Ok-- making it simple here. I've been to many weddings and have worked many weddings yet there are consistently two main times when things get super awkward during transitions. I'd really like to avoid this on my wedding day if possible. The issue is going from high energy to low /unknown energy.
Time #1--Right after the wedding and the bridal party walks back down the aisle.
It always seems super strange as they all walk down and really have no where to go but to turn around and walk back down the aisle for pictures or they just stand there while the guests work their way down the aisle to the cocktail hour or whatever is planned. We are not really excited about the idea of a receiving line...we plan to have more personal time with folks during meal time since we will eat first and then roam about chatting with folks.
Ideas?????
Time # 2---once the announcement of the bridal party occurs at the reception--- everyone gets excited and walks in and the energy level is up and then the couple walk in and more energy and then the strange moment of .... Ok they are here, now what? The couple will sometimes go right into the first dance which then is kinda odd because the guests are still feeling stiff and not sure what to do. I usually hear a few men (who have the game on their phone) mumble something about when can they eat while some guests stand, some sit at their table (their space), some grab cameras and run to the dance floor. Things seem so disjointed at this point. Other couples come in and head straight to the table and they the food lines /service (if no buffet) begin. But it is high energy into low energy anyway you play it....thoughts ideas?
About our wedding it is 100% outside and the grounds where the ceremony is will be the same exact grounds where the reception will occur. Wedding is in May and will start at 4 or 5, we think.
Please help