Talking with your guests

I've been tossing around having FH and I enter the reception first, and stand between the door and tables so when people get their escort card, then they can see us, we can chat, and they can head to their tables - but I'm not sure if that only works in my mind, or if that could actually work. We will have between 130-150 guests.

That seems like a modified receiving line to me but I could be misunderstanding.

It would just me and FH, so I guess it would be a modified receiving line, but it would avoid any bridal party or family - to possibly speed it up?

I think either way its going to take an effort. I always suggest table visits. The way that works for some of my brides and grooms is to be seated while guest are being seated. Eat your food and then do the tables. There will be dinner music and no one will be in a rush. And you have time. You'll see people on the dance floor. You may also stand near the cake after cutting to talk. Just be present and people will come to you.

I think your alternative will cause a delay and take time because everyone is going to want to take pictures of you two and selfies and tell you their favorite part and just everything.

We are doing table visits, but sections at a time just so it's not overwhelming. Example: table visit one section, go eat, another table sections later and then something else. It seems less overwhelming to me.

Having a manageable sized wedding increases the chances of interaction with each guest. I don't really like receiving lines or table visits....neither is proper or quality interaction.

We're having a 100 guest wedding and plan on doing table visits, I feel like it'll be manageable (or at least I hope so)

We're doing pictures immediately after the ceremony (no first look) so a receiving line there just ain't gonna work.

Jay, why do you say receiving lines or table visits are not proper? I get it that you do not think they are sufficient interaction, but with 100 or so people, there are not going to be lengthy conversations.

Do a receiving line (just you and husband) outside of the ceremony. Then, allow people to start the reception/cocktail hour and then do your pictures. It actually pisses me off when couples do pictures after the ceremony without greeting guests first.

We're doing all of our formal pictures before the ceremony - so no need to take time up after the ceremony for that.

We are planning to go into the yichud room for a short seclusion, as it's traditional. After a short time in there, we will be joining our guests and mingling as much as we can while people are enjoying the food and drinks, and possibly taking some photos with guests - but nothing formal.

Since we're going first look and most pictures before the ceremony I plan on using my 1.5hr cocktail hour to talk to/see as many people as I can so I can enjoy dinner without rushing and then dance/drink my night away with everyone. If I need to hit a few tables during dinner than I will, but trying to avoid it all together.

We waited until after everyone ate & after our first dance to visit tables. Anyone that was missed because they were dancing, we made sure to go back & talk to when they were seated. It worked out fine.

I'm doing a first look so we can go to our cocktail hour. I'm planning on talking to as many people as I can there.

We ate first and then did table visits.

Table visits all the way! We also had a plated meal served at the same time as the guests, but we put the guests first and did table visits and we received a lot of grateful compliments for coming to each individual table and thanking everyone personally for coming. It really does mean a lot to your guests. There will be time to eat at the reception. You can ask your wait staff to serve you guys after the dance floor opens. Just don't linger at your table for too long.

For reference, we had over 90 guests and 15 tables.

You could also do table visits between courses, they're usually paced out and you might be able to get some visits in. And everyone else has had some great advice for modifying "traditions" by doing something slightly different. You may also want to enlist your bridal party in visiting guests too so guests are occupied while waiting for you to swing by.

Bridal party is there to enjoy the dinner, not visit guests they may not even know to keep them entertained.

I would NEVER as my bridal party to go entertain my guests - that sounds a little out there to me. Also, we only have BM/MOH and their jobs will be to sign the marriage license, and enjoy the night!

As of right now, I think we will spend as much time with guests as cocktail hour as we can, and then welcome guests into the reception, and visit tables for anyone who we didn't get to spend time with yet. We should have about 17 tables, but family tables will be covered already through our photo time, so that will help cut down on it as well. Thanks!

I don't know why but I feel like mingling throughout the night will allow for us to get to everyone. We're having about 140 guests. Am I wrong? I just picture myself all over the place throughout the cocktail hour and reception and can't imagine in all of that time not getting to everyone just by mingling and dancing.

This was a good question.... Ive been trying to work this out in my head... I know most do table visits during dinner but I WANT to eat and not miss out on the food (lol) .... I hate HATE receiving lines but I do like @crescents idea of just the two us outside the church....

So thanks Linds for asking this question.