The receiving line

Many modern couples balk at the idea of a formal receiving line. This is caused by the fact that at many weddings it has not been thought through carefully and guests have got bored waiting in line. A receiving line affords the opportunity for you to talk to every guest and thank them for coming. It's also a great way to make parents and older children feel included and important. It can be at the entrance to your reception, in a seperate room or before you go to dinner. However, it takes on average thirty seconds to greet each guest, therefore it can take a considerable amount of time if you have a significant number of guests. Think carefully about where and when you'll do this and what else will or could be going on at the same time. Try and position yourselves where guests can be offered a drink and canapés. If there´s an available room at a formal reception you could greet guests there, then they don't necessarily need to wait in line, but can come forward a few in time. In that event a Toastmaster could announce each guest, or appoint a friend or the best man as Master of Ceremonies to do the same. If guests are announced, everyone in the receiving line will know who they are.

The traditional line-up is as follows:

1.       Bride’s mother
2.       Bride’s father
3.       Groom’s mother
4.       Groom’s father
5.       Bride
6.       Groom
7.       Chiefs bridesmaid (if family)
8.       Best man (if family)

The traditional line-up is based upon the notion that the bride's parents have paid for and are hosting the day. Since that is no longer the norm, the receiving line can be configured as you desire. If the chief bridesmaid or best man are family members, it is traditional to include them at the end of the line-up. Go through the guest list with everyone in the receiving line in advance, so they have an idea of who is who.

If you decide not to opt for a traditional receiving line, allow enough time elsewhere during the reception to circulate among the guests. Make the effort to find and speak to everyone. Encourage your parents, or older children in the case of second marriages, to do the same. At some point during the meal you can circulate among your guests visiting their tables. However, decide in advance if you'll do this together. Once you've separated it will be difficult to break free. Remember this throughout the reception if you want to spend time together!