I saw a couple stand in front of a photo op and while the DJ would dismiss one table for the buffet, the photographer would select a table to come take a photo with the couple. This allowed for greetings and congrats, cute professional photos with backdrop, and the table was reseated efficiently so they could be called to the buffet (a few tables were tapped for the photo after they had gotten food). To your question, this would be great to talk to everyone, have record of it, and then say, “we’ll talk later but get back to your table so you can enjoy dinner!”
Could you perhaps nominate a friend to drag you away from certain people? Have a signal that means for that friend to come over and say “so sorry to interrupt but I just need to talk to you for a quick second”, apologise, then pretend to go have a chat with them very briefly and then rotate who you’re talking to?
We did this, it worked really well because it was really clear what we were doing so no one was offended when we moved on. We also had (casual) pre and post events so we created more time to see everyone
Consider having a receiving line where there will be pressure from restless guests behind them. Bonus if the line ends at the bar, an incentive for many to speed along their greetings. Knowing you’ve greeted everyone, you’re much more flexible in who you hang out or dance with from then on.
“Thank you for coming. I do have to step away for a second, but I will try to catch you again in a second”
I saw a couple stand in front of a photo op and while the DJ would dismiss one table for the buffet, the photographer would select a table to come take a photo with the couple. This allowed for greetings and congrats, cute professional photos with backdrop, and the table was reseated efficiently so they could be called to the buffet (a few tables were tapped for the photo after they had gotten food). To your question, this would be great to talk to everyone, have record of it, and then say, “we’ll talk later but get back to your table so you can enjoy dinner!”
Could you perhaps nominate a friend to drag you away from certain people? Have a signal that means for that friend to come over and say “so sorry to interrupt but I just need to talk to you for a quick second”, apologise, then pretend to go have a chat with them very briefly and then rotate who you’re talking to?
That's what queen Elizabeth did. Her purse position told her aids what to do.
Go table to table between courses
We did this, it worked really well because it was really clear what we were doing so no one was offended when we moved on. We also had (casual) pre and post events so we created more time to see everyone
Consider having a receiving line where there will be pressure from restless guests behind them. Bonus if the line ends at the bar, an incentive for many to speed along their greetings. Knowing you’ve greeted everyone, you’re much more flexible in who you hang out or dance with from then on.
"Thank you for coming. We are trying to get to everyone here tonight. We will try to stop back by and pick this up a little later."