Exiting church, receiving line, bubbles, limo, pictures

mandynicole94

We're trying to figure out a logical way to exit the church after the ceremony, while having a receiving line but also having the guests blow bubbles.  Does it make sense to walk back up the aisle after the cermony, stop just outside the doors and greet the guests as they depart, then have a BM give them bubbles to blow on our way to the limo after we have greeted everyone?  My FI thinks it is silly to get in the limo then drive around to the back of the church to go back in to take pictures, but I like the act of leaving with the guests there, but I won't make them stand outside while we take pictures.  Also is it rude to have a receiving line at the church when I know we won't have very many people there because we are having a Friday afternoon wedding?  Or should we make sure we get to the reception early enough to greet everyone as they walk in the door, if they couldn't make it to the ceremony?  We're having hors doerves before dinner at the reception, so I normally wouldn't be concerned if we are not there right at the start, but if we have to welcome guests, then that may change our picture timing.

kate8987

We're doing the receiving line but not having our "grand exit" until the end of the reception. Could you do something like that? Or did you want your "grand exit" to be at the church?

aerinpegadrak

Honestly, the whole "grand exit" thing is kind of dated, I haven't seen one done in a while.  If you can't make the logistics work for you, it might be better just to skip it.As far as greeting your guests, you might be better off going around to each table during dinner to get some face time, rather than trying to find a time and place for a receiving line.

~mRm~

This is what we did, it worked for our situation. After being pronounced and walking down the aisle (followed by bridal party) we formed a receiving line at the back of the church. As guests filed past us, they exited through the church foyer, picking up bubbles as they departed. Guests then gathered outside the church until all had made it through the receiving line. When all guests had exited, the bridal party made their way outside and we followed. After a few candid shots departing the entire bridal party boarded our shuttle and drove around the block, allowing time for our guests to clear and we returned to the church for photos with immediate family.HTH

ashcook1986

I was so set on having bubbles and doing all that, but I gave it up. Too weird, but it is your day so do it how you want. I kinda agree with having the grand exit at your reception. I mean you have your grand entrance at the church and that is the most important!

paula2131

What you're considering makes sense and will work, but as I guest I'm not a huge fan of the receiving line in the church.  The guests stand around and wait forever to leave and make awkward small talk with other guests and then your new in-laws...

britab

We exited and then came back in and dismissed people by rows.This way we saw everyone but they didn't stay to chat.They went to lobby and got the bubbles, a few minutes later we came out and they blew bubbles.We went to the car and a GM drove us around the block. The guests then mostly left and we went back to take pictures. We wanted to do outdoor ones at the reception but it was rainy and 50:(