Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Receiving Lines
Receiving lines can play a pivotal role in your wedding, ensuring you greet and thank every guest personally.
While not mandatory, they offer a structured and efficient way to connect with attendees, especially at larger weddings.
Receiving Line Basics:
A receiving line isn’t a must-have, but it ensures the bride and groom don’t miss thanking any of their guests, particularly if the wedding includes more than 75 people. It’s also an excellent way for guests to meet the couple's parents and attendants. For smaller weddings, visiting each table during the meal can suffice for greeting, thanking, and chatting with guests.
Receiving lines typically occur at the ceremony site as people exit or when the couple arrives at the reception area after formal pictures. Ideally, the location should allow guests to have refreshments while waiting or allow the line to flow seamlessly into the reception area.
Who’s In Line?
Traditionally, the receiving line includes the wedding hosts first. This is often the bride’s parents, followed by the groom’s parents, the groom, the maid or matron of honor, and one or two bridesmaids who can rotate the duty. Fathers are not required to stand in line and may circulate among guests with the groomsmen. However, if one father participates, the other should too. In military weddings, a groom in uniform stands before his bride as a protocol.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Receiving Line:
Preparation: Inform your guests about the receiving line in advance, perhaps through the wedding program or a sign at the venue.
Timing: Ensure the receiving line doesn’t disrupt the flow of the event. Plan it at a time that won’t interfere with the meal or other key moments.
Efficiency: Keep the line moving smoothly by having ushers or attendants help manage the flow.
