gift. I probably would make up an excuse not to go to the shower if I was invited to one. I would look to save money in other places like having it at someone's home, making invitations on the computer, etc.

I belong to an etiquette board that ALWAYS argues this and so what I have decided is this must be regional. Potlucks are just more common and accepted in some areas than others. Have you been to a lot of potlucks in your area? Are they common and well received? Have you ever seen a potluck wedding reception or the like? I would go by what is typical for your area.