Why You Should Skip a Receiving Line During Your LDS Temple Wedding Reception

In Utah a lot of wedding receptions are different than they are in other states. Part of that is because there are a lot of LDS temple weddings in the state. LDS temple weddings are so much fun, but because many guests at these wedding don’t attend the ceremony in the temple, receptions tend to be completely different than traditional weddings. Some of those reception traditions carry over to non-LDS temple weddings in Utah as well, because they are so entrenched in our state culture. One of the traditions at LDS temple wedding receptions is to have a receiving line. That receiving line is different than the lines that happen at many traditional weddings. Here’s why you should skip a receiving line during your LDS temple wedding reception.

 

1. It’s more fun for you, your family, and friends

We know how important the experience of your family and friends at your wedding is to you. It’s great that you want them to have a great time. Because of that, we suggest that you skip a receiving line during your LDS temple wedding reception. Receiving lines take a long time. All of the wedding receptions we’ve photographed that have featured a receiving line have had that line last at least an hour and a half, usually longer. It is exhausting to stand in one place for that long talking and greeting your guests. It’s even more exhausting for your parents as well as bridal party that you have with you in that line.

 

2. You get to mingle with your guests, socialize, and enjoy your reception

We also suggest that you should skip your receiving line because it will allow you to mingle with your guests, socialize, and enjoy the time you have at your reception. Consider walking around with your new spouse from table to table to talk to your guests, give hugs, and thank them for coming to celebrate with you. By walking around from table to table you will you won’t be the only one who gets to enjoy more of your reception, but your parents, family, and friends will too.

3. Fewer Awkward Moments

Moving from table to table and around the reception hall to greet your guests won’t only make your day more fun, but it will prevent some awkward moments. Receiving lines can feel a bit strange or awkward just because of how they work. Having people wait in a line to come up one after the other to tell you a few words of congratulations or more can be awkward for them and for you. It puts you on the spot to make sure that you say exactly the right thing at the moment you meet.

 

4. You get more pictures with YOU in them!

We love when couples forgo the receiving line because then they get more pictures featuring them and their guests. When couples do a receiving line at their wedding, there are only so many picture we can take of you guys in the line before they all look the same so we don’t spend much time hanging out around the line. When you want a picture with a guest while you are walking around and greeting them, we will be there to grab that for you because we will be walking around taking pictures of guests as well.

5. Keep your guests entertained while they wait

While your guests are waiting for you to come by to see them, have some things for them to do and great food for them to eat. You can have a sign in book for them to fill out, a slideshow for them to watch, a dance floor, a photo booth, or even a carriage ride! Photo booths are one of our favorite things, that are easily accessible, to see at weddings and are a total blast for guests. Ideas for guest entertainment are endless, and we have a Pinterest board dedicated to just that.

 

Hopefully we’ve convinced you to skip a receiving line during your LDS temple wedding reception, or traditional Utah wedding reception. There are so many benefits that come from doing away with this one tradition. If you are worried what your guests will think, create a sign to put up at the entrance to your reception that directs people where to go and what to expect. We know you’ll love mingling and socializing with your guests much more than standing in a receiving line for hours.

Looking for more wedding planning tips? Check out this section of our blog!