Modern Alternatives to Receiving Lines
We’ve all been there, standing in a line waiting to be seated after your favorite cousin’s wedding. You can see her at the entrance, looking glamorous and gorgeous (of course). Fifteen minutes later and the line hasn’t budged. Then, you notice Great Aunt Kathy at the front of the line. Shoot. Aunt Kathy is infamous for her storytelling. Your cousin tries to usher her on, but Aunt Kathy doesn’t take the hint. The little cousins three people behind you is getting grumpy.
Receiving lines can be tedious, but feel like a necessary part of the event. If you’re planning your wedding, you may consider alternatives to the traditional receiving line to help the flow of your day and to make the day a little more enjoyable for your guests.
Have a Receiving Line Directly after the Ceremony
Part of the issue with having a receiving line at the reception is timing. There isn’t an easy way to estimate the time Aunt Kathy will take talking about how grand her wedding was. Receiving lines at the reception can push back dinner, drinks, and dancing by more than an hour. Eager attendees wanting to get to the reception on time won’t spend as much time talking. Having the receiving line immediately after the ceremony helps keep your day moving.
Go to each Table During the Reception
Receiving lines can feel so impersonal. You want to connect with everyone who came and thank them for being there for your special day. Instead of having a formal receiving line, go to each table after you’ve eaten, but while your guests are still eating. You get to spend a little more time with each guest, make introductions if necessary, and show off your dress a little more!
Attend Cocktail Hour
If you still want to greet everyone without cutting into ceremony or reception time, consider attending the cocktail hour before or after pictures. If you’re having a cocktail hour after the service, take 20 minutes to greet and talk with guests. Attending cocktail hour gives you the flexibility of having a less stuffy feeling alternative without using up ceremony or party time.
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