Wedding Blog
Dear Weddingbee,
We’re having a 150 person wedding and we’re wondering whether we should have a receiving line or go around to each table to thank our guests. What do most people usually do?
Thanks!
jk
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Hi jk,
For our wedding (we had just under 100 people) we went around to all the tables and thanked each person for attending. It took us about an hour to do so, and I think our guests really appreciated that little extra attention plus the photo opportunities.
But it all depends on how many guests you have, and how much time you have for the reception. The more guests you have and the less time you have for the reception, the more practical a receiving line is. Are most of your guests friends? or parents’ friends? Take all these factors into consideration when making a decision re: whether or not to have a receiving line. Good luck!
Most of our guests were our friends, we had no friends of parents, and we both have very small families. Our reception was also 5 hours long so we had enough time to go around to each table.
I think we’re only having 75 people… I’ve always like the idea of a receiving line. We might do something during the cocktail hour… it does seem silly to have a receiving line with 75 people (but we will have family there who haven’t met me or my fi.)
We’re expecting 250 - 300 guests and we’re planning to have a receiving line with picture opportunity for guests.
We had 250 people and we did both - receiving line and going around to each table. The receiving line is always an optional thing for guests - I figure that guests can always go through another exit, right?
We’re expecting 200, and we will be walking around to tables at the reception. We are having a dessert reception with 10-person tables. I think it will be quicker to walk around, everyone will want to get back to the festivities!
We had 150 people at our wedding. All of whom were close family (we have big families) and friends. We did neither a formal receiving line or table rounds. Instead, during the cocktail hour that followed our ceremony, my husband and I stood next to each other and, one after another, our guests came to us to congratulate and chit chat. It worked out pretty well and I think we were able to speak to just about everyone. I’m not a fan of the formal receiving lines. It seems forced and faux regal. Personally, when I see a receiving line I feel obligated to get in line, when I’d much rather just get a drink and congratulate them later. However, if you are deciding between one of the two options, I would go with visiting tables– it’s so much more casual and relaxed.
We’ll be having between 50-100 people at ours, as we both have small families, and only a few people we’d want there…call us anti-social…heh. Since we are having a small number, we’ll go around to everyone…as they are all going to be people that we are close to, it would just seem stuffy and impersonal not to. 
we had 150 guest… we went around to each table to say thank you…
this is the time to take table shots… sometimes you don’t get pictures of all your guest, so this is the perfect opportunity
If you have a different location for your ceremony and reception, a receiving line right outside the church can be a good idea. Everyone is heading out to their cars, you can’t take pictures yet, anyway, and there may be some guests who can’t make it to the reception. This way you can greet them all at once.
If you are staying in the same location for your reception, the receiving line makes less sense, and you should probably go around to each table, or mingle with your guests as much as possible (depending on how many are sitting down and how many are up dancing).
we are going to have about 100… i plan on going around to each table - more personal and a good photo op.
I think we’re planning to do at least a receiving line, if not in addition to visiting tables. I think the plan will be to have the receiving line immediately after the ceremony at the back of the church with only the bride, groom, and parents of each… we have a large wedding party (6 attendants each plus 2 flower girls) so it would be a huge line up to walk by.. plus, as a guest, I personally always feel kind of odd talking to attendants that I don’t know… and then the line stops because someone is talking for a while… and you’re left there staring at a bridesmaid you’ve known for 3.5 seconds… what to say other than. “you look pretty” or “the weather is so nice,” etc etc…
What about dismissing guests from their seats after the ceremony? The last three weddings we have been to have had this, and for 150 guests, I don’t think it would take too long. Is that conisdered proper ettiquette?
I had over 300+ guests at my wedding but as Korean custom, had to greet each table. And the groom being egged on, had to drink many shots of liquor. That said, by the time we got back to our table to eat, our food was cold. And that’s when they decided to start the festivities so we had to jump back onto our feet for dancing, etc.
Weddings, what an exhaustive thing. I mean we were so knickered out, we didn’t even do the naughty on our wedding night. lol. Okay, too much info.
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Mrs. Bee, New York
Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet
Engagement Date: May 7, 2004
Wedding Date: March 5, 2005
Venue: Westside Loft, New York
About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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