Problems with a receiving line usually occur when someone doesn’t understand that such lines are for a quick introduction and thanks/congratulations, not for actual conversations!
But the poster who asked wanted to know how to move them along. Fewer people in the line (bride/groom, parents only?). A method of passing them down the line. “Mrs Smith, I’m so glad you could come. Let me introduce you to my new inlaws…”
In the US, it has become a big deal for the new couple to ‘enter’ the reception with great pomp. Maybe in England they can just be in the reception already and the guest can file by during the cocktail hour? There is always the issue with pictures if they are being taken between the ceremony and the reception.
Moving them along IME is usually as simple as exchanging a sentence or two and then introducing them to the person on your left, as you suggest, and turning to the next person in line.
Another person can nicely usher them along.
I think the tradition died down when more guests were friends than, say, your parents business or club associates. The idea of circulating is lovely, attentive.
Those shoes are lovely. I love Zappos.
I think it is better to visit your guests instead of the receiving line.
D does not want a first look. so I think it would take up too much time. with trying to get photos.
We cannot have a wedding on Sunday. Catholic . So I think it would be nice to have a welcome/rehearsal dinner combined.
@downtoearth, D was not able to have a first look - it is considered very bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on the wedding day prior to the ceremony in my new SIL’s culture. The photographer did a really good job getting family pictures done in the church as soon as the ceremony ended, then the kids had a party bus drive them to a couple nice spots nearby for photos. The cocktail hour for the reception started about 45 minutes after the ceremony ended, and the bridal party didn’t arrive at the venue until the cocktail hour was over … so they had plenty of time for pictures.
We did not do a welcome party the night before, but the old folks who came in were too tired & the young ones just met in the hotel bar. A few key family members and close friends came to the rehearsal dinner. It all worked out fine & no one seemed to be upset that we didn’t do anything formal the night before. I think the fact that the wedding was on a Friday night was a factor - a lot of people didn’t arrive until Friday.
@downtoearth, my S’s wedding was on a Sunday because we are Jewish and it was Labor Day. A Saturday ceremony would have had to start too late. Also, the venue was a public space, and we weren’t able to have a formal rehearsal. Anyway, we had a “Night Before” celebration on Saturday evening at a beer hall in Brooklyn that took the place of a rehearsal dinner/welcome party. There was a good mix of the couple’s friends/wedding party, family and other out-of-town guests. …which in total came to almost half the people invited to the wedding! It was casual, with light food and drinks. There was a monsoon that night, so we were unable to use the outdoor space and it was tight but no one seemed to mind. As with so many other wedding matters, see what works for you, the in-laws, and the couple. There are no rules.
What is a “first look”?
@Consolation a photo of the first time the groom sees the bride in her wedding dress
I was skeptical of the “first look” concept in theory but in practice it worked out great for D and her husband. Some of those pictures are now my favorite - and my new son-in-law still cried when his bride walked down the aisle.
D1’s full length (20 minute) video just arrived. It was great to see groomsmen getting ready and their first look.
@jym626 , I’m glad to hear that the wedding went so well, other than the spills. Thanks for the reminder to go with a relatively dark color.
@downtoearth , Congratulations. My D is getting married next summer. We just had an engagement party at a restaurant in NYC, where she and her fiance live. The party was a lot of fun and gave us a great chance for the two families to meet. We did a relaxed Sunday brunch.
Thanks @momjr. Am still a little skeeved that with all the guests who stayed at the hotel (I believe we had 28 or more rooms blocked) they didnt accommodate the sis in law who confirmed the needed handicapped room and then gave her the executive suite that was the honeymoon suite to her instead of to the bride and groom. Grrrr.
And I need to call my friend again who ended up in the hospital. She has had some medication issues that were probably a factor. Scary but glad she is ok.
The welcome party was held on the back deck of a bar, and we had a few “crashers” and people who wanted to come out to smoke (yuk). I had to meet all the guests to give them wristbands so they could order at the bar, and had to politely redirect the people who didn’t seem to want to acknowledge the “private party” sign. AFAIK no one who didn’t belong got a wrist band. Or at least I hope.
You could write an online review for the hotel on TripAdvisor. People do read them, and it might make you feel better. 
My s would not be happy with me if I did that.
My kids would never know…
@jym626 you can do it anonymously if that helps
I would be upset too about not accommodating your SIL.
I think we will have a luncheon in the city where we live
I know its “normal” but it bothers me that when I look at the pictures of shoes or dresses you post, they end up on my FB. The computer is everywhere. Looking at a venue tomorrow. I like it now to see if the couple does. it is really hard. things book up so fast.
We have 17 days until the wedding! I think we are ready. All the replies have been received, the table assignments and table arrangements have been made. Rehearsal dinner is set. I have my dress, it has been taken up, DH has his tuxedo, our dog has his white collar with bowtie (not my idea), etc… We are definitely getting excited!
@tx5athome we’re right behind you with 18 days to go (!!!). Still haven’t done the table arrangements, though, which is the biggest stress factor for me.