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Greeting Guests: Line vs. Tables

living4himruliving4himru member
First Comment
in Wedding Vows & Ceremony Discussions
So I have been thinking about this lately. I want to greet and thank each guest. There will be about 150. The only problem is I'd rather do a receiving line type thing. But, my ceremony and reception is in the same building. I thought about leaving the ceremony room and do the receiving line right outside the room as the guests head for the stairs to go to the reception room.

Do you think that would feel odd? To instantly leave the room to greet? I am just curious if that would feel rushed since it could get "backed up" or something.
But, I'm also worried that if I do tables I might not find someone or forget someone since I'm not doing seating arrangements. That or it'll take a long time. I'm bad at "moving along" if that makes sense.

Thoughts anyone?
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Re: Greeting Guests: Line vs. Tables

  • quotequeenquotequeen member
    2500 Comments
    To me it sounds the same as standing at the doors of the church to greet people as they leave.  Don't the bride and groom usually leave the ceremony first anyway?  I don't really see what the problem is.
    Married 10/2/10
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  • kristinanddankristinanddan member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    I think your plan is fine. We did a receiving line after the ceremony and then did table visits as well.
    imageimageimage
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  • trix1223trix1223 member
    5000 Comments 25 Love Its Combo Breaker
    Exactly what my DD and SIL did.  They had an outdoor ceremony and lined up the RL so that the last person was by the steps leading into the indoor reception room.  It worked great.
    "Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
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  • cschuma2cschuma2 member
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    I definitely would do a RL over going to tables.  This guarantees you see everyone.  If you choose tables, you may have some guests slip out before you make it to their table.  Instead of the traditional RL after the ceremony, I've heard of people greeting everyone at the beginning of the buffet line.  Obviously this won't work if you are having a plated/served meal.
    imageDaisypath Anniversary tickers
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  • Pirata13Pirata13
    2500 Comments
    Sounds fine. Have a recessional with you both exiting first then greet your guests as they process to the other room. It's a perfect setup, I think .  We're doing a receiving line at the church as well.  It will just be FI & I and any parents who want to participate, but not the BP or siblings or anything. Short & Sweet.
    Crosswalk
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  • Amy5473Amy5473
    First Comment
    We are doing the same.  My ceremony is actually in my reception room as well so we will walk back up the isle and go out to the hall where we will greet everyone and while the chairs are being moved we can say hello and perhaps mingle and then everyone can go back in.  We have about 150 attending.
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  • lichs58lichs58 member
    First Comment
    We are getting married at the same place as our reception as well. We are having an outdoor ceremony though (hopefully). After the ceremony, the bridal party will exit, then my husband and I will exit. We (along with our parents only) will be standing there greeting guests as they exit the ceremony site. If you go table to table I feel it takes away from the party time. And I am in it for the party!
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  • ejoyce8ejoyce8 member
    10 Comments
    do the RL and then you can take full advantage of your reception
    Anniversary bethandanthony.weebly.com
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  • treed_billytreed_billy
    First Comment
    We chose not to do a receiving line so guests and could get a snack, drink, have a seat and chat until the wedding party is announced.  We too are having our wedding and reception at the same site.  It gives us time to get pictures done and others a chance to greet all those that you only see at weddings and funerals.  That way it is fun for all.
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  • Jamilynn627Jamilynn627 member
    100 Comments 5 Love Its
    I don't think it would be odd at all. We did a RL and table visits to ensure we spent some time with every guest. "Receiving" the guests is the point of the "reception," so any way that allows you to do that is fine IMO.
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