...to bring a potluck dish (no gifts)? My idea is to provide a main dish,drinks and cake and ask guest to bring their favorite dish. Is there a proper way to do this?
No polite way to ask and this is not done, not. Unless, for example close family and a few friends know that the couple is having a hard time of it and they have a small wedding and friends and family throw a potluck reception for them. Gifts are not required at a wedding, a gift by definition is just that a gift, given freely and only if giver wants to. No registries, mention of money, financing honeymoon, nothing is mentioned in a wedding invite. It is an invitation to special friends and family to share your special day and not about gifts, but about being a part of your memorable day. Tacky to say the least. Honest answer.
By the way, you aren't paying for the entire wedding by yourselves. Your guests would be footing a large portion of the food. Just wanted to clarify that.
yes - particularly if you are having a small wedding.
Maybe it may be an idea to ask your guests what dishes they would choose to bring - so that you know you will have a mix of dishes e.g:- starters , mains, desserts.
This is the way weddings were often held in the past & you will probably find everyone happy to help.
This is your day and anything you say will be done no matter what, use a language that will not offend your guest, but i believe you can do anything on your big day. if people can choose to have only family members on their wedding days how about no accepting gifts form friends, please do as you pleases