Home>>Planning
Guide>>Ceremony>>Article
The
Receiving Line
By
Megan Mercer
Last Update:
October 16, 2005
Do
we really need to have a receiving line?
If you are like most people you have experienced
an awkward moment or two in a wedding receiving line.
Today, the receiving line is a formality
that some couples decide
to leave
out of their
wedding
altogether. If
you choose to axe this tradition, I'm sure your wedding
party won't be too disappointed. But don't be
too hasty in your decision...
The
receiving line enables you, your groom, and key members
of
the wedding party to meet and greet
your guests—which is very important, since you probably
will not have time to meet with everyone at the reception. Imagine
painstakingly choosing the perfect gift and traveling
for hours to attend a wedding, and not even having
the opportunity to congratulate the bride and groom!
When
and where should the receiving line be formed?
The receiving
line should form after the wedding ceremony but before
the reception. If you are immediately proceeding
from the ceremony to the reception, the line can be
formed near the entrance of the reception site to greet
the guests as they arrive.
If you and your groom
are hanging around after the ceremony to take pictures
or don't want to rush to the reception,
you should have the receiving line at the ceremony
site. Be
sure to check with your officiant first; some churches
may have restrictions
as to where the line may be formed. The most convenient
spot is often near an exit or outside, where your guests
can move through easily on their way to the reception.
Who traditionally stands
in the receiving line?
The order from the head of the line is:
Although your bridesmaids
traditionally join your families in the receiving line,
this often makes for a slow and
tedious process. Your best bet is to keep the receiving
line small—your guests and attendants will thank
you!
