Wedding Receiving Line Etiquette--Greeting Your Guests with Style
Jean Bachcroft
Even though it’s a great tradition with a long history, some couples choose not to greet their guests in a receiving line fearing that this might take too long. Frank Gregoli, a top New York party planner says realistically, one should allow 30 minutes for every 100 people in the line. If this time allotment fits within your plans and you’d like to be certain that you personally welcome and thank each of your guests, read on.
Know the Basics
Being familiar with the basics of what a receiving line is all about will immediately help you to feel comfortable with this elegant formality.
Exactly when and where the receiving line is formed is really based upon your particular situation. In general, people like to form their line either in the vestibule right after the ceremony or at the entrance to the reception area.
With the exception of the groom, this is really a lady’s affair. Here’s the lineup: first in line is the bride’s mother, followed by the bride, the groom and, next to him, his mother.
Dads, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and children in the wedding party generally are not a part of the receiving line. If for some reason you choose to include any of these people, keep in mind that every person you add will cause the line to proceed slower.
Short and Sweet
Once everyone is in position, the rule should be to keep greetings brief yet warm and sincere. This will avoid a bottleneck. If there is time before your wedding day, review your list of guests with the groom and parents. A little homework never hurts.
Since your mother and you are the first in line, it’s expected that relatives and friends of his side of the family will introduce themselves to each of you. As your relatives and friends proceed, you should introduce them to the groom and his mother.
Include the Pleasantries Consider adding a few pleasantries if your receiving line will not be in a house of worship. This will liven up everyone’s mood, get conversations going, and make waiting in line easier for your guests. For instance, you could: Include music—Have the band or your dj positioned close enough so that there is music in the background. Plan ahead though. You don’t want to have to take time to make these arrangements at the last moment. Pass the tray—Ask your caterer to set hors d’oeuvres and champagne on a table nearby or have a waiter offer these on a tray.
Receiving Guests Like a Pro
There are always instances where, for one reason or another, a person’s name is not ready to roll off your tongue. You can handle these moments as if you’ve been in receiving lines all your life by saying something like: "I’m so glad you came. (Groom’s name) and I hope you’ll have a wonderful time." Or you could say, "It’s great to see you again. Please say hello to my husband, (Groom’s name)." Or "Thank you so much for coming. (Groom’s name) and I feel lucky to be with so many good friends."
Keeping these simple ideas in mind will help you look and feel like a savvy new bride.
© Copyright 2005 Bachcroft.com. Permission to reprint this article, as is, is granted as long as the proper attribution (author's biography) is given and all active hyperlinks remain intact.
About the author: Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, founder of Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and return address labels, you can visit her web sites at http://bachcroft.com and at http://alohalabels.com. For shopping bargains from around the world, visit http://townandcountryshoppingbargains.com.
The latest information and news on Weddings:
Exactly half of Americans support the House-passed legislation to bar same-sex weddings on military facilities, but only a small minority would back further federal action to restrict gay rights, according to the latest United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll.
Weekday Weddings Grow in Popularity as They Offer Many Advantages
Weekday Weddings Grow in Popularity as They Offer Many Advantages Weekends get heavily booked for weddings, often forcing couples to struggle with scheduling issues. Because weekend nuptial times are in such a high demand, wedding services often command a high price. Another popular trend is to reserve a three-day weekend during a federal holiday. Since many people are not required to work ...
Weddings go on amid NATO protests
CHICAGO, May 20 (UPI) -- A Chicago couple said this weekend's NATO summit made for an interesting wedding after they tied the knot at a downtown restaurant.
Here Comes the Dog: Woman Performs Weddings for Pets
Ann Clark performs wedding ceremonies for pets. And the woman from Northants, England, can charge a pretty penny for her service. On the low end, Clark, 55, who also runs a cattery in the area, charges about $240 dollars. But she?s also earned more than...
Christina Schmidt, Hardy Helburn - Weddings
The bride has just finished her second year of law school at Columbia, and the bridegroom has an M.B.A. from Columbia.
Mitchell Davis, Nathan Goldstein ? Weddings
The executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation is to marry a doctor on the staff of Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Bruce Lloyd, Kenneth Kleinrock - Weddings
A director in the career management center at Columbia Business School and the assistant dean for admissions at New York University?s law school marry in Manhattan.
Save cash on going to weddings
Saving money on your wedding day is easy. The courthouse couldn't be a cheaper venue. But how do you save on the weddings of friends and colleagues? The costs add up quickly.
Cary Sinnott, Justin Gimelstob - Weddings
Justin Gimelstob, a retired tennis champion, and Cary Kendall Sinnott, a psychotherapist, wed.
Heidi Brody, Franklin Olson - Weddings
The bride is a clinical supervisor at a social services agency; the bridegroom is an assistant director at the New York City Office of Management and Budget.