Receiving Line Questions
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Is it necessary to have a receiving line at the reception? Who stands in the receiving line , and in what order?
First, let me say that receiving lines are not mandatory, and many couples seem to be skipping the practice in the past couple years. The big reason for a receiving line is to make sure that you and certain family members greet each and every guest-- but if you can accomplish that as well in some other way, that should be acceptable in *most* social circles.
Because many guests don't like to stand in the line, and many families don't either, one popular substitute, especially for sit-down dinner receptions, is for the couple and the parents to visit each table and greet guests there. This takes time, however, and some couples and families dislike this because they are not able to sit and enjoy their own food and entertainment.
An interesting innovation to the traditional receiving line is to plan it for a time and place which allows the guests options as to when, or if, they will go through the line. Variations like positioning the line between a cocktail area and the main reception allow guests to proceed to the reception quickly, or relax and mingle with other guests until the initial rush on the receiving line dwindles.
Some couples who are serving banquet style or passed hors d-oeuvres refreshments even allow guests to begin eating while they continue to greet their guests. This is contrary to traditional etiquette, but in keeping with the attitude of some couples that they are the *hosts* of the wedding, rather than the "guests of honor".
The most options for receiving line variations are usually at weddings where the ceremony and reception take place at the same location-- but with creativity, couples have come up with numerous gracious and practical ways to include a version of the receiving line that works for their wedding circumstances and preferences. Try to be flexible in your planning, and you'll come up with a solution that should work well for you.
Here are the traditional receiving line members and order, if you decide to go that route:
1. An "announcer" if you wish-- someone who asks each guest's name and tells it to the next in line. Not really necessary at most average weddings.
2. The bride's mother
3. The groom's father (if he wishes)
4. The groom's mother
5. The bride's father (if he wishes)
6. The bride
7. The groom
8. The maid of honor
9., etc... other bridesmaids if you wish
However, most modern couples end the line with the groom, and allow bridal party members to mingle with guests and serve host duties informally, rather than greeting them in the receiving line.