How to Work the Room at Your Reception

The ceremony exceeded your dreams, and you're officially newlyweds. Now it's time to celebrate! You're overcome with emotion, but you may be even more overwhelmed when it comes to attending to your guests. How can you make all of your guests feel special without spending the entire evening working the room? After all, it's your wedding -- you'd like to have a little fun.

There is one thing that you must accept. As much as you will want to, you won't have time to have heart-to-heart conversations with every guest at your wedding. In fact, that is the bittersweet truth of weddings in general: it's the one event in your life at which all of your favorite people will be gathered in one room, yet you won't be able to spend quality time with many of them. Rather, you will be bombarded with the faces of loved ones, and will wind up having delightful, yet scattered bits of dialogue with each of them. If you are able to exchange more than a few sentences with the majority of your guests, count yourself lucky. You are the star of the show, and everyone wants your autograph.

Working The Room

If your wedding is particularly large, one solution may be a receiving line. In this scenario, you can at least be sure to greet all of your guests. Keep in mind, though, that with a receiving line, you won't have time for anything more substantial than, "Hello. I'm so glad you could come." While that might be fine for people you see frequently, it is not enough for out-of-town guests, or for certain family members (you know who they are). Thankfully, you still have the reception, during which you'll have plenty of time to float around. Just remember that butterflies never light too long in one place and neither should you if you're going to mingle.

Table Hopping

You're going to need a lot of energy, so be sure to eat something before you begin socializing. One practical way to see everyone is to visit each table as a couple. That way, you can chat with several people at the same time, and you will have the opportunity to introduce each other to new acquaintances.

Introductions

There will undoubtedly be people at your wedding whom one of you has never met. If you are the bride, and the groom hasn't met one of your old friends, you should do more than just introduce them, especially if that friend has flown in especially for the occasion. You don't have to go into detail about the time you went camping when you were in the fifth grade, but if you've got a moment, recall an anecdote about the guest that will make him/her feel special. If you are pressed for time, you might simply say, "You remember me telling you about Bob, right, honey?" Of course, if your beloved doesn't have a clue what you're talking about, he will still say, "Yes! It's great to finally meet you." Note: honesty in this particular situation (i.e., "No… I can't say that I've ever heard of you, Bob.") is not a virtue.

Out-Of-Town Guests

If you can't possibly speak to everyone, err on the side of seeking out those you don't see often, such as out-of-town guests. It is likely that they have spent a considerable amount of time, money and energy to get here, so you should try to spend time with them, if only to thank them.

Dancing

Another great way to spend time with friends and family is on the dance floor. Who doesn't feel special dancing with the bride and groom at their wedding? In any case, the bride and groom should make it a point to dance with all of their parents (she with her new father-in-law, he with his new mother-in-law) before the evening ends.

Secret Codes

Have you ever forgotten someone's name just as you are about to introduce them? Take heart; even the sharpest minds occasionally go blank. This can be embarrassing for you and your guests, so try not to let it happen to you. Even if you're not a Bond fan, consider creating a secret code or signal that only your fiancé can decipher. A simple sentence such as "I hope it doesn't rain," or a tug on the ear (remember Carol Burnett?) can signal your mate to jump in and introduce himself, thus avoiding any awkwardness.

Toasting

After the best man and the fathers of the bride and groom make their toasts, the wedding couple may wish to make a toast as well. If so, they should stand together while one of them speaks, or they may take turns speaking.

Memory Book

Because the time you spend talking to your guests will be limited, consider placing a memory book on each table so that your guests can write messages to you. Later, you will be able to read the passages, and you will have a sentimental keepsake to cherish for years to come.

One last tip: in your zeal to please your guests, don't forget your new mate. The last thing you want on your wedding night is an argument because you weren't paying enough attention to him/her "at our own wedding!" The bottom line is, do your best to say hello to everyone, then enjoy your celebration. No one is going to think you're a bad person if you're slow dancing with your betrothed rather than chatting them up about the new house they just bought.

As the bride or groom, you do have a responsibility to make your guests feel welcomed and special, but it shouldn't be difficult. Remember, everyone at your wedding is there because you wanted them there. Even though you may not be able to spend significant time with everyone individually, you will be delighted by the amount of love that surrounds you on this day.