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| ALTERNATIVES TO THE RECEIVING
LINE |
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| Some couples interpret the
receiving line casually by saying hello as guests
leave the ceremony, when they pass through the doors
of the church or synagogue, or when they move from
one room into another if the ceremony and reception
are at the same location. Another technique is for
the bride and groom to walk by each row of guests
while everyone is still seated at the ceremony;
they pause at each row, and the guests get up and
file out, greeting the newlyweds as they walk by. |
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At the Reception
Mingling has its appeal. It allows you to be spontaneous
and personal. As far as the rhythm of your wedding
goes, “working the crowd” is best pulled off during
the cocktail hour when guests are milling about,
nibbling hors d’oeuvres, and chatting with friends.
With a large group, you may want to extend the cocktail
hour to an hour and a half. If this is your plan,
factor this extra time in to the overall schedule. |
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| Some newlyweds are perfectly
happy to waltz from table to table during the meal
itself, which affords the longest chance to interact
with the guests. If you take this approach, be sure
to ask the caterer or maitre d’ to put aside a plate
of food for each of you so you don’t miss out on
the meal altogether. |
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| You can also make a toast to
salute everyone in one fell swoop—a good idea if
you’ve invited so many people that you won’t have
much time to speak with all of them personally.
The toast can occur at any point during the meal,
but a good time is while the main course is being
served or before the cake cutting. You might also
write a poem on a scroll or a note thanking the
guests for sharing in your day, then attach it to
the favor and put one at every place setting. |
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| And if the people you don’t
get to spend much time with are the most special
ones on your guest list, save a dance or two. You
can always exchange a few words while cheek to cheek. |
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