etiquette for table visits

[Deleted User]

Hi all!

So, we are getting married on the beach with the reception taking place indoors in a beach club resort, just a short walk from the sand.  It is a fairly small wedding (destination); we are expecting between 50-60 guests.  We are having a cocktail hour and dinner will be served about an hour after the ceremony.  My FI and I are planning to do a first look and do the majority of pictures with our families and bridal party before the ceremony.  We are eager to join our guests and hope to be there for at least the last half of the cocktail hour.  We don't want to do a receiving line; we would prefer our guests to go straight from the beach to the cocktail hour, so my plan is to do table visits during dinner to greet everyone and thank everyone for coming.  I have seen where the bride and groom would eat first and go do table visits between courses.  My question, however, is if we plan on being served first with each course (salad, entree, dessert) is this rude to our guests.  I mean, we are the hosts after all and if I invited our friends over to our home for a dinner party or for dessert, I certainly would not serve my FI and I first.  Would this be looked down upon from an etiquette standpoint?  Thanks so much for your opinion.

hardlyhannah

I don't think its rude - I may be wrong though My caterer told me that they do typically serve the wedding party first, then the parents tables, etc. etc. so I would imagine its expected?

ETA: Have you asked the ladies on E this yet?

SewInLoveWithDMB

I'm just going to suggest to do a receiving line. After attending a ceremony, it's definitely nice to say hi to the bride and groom and congratulate them. It isn't necessary with a small wedding (since you can go table to table), but still - just do it. It won't take long and then you won't have to worry about whether you eat before or after. And, then you won't miss anyone.

fearlessbrideMI

Every wedding I have ever been to the wedding party was served first...I may be wrong but I was told the premise behind this was that the celebration is in your honor therefore you can be served first as there are other responsibilities you have that night such as talking with all your guests. But like I said I could be wrong...

libby18bell

The bride and groom are served first so they can go around and greet their guests.  You most likely won't be able to eat much of your meal anyways, at least that's what I've heard and seen.