How long to usher out guests?

I'm confused. Do you mean usher them out from the ceremony so they go to the reception area? I'll also point out that I don't think you should be doing any ushering. The easiest way to get people to leave is for you two to leave.

Are you talking about doing a receiving line? I didn't have one, but I'm sure it would take quite a while. You will want to get all your pictures (including family pictures) done before the wedding. We did table hopping and had about 175 guests. There weren't many we missed and we definitely made out of towners a priority

@Nicole Good point, she might be talking receiving line.

@OP If you're talking receiving line, I wouldn't do one in your case. You have too many guests to get through it quickly and you're planning on going around to the tables anyway.

Most people I know do receiving lines after the ceremony.I have been told to expect about half hour for 150 guests by the photographer.

When you said short and simple my first thought was like 30 guests, not 150! I think a receiving line, which is what you're talking about perhaps, would take forever for that amount of people. Just go around to each table and say hi and if you miss anyone then catch them on the dance floor and say hi.

Nope. Not a receiving line, but similar idea. Guests would stay seated though, then we would dismiss each row to head to the reception. (Photos done before).

150 receiving line took us 30 mins. I would strongly suggest that. You and DH walk back down aisle followed by BP. Ushers usher out parents and grandparents then dismiss each aisle and direct them to you and DH. People go through quickly because they realize people are behind them.

Don't usher out of the ceremony. Then people have to sit and wait longer and without a drink or snack. It takes FOREVER!

I had a friend who dismissed each table for the buffet and it took TWO HOURS. last guests were just getting the food when first dance started.

My cousin did this at their wedding in October, it worked great because everyone just said something quick and then left because you knew others were waiting. They walked down the aisle and then quick walked back to the front down the side. It probably took a little less than half an hour and they had almost 250 people.