THE RECEIVING LINE
How to organize a wedding receiving line
A receiving line might be appropriate depending upon the style and the level of
formality of your wedding. Although a receiving line is not
necessarily required, since it is unlikely that the bride and groom will have
time to meet and mingle with every guest during the wedding reception, this tradition
gives the bride and groom and the wedding party the opportunity to meet and
greet all of the wedding guests. By meeting and greeting everyone in the
receiving line, in advance of
the wedding reception, it takes some (a lot) of the pressure off of everyone during the reception
allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the wedding celebration.
Although the receiving line is usually organized
to take place
either immediately after the wedding ceremony or just before the wedding reception, the exact
timing of when the receiving line is to be formed is up to you based on the
specific events and circumstances of the wedding day. Be sure to consider the weather when
considering the location for the receiving line and always have an alternative
plan in mind should the weather change.
Since people do not usually
enjoy standing in line for a long period of time, if you have a large wedding
and anticipate a significant wait in line for the guests, consideration should
be given to the
comfort of your wedding guests. Offering a beverage like champagne, sparkling water, water
or punch to the guests can greatly lessen the discomfort of waiting in the
receiving line to
meet the bride and groom. Having friends, relatives and other wedding
party members mingle with the wedding guests who are in line will also create
distraction and lessen the
discomfort.
Once the guests reach the receiving line, do everyone a favor
by having the wedding party keep the verbal exchanges brief to keep the
receiving line
moving smoothly - greet the wedding guests warmly, let them know how happy you are that
they could join you on your wedding day and then introduce the guest(s) to the next
person in line. If anyone feels the need to carry on a lengthy
conversation with a guest, there will be plenty of time...after the receiving
line.
Traditionally the receiving line begins with the bride's
mother, who is the official hostess. Depending upon the formality of
the wedding and your individual wishes (and the length of time you want to be
standing) you may have any or all of the wedding party members in the receiving
line. Keep in mind however that more wedding party members in the
receiving line means a much slower line.
Following is the customary
traditional order of the wedding party in the
receiving line;
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Bride (optional)
Mother of the Groom
Father of the Groom (optional)
Bride
Groom
Matron of honor (optional)
Maid of Honor (optional)
Bridesmaids (optional)
Other wedding party members are an optional
addition to the receiving line and traditionally not part of the
receiving line.
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