Ceremony most meaningful to guests - receiving line last in order of preference.

Recent survey indicates guests preference in order:

Watching the ceremony;
the music and dancing;
the food;
seeing the bride’s gown;
toasts and speeches;
cutting of the cake;
seeing the bridesmaids’ dresses;
group dances;
throwing of the bouquet;
throwing of the garter;
and then, that receiving line.

Spend your money and time wisely - on what is important to you and your spouse and keep your guests preferences in mind along the way! Happy planning....

My suggestion for receiving line is to have your guests stay seated after the ceremony and you and your spouse return down the aisle and greet each guest individually. It serves several purposes, it is a "receiving line" but people get to see you, they don't have to stand in a long line and it ushers your guests out to reception and then you can take photos, etc. - it works great.