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Savvy July 2018

Dismissal?

Abby, on July 17, 2018 at 11:42 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 8

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I'm having my ceremony and reception in the same building. The reception will be in our church's basement. When my ceremony is finished, the family is going to stay up in the sanctuary or at least upstairs until all the guests have gone downstairs, and then we'll take family photos. Is it enough to have the officiant say "you're dismissed, go downstairs" or should we have ushers actually go row by row and dismiss all the guests? I feel like it might be chaotic and take a long time for everyone to leave before we can take photos if he just dismisses everyone, BUT it may take a while to dismiss everyone row by row too. What are y'all's thoughts? Thanks!

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Danielle K, on July 17, 2018 at 12:36 PM

Master June 2016
Sarah · on July 17, 2018 at 11:45 AM
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I wouldn’t use that wording. I’d just have him announce that the reception is downstairs and is beginning immediately following the ceremony.
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Mim · on July 17, 2018 at 11:47 AM
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Let family know to hang tight, then you and fs could dismiss row by row. Start at the back and work your way forward. The bonus is you don't have to worry about a recieving line or table visits. You should still try to get to as many people as possible at the reception, but the pressure to see everyone will he off.
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Master August 2018
Kristina · on July 17, 2018 at 11:49 AM
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This! "You're dismissed" makes me feel like I'm in a classroom or summer camp getting ready to head back to activities after lunch is over or something similar. Having the officiant announce that before the ceremony will give people the hint to get up and go when the ceremony is over.
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Master April 2023
Victorian Bride · on July 17, 2018 at 11:59 AM
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Hi Abby! We are also having our reception at the church. I have the information on the HOME page of our website worded very nicely that the reception will begin immediately following the ceremony. Our invitations will say, " Reception immediately following the ceremony" And my guest registrar has already been advised to let guests know that the family will be remaining behind in the church for photographs and for them to please proceed to the reception. I hope this helps, but please don't use the word "dismissed." Best wishes!!
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Savvy July 2018
Abby · on July 17, 2018 at 12:03 PM
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Thanks everyone! I suppose if our officiant lets the guests know that the family will be taking photos and to proceed to the reception, that will be sufficient. I didn't realize how the word "dismissed" would come across. Thanks for the advice!
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Master April 2023
Victorian Bride · on July 17, 2018 at 12:03 PM
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P.S. We are going to form a receiving line just outside to thank everyone while they exit. Then we'll just go back into the church. I realize we have a different set up, but it's similar.
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Master July 2018
Mcskipper · on July 17, 2018 at 12:27 PM
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I’ve never seen a wedding where everyone doesn’t just automatically file out after the recessional, so I really don’t think the row by row thing is necessary.
That said I think an announcement would be best to give some direction , something more like “the bride and groom invite you to head downstairs for the cocktail hour/reception/whatever” so that people know where they’re going and aren’t just milling about
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VIP June 2019
Danielle K · on July 17, 2018 at 12:36 PM
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IMO it will take a lot longer with ushers than just to dismiss. They wont all just stampede
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