Stuff Every Groom Should Know: How to Meet and Greet Strangers at Your Wedding
As much as you await your big day with anticipation and excitement, it can’t be denied that you will spend much of the event engaging in small talk with people you are likely not going to see again for years to come.
For some people, this might come easy, but for others, let’s just say it is handy to come prepared.
How Groom Should Meet and Greet Strangers at Wedding
Have a greeting line
On the way into the reception, create a greeting line where you may receive your guests. It may require some standing up on your guests’ behalf, but it is a great way for you to engage with everyone at your wedding before celebrations truly get under way.
Don’t be afraid to let your wife take the lead
Most people at a wedding really want to connect with the bride (more so than the groom) so let her take charge.
Memorize a few short simple phrases
Chances are that you won’t be able to get deeply involved with most of your guests at your wedding, so memorizing a few short phrases can help, such as “thank you for coming” and “we are so glad you could be here”.
Do your rounds early
You can do a circle of the room early on in the evening. The cocktail hour is a good time for this as you may be able to sit down and enjoy your meal later. Everyone will want to spend a bit of time with you so rather do it early.
Remember, you’re not obligated to spend great lengths of time with any of your guests. However, you are obligated to get to everyone so rather exit the conversation early by pointing out that you should continue making your way around the room.
If mingling isn’t your thing, consider creating a ‘sweetheart table’ for you and your bride. This will allow your guests to come to you, which definitely has its advantages. Just remember that you will likely be surrounded the entire evening.
Keep some backup with you as you do your greetings
Invite your mother with you as you greet her side of the family or ask your best man to offer some moral support. It’s also a good idea to move around the room with your wife as she will almost certainly steal the show.
Have a prop with you
Something as basic as carrying a drink can help to distract you from the task at hand and getting a refill is always a justifiable excuse to opt out of a conversation.
Make Sure You Are Prepared!
Ultimately, you will have little choice but to spend some time with everyone at your wedding. Just make sure you are prepared.