If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

We'll have 200 guests, and I feel like if we go table to table it will eat up the whole reception. Plus, we're getting married at the Country Club, which means we'd have to have the recieving line during the cocktail hour. Thanks!

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

we are doing one just so we dont have to got able to table.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I would say yes. We had 225 guests, had a receiving line outside the church, were in our cocktail hour and we still went around to tables. You just need to be efficient about it. We danced up a storm at our wedding, but still managed to say a few words to everyone.

If you want to skip one or the other, I'd lose the receiving line.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I should have skipped the receiving line - it was raining and I thought if we just did one with he and I it would go quickly, but it did not and people were very wet outside waiting for us. We just should have gone back to the front for a quick couple of pictures, and then walked out into the limos. But, we did that, and walked around our cocktail hour, decided not to walk around to tables. All in all it was fine, but going throught the thank yous there were still 8 or 10 people that we wound up nevery saying hello to at all bc we didn't do the table thing.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

If I was to ask my mother she would tell me that you must go table to table if you do or even if you don't have a receiving line. She'd tell me it is the least you could do to spend some time with your guests that came to be there and gave generous gifts. I think it will be nice anyway because what you say to the bride and groom on the receiving line is just usually a 'congratulations' or 'you look beautiful' or 'beautiful ceremony'. I think going table to table gives you a chance to actually speak to each guest. JMO.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I'd say visit the tables. I plan to. The receiving line just looks like you are waiting to collect

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

No receiving line for me
I actually like the idea of going to table to table, that way I for sure get to see everyone. Most of the guests either come from far or I just dont get to see them very often. I'm a natural gabber, so I like the idea of getting to chat w/each and every guest

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

Even with a receiving line, you're still supposed to go table to table - which is why we're probably going to skip the receiving line. Daylight will be at a premium and I don't want to waste it on the receiving line. I would rather take pics and say hi to most people (hopefully) during the cocktail hour.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

We did a receiving line at church and went around to all the tables - there were many people at church that were not invited to the wedding (friends of friends that came to church) or there were a bunch of people there that were invited to the wedding, but could only make the church. At the reception, there were bunches of people there that were not at the church, so it worked out well that we did both. People liked the fact that we went around to the tables.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

IMO it would be rude not to go table to table.

A receiving alone line is not going to cut it. It is proper to go around and thank each guest who took time out of their schedule to come to your wedding.

I have been to two weddings this year where the couple did not do table visits and I was offended.

I know that we all want to enjoy our reception, but this is one of those things that we must do.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I agree with nvrbrd 100%. We are having a receiving line at the Church and then going from table to table at the reception.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I agree, I would still go table to table. I made most of my cocktail hour, and said hello to most of my guests, but I still went around a gain.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

Thanks everyone! Looks like someone needs to buy a book on wedding ettiquette...or I could just keep asking you guys!

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

Sheppy, we are all here to learn from one another.

There are so many things I did not know.

Keep the questions coming!!!!

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

We are planning to go around to tables for the first hour or so. After that, I gave our DJ instructions to call us out on the dance floor, as I am determined to enjoy the reception after putting all this work in it. It may not be proper etiquette, but whats that going to get me if I miss half the reception talking to guests, and not dancing and enjoying the night? I really want to spend time w. FH, to dance with him and really enjoy the day w. him. I dont think I have an obligation to see everyone and go to every table- as I told my MOH, if the guests want to see me, they can find me on the dance floor or at the bar!

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

LOL Adrienne, LMAO

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

We are not doing a receiving line-unless it is pouring or there is a snow storm. We don't like them. We will take all our pics after the church so we can enjoy the cocktail hour and reception. During the cocktail hour we will come in and chat with everyone. Then at the reception we will do the same thing. I will have someone as our guardian making sure we don't get caught up at one table.
We plan on enjoying our day and night. Like Hmichick, what good will that do for me to be walking around all night chatting? The majority of our guests will be on the dance floor anyway! Most will probably tell us to go dance if we approached them

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I am going to have a receiving line, and go table to table as well. I think it depends on who is going to be at your wedding. Young people don't mind as much if you don't go table to table, but older people tend to think it's rude. This past summer I went to a wedding, and the bride and groom didn't go to any tables, only sat up front with a basket full of envelopes, and it just seemed weird. A lot of the older relatives were annoyed, and said that they were rude and ungrateful. It didn't bother me, but seeing how much it bothered some people, I figured it would be worth my while to just visit each table.

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

my advice is do not go to all the tables if you have a receiving line....especially with so many guests....how many times are you going to say 'hello. thanks for coming. hope you're having a nice time'....

you waited soooo long for this day and paid soooo much, enjoy it - it goes too quickly!! if you're having fun your guests will too and chances are you will run into most of them on the dance floor anyway....how can anyone think you're rude when you have already spoken to them during the receiving line???

Re: If I have a recieving line do we have to go table to table?

I personally am not doing a receiving line, due to time constraints.


My thoughts again on going from table to table:

1. not everyone comes to the ceremony, so you may miss some people in the receiving line

2. The receiving line is very rushed with a quick kiss and handshake.

3. Again, greeting everyone at each table is more personal IMO.

If you invited people to your home for dinner, would you only greet them at the door and then ignore them for the rest of the evening?

Just my thoughts.