Are you taking pictures during cocktail hour? If not, use that time to talk to the guests and skip the receiving line. That's what we're doing. You could put the favors on the table or have them in baskets near the door for guests to take on their way home.
Good ideas except I would put the favors on the table. If you leave them for people to take themselves, there is always a chance people take 2 per couple instead of 1 and some guests end up without. You may think it wouldn`t happen but you`d be surprised.
Maybe just you and your husband (as opposed to the whole family) could stand at the entrance to your reception room once the cocktail hour is over and say hello as the guests enter. Once everyone is in your band or dj can do all of the bridal party announcements and then your grand entry.
