No ceremony grand exit - how to convey to guests?

I'm not totally clear on what you're doing, but if you want the guests to stay seated after the ceremony and after you walk back down the aisle, you will probably need to make an announcement.

After you walk down the aisle once your "pronounced", can you just exit and have the preacher say to meet at the reception?

I think coming back will just be anticlimactic.

I would just let them leave afterwards... i dont think you need a FORMAL... "you may stand and exit the row now" Once you walk out the Officiant walks out, more than likely so will they...i've never waited for someone to tell me to leave, you just do....

If you're going to put it in your programs, just say "Ceremony Conclusion; Please head to the reception site (for cocktails and music... if you're having it) and we'll see you there" that should be plenty.

Announcement is good. I don't like the words "dismiss you" makes me feel like I'm in school again.

Maybe something along the line as until the newly married couple comes to greet you

My minister or wedding planner will announce for everyone to please go to the reception, and that cocktails and refreshments are waiting for them while the bride and groom take their photos. Only the immediate family will stay behind. We plan to take our own vehichles to the reception and wont be having a grand exit.

I don't like the word "dismiss". It would make me feel like a little kid... maybe rethink that, but otherwise it sounds good to me.

I'm not a fan of you guys coming to dismiss the guests, chances are, it will turn into a recieving and start cutting into your photo time. At the end of the ceremony, after you guys exit (or just before) you can have the officiant announce "The couple look forward to seeing you at the cocktail hour/reception" or "Guests are invited to the reception venue immedietely after the ceremony for cocktail hour" my grandpa said either of the two, don't remember.

On second thought, I agree with the others. Just have the officiant say "Time to party!". lol. Kidding, but you get the point.

Well, we will exit after we are pronounced, but instead of standing at the back of the church and having receiving line, we are going to sort of do the opposite and walk back and "recieve" everyone as they leave their seats. I've been to two weddings where they have done this, and it has been really nice.

At a friend's wedding in October, they did this, and it was great - but then all the guests stood and waited outside the church expecting them to come out - even though there was no rice/birdseed/bubbles, etc.

Maybe I'm just overthinking it and people will get a move on to get to cocktail hour

Will be Mrs. B - I like "Please remain seated until the newly married couple comes to greet you" Thanks!

I don't think they get what you are saying Katey.

I have been to a couple weddings that did this. The priest pretty much said they will dismiss you by rows.

You could also mention in your program that you will be taking pictures after the ceremony and they should go on to the reception after the bride and groom "greet" them away.