Q: We want to do a receiving line, but the exit to our church leads guests out on the sidewalk -- and the street! We're worried this will be a bit awkward for guests. How should we deal with this?

A: It's definitely awkward for you to have to hang out there (especially if there are many passers-by), so you're better off moving the receiving-line location. Though it's tradition to have a receiving line at the chapel exit, it's definitely not your only option.

You could have guests remain seated after the ceremony, and bring the receiving line to them, greeting them row by row. Or try hanging out somewhere (the limo or another room in the church) while your guests get to the reception, then do your official receiving line as guests enter the reception dinner. As the cocktail hour winds down, station yourselves (and your parents or anyone else in the receiving line) by the entrance to the tables.

Another option is to skip having an actual receiving line and instead visit each table. Though if you have an especially large number of guests, a receiving line is probably easier -- you won't need to worry about timing your table visits to be sure everyone gets a little one-on-one time.