The receiving line traditionally exists for the bridal party to greet guests, introduce friends and relatives to one another and share happiness with well-wishers. At large weddings, it might actually provide the only chance for all guests to offer personal congratulations to the newlyweds.
Follow these rules of etiquette and other creative ideas for keeping this part of your wedding day from taking a long and winding turn to the awkward or boring.
Who's In, Who's Out?
Keep the size of your receiving line down to a minimum if you want to avoid a long and often tedious wait for guests.
Traditionally, a receiving line goes in this order: mother of the bride; father of the bride (optional); mother of the groom; father of the groom (optional); bride; groom; maid of honour; and bridesmaids (optional). Even very formal etiquette allows you to omit fathers or stepfathers from the receiving line, but it's really up to you.
If your parents are divorced, they should never be asked to stand together in the line, if only because guests may make assumptions about their relationship.
Where to Hold It
The receiving line is usually formed inside or just outside of the reception room. If there's no reception planned, or you expect fewer people at the reception than at the ceremony, form the line right after the ceremony in the foyer or outside the doors of your place of worship (make sure it won't clash with any weddings that may be following yours).
Line Helpers
Holding Off the Crowds: Have waiters circulate with trays bearing a selection of cool drinks for guests who are waiting during the receiving line.
Small Talk: Keep conversation brief, yet pleasant. Offer some interesting fact when introducing guests—it will break the ice.
The Smooch Factor: Go ahead and kiss those guests you know well; otherwise, a simple handshake is appropriate.
Where the Blooms Go: The bride keeps her bouquet in her left hand or sets it aside for the moment. A bridesmaid should keep her bouquet in her left hand.
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Posted by ddouglas videographer on May 27, 2009 at 2:39 a.m.
The best Receiving Line I've seen in the last 10 years... after the Ceremony --the Bride and Groom leave the Altar, the Wedding Party leaves and then the Bride and Groom re-enter (the Minister usually announces 'everyone to stay seated and that the Couple is going to dismiss each row') and go to the first pew and the Brides Parents stand, hug, and leave... then they turn and face the Grooms Parents, hug, and leave... then they turn to the 2nd Pew Brides side, they stand, make short comments, etc and leave. If the couples don't make an overt move from side to side.... both pews want to come out and get attention at the same time... then he takes his side and she takes her side, which defeats the purpose of the receiving line... The rest of the Congregation gets to enjoy the receiving line from a seated position and sees everybody, instead of standing in a line that winds around the corner and you don't know how long it's going to be, etc. This is a MUCH more enjoyable experience and moves very quickly... with all eyes watching everything that happens! debbie douglas, videographer
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