How to Dismiss Guests on Your Wedding Day

Planning out your ceremony and trying to figure out the best way to dismiss your guests to your reception?

Although often overlooked, dismissing your guests is a HUGE proponent of how your day flows, including how much time you get for pictures.  As a photographer, I get the perspective of watching how each of these dismissals play out and how they affect the rest of your day.

Below, I’ve outlined the most popular guest dismissals and the pros and cons of each:

Dismiss By Row

Dismissing guests by row is a great way to make time to thank every single guest at your wedding without having to order them in any way.  This, however, is usually the most time-consuming, as each guest is moving at their own pace, and greeting every person will take a lot of time.  To best organize this, make sure your officiant makes an announcement immediately after the ceremony OR even at the end of the marriage ceremony before you walk down the aisle together, to make sure everyone stays in their seats

Receiving Line

A receiving line is another great way to include thanking your guests AT your ceremony, but also saving a bit more time in the process.  This one takes the most work, as it requires someone (a bridal party member or wedding planner) to organize guests, as well as an announcement by your officiant to let the guests know where to gather.  You still get to see each guest face to face, but the pace will be set by you!

Grand Exit

This is the FASTEST and most efficient way to dismiss your guests at your wedding.  A grand exit includes your guests blowing bubbles, throwing confetti, etc. in a group as you exit the ceremony.  Again, this is VERY fast and really exciting, but you won’t get any personal time with your guests. A compromise for this is greeting your guests at tables during your reception - then you can also save some time by seeing groups instead of guests one at a time.

Any decision you make, make sure to make time to see your guests on your wedding day.  They have traveled from near and far and probably have been an important part of your journey in life - SO MAKE TIME TO THANK THEM!!!  And remember, there’s no right decision - just choose whatever works best for YOU!