My daughter is getting married in a very small church. The church does not have a foyer or anywhere to stand for a recieving line. The very back of the church leads to outside. If the weather cooperates we can have it outside but any ideas if it rains? The reception starts two hours later and she wants to have the bridal party announced as they walk in. Any suggestions?
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My husband and I got married 2 weeks ago, and we handled the receiving line like this: after we recessed, he and I marched back up the aisle together and dismissed each pew-so he and I personally greeted each guest, and the rest of the bridal party just hung out outside the church and casually mingled with the guests as they left. It was a really nice way to garantee that we saw everyone, and it was a no pressure, less formal way to handle it.
I don’t have ideas for the time to fill between ceremony & reception. That’s going to be hard. We had a cocktail hour for the guests so he and I could go take our coupley, artsy pics with the photographer-and those ran long, so our guests had more like a cocktail hour-and-a-half, haha. That was a little long to make them stand around. They were REALLY excited when we showed up.
But, don’t worry. they will be fine. People adapt. Let the DJ/Band know when the bridal party plans to arrive and he can announce them properly.
I was a bridesmaid in a church that didn’t have a foyer, and thus didn’t allow receiving lines. Instead of doing a line outside on the sidewalk (it was July and wretchedly hot), the bride and groom went to every table after the dinner had started at the reception (this was after the bridal party had been announced), so they could greet and speak with each guest personally. It was a great solution because no one had to stand in line – everyone could sit comfortably and enjoy their dinner and drinks – but the couple was able to make each guest feel welcome.
Hi,
this is Sophie and I am a wedding planner.
The answer to your question is to have the guests to stay on the both side of the aisle if it is raining. If not let them be outside!
Bridal party announcement starts with parents, bridesmaids paired with groomsmen, Maid of Honor with Best man and the first time announced Mr. and Mrs. Newlyweds.
Congrats and Good Luck!
Sophie
We’re going to do our receiving line at the reception. However, this is partly to kill time – the reception starts at 17:00, and since the priest who is performing the ceremony will (quite possibly) be saying mass at that time for the church, we can’t start the dinner until after 18:00.
Is there any sort of entranceway? Or does the door open directly into the nave? Ushers could direct guests to the doorway where they’re standing, it’s just a little casual.
Although some would have the recieving line at the reception…you can loose out on people who may not be able to make your reception…or those who will get to the destination before you.
I just attended a wedding where the couple stopped at each pew and greeted everyone as they let them leave their seats. It worked wonderfully.
I formed a line on the right side of the sanctuary’s wall . or if there is a hall you can do that there.
I went to a wedding once, where the bride and groom stopped at every pew and greeted everyone as they walked out…..
how about at the reception?