Receiving line is a bad idea?

I went to a wedding that had to be flipped, and the couple dismissed each row. This ensured that people left the room so it could be flipped, and it also gave the couple a chance to say hello to everyone personally.

We did a receiving line, but this was prior to Covid. With Covid, I wouldn't recommend a receiving line because the way a receiving line works is that everyone would normally hug or shake your hand. I guess what confuses me is that you stated you are taking all photos beforehand so what do you need your family to stay behind for? For our wedding, we only did separate bridal party and first look photos prior so afterwards we did family, full bridal party photos, and extra photos of the two of us. We family knew were taking family photos immediately following so they weren't to go anywhere.

You could have the officiant announce at the end of the ceremony that family member please stay seated for pictures, everyone else please make your way to the cocktail hour.

To make sure you meet everyone, I would suggest visiting every table during the reception. That way you get to see everyone and speak to them at least once. Most weddings we've been to did this, and we loved it! We're also doing this as well.

That sounds fun! I noticed you said 'wanted to do...', is there a reason you can't do table visits?

I don't think receiving lines are a bad idea without Covid hence why we had one. I liked getting to see and talk to each person even though it was very brief. In your case, I would have the officiant make an announcement asking everyone except for parents and grandparents of the bride and groom to please make their way to wherever cocktail hour is being hosted. Maybe enlist in the bridal party's help with pointing people towards where cocktail hour will be held.

Oh haha I gotcha! No worries, I was just wondering! But yes, as a guest I liked table visits more than a receiving line, and as a future bride, I think I would prefer that as well.

Do table visits with your photographer. The photographer keeps you moving so Chatty Patty doesn't keep you stuck at one table, but you still get to see everyone. Receiving lines will keep you from enjoying your own wedding (there will be a bottleneck) and you won't ever sit down.