The Art of Greeting Your Guests

In looking back over the weddings of 2008, we did not do a single traditional receiving line. Not one. And I'm pleased by that because I've never been a fan of them. I find them to be uncomfortable and unpleasant for both the individuals in the receiving line and the guests going through. I mean really, what is Jane Co-Worker going to say to the groom's step-dad who flew in from the other side of the country other than 'Congratulations?'. Or even worse, how about Jane Co-Woker's date?

Personally, I can recount a receiving line horror story from my cousin's wedding. My husband and I had never met the bride before so after the ceremony when they both walked in to dismiss the pews, I looked at my husband and said, 'Well this is going to be uncomfortable. We're going to have to introduce ourselves and congratulate her in front of the entire church!' Not a pleasant experience.

There are so many ways to greet your guests without putting anyone on the spot. I've heard a number of unique and creative ideas recently that I want to share with you. The first is my favorite. And one that I'm proposing to my July bride from Australia. That is, writing a personal note to every guest in attendance on wonderful stationery, sealing it in a envelope and placing it at each guest's place setting to serve as the place card. A task of this magnitude would take months of preparation, but can you think of anything more spectacular than being able to read a personal, hand-handwritten note from the bride and/or groom?

Another idea is to have a wedding cake at each guest table serve as the centerpiece. You and your new spouse could cut and serve cake to all of your guests while at the same time greeting them. This is something I've seen done quite often but still think is a unique and festive way around the receiving line.

Another fun idea would be to set-up a photo area with a great back drop and furniture inside your venue. Your wedding planner {or master/mistress of ceremony if you don't have a planner} could dismiss a table at a time to the photo area where you could greet the guests and have a group photo taken. Not only are you able to thank your guests for coming, but you'll also have a great photo memento of that moment.

So as you can see, there are a number of ways to greet your guests without a traditional line. When you get creative and think outside-the-box, wonderful memories of your special day can be made!

~Jodi