The Benefits of a Receiving Line

Monday, 28 September 2009 10:29 am by Truly Engaging

receiving line

Yay for receiving lines! I’m a big fan… Receiving lines are momentary one-on-ones with your guests where you have this wonderful opportunity to meet, greet, and thank each one for their presence at your celebrated day! And, it’s their moment in the sun with you~ to congratulate you and complement you. We as guests love this! It’s also one of the rare opportunities of the day, to actually slow down and take it all in.

Think about this… if you’ve already momentarily met with all your family and friends on the front end of the celebration, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your reception. No guilt and no regrets that you didn’t get to greet everyone! Of course there will be stragglers, but you won’t be inundated.

Planning for a Reception Line

1. Figure 30 seconds per person x the number of guests

2. Decide where: {after the ceremony, beginning of the reception, during cocktail hour}

3. Ask about time constraints {is there a ceremony following yours?}

4. Talk with your photog about incorporating this into your pkg.

5. Plan for how the line should form {in the interest of space and/or inclement weather}

Receiving Line Order:

Most traditional: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Bride, Groom, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids {men are greeting}

Less traditional: Parents of Bride, Bride, Groom and Parents of Groom, Honor attendants, wedding party
If you have lots of guests, it’s probably best to keep your receiving line as small as possible and not include the wedding party

And while no one likes lines~ especially long lines, just get creative in this area! If there are lots of guests and it works with your venue, consider offering refreshments along the way. Simple snacks that are easy to eat and drink. Nothing to carry. You could also string pictures {acts as a line guide too} for them to look at while they’re waiting or have easels set up along the way with all kinds of pictures~ a collage and history of family and friends with the bride and groom. A Who’s Who and a Where’s Waldo of sorts… that will keep them entertained!

Consider having a receiving line. And hopefully you’ll never have to utter a phrase like… “Oh no! I didn’t get to meet your cousin who came all the way from North Dakota.”

I say.. plan for a receiving line. What do you say?

Image mbaylor

Categories: Resources

7 Responses

Jen :

Date: September 28, 2009 @ 11:34 am

I completely agree with some kind of one-on-one time with guests, whether it’s a receiving line outside the church or maybe you escort them out of the pews instead of the ushers. The couple should be able to see and talk to all guests who came to share their joy, if even for 30 seconds or so.
Christy :

Date: September 28, 2009 @ 8:30 pm

I plan to dismiss each pew of the church, starting at the front – this gives us the chance to see everyone, and they can get set up outside for the bubbles and our exit!
Brita :

Date: September 29, 2009 @ 10:42 am

I thought receiving lines were dead and gone. Since moving to Texas, not one of the four weddings I’ve attended had one. My wedding (a few years ago in MN) was outside, so we waited until we arrived at the reception hall to do it in the A/C. Appetizers and drinks were available for the guests at the same time.
Truly Engaging :

Date: September 29, 2009 @ 11:02 am

@Brita Texas, we need to chat!
like how you kept the comforts of your guests in mind… having your line in the a.c. and with refreshments!
Truly Engaging :

Date: September 29, 2009 @ 11:05 am

@Christy Nice! I like this idea.
Truly Engaging :

Date: September 29, 2009 @ 11:06 am

@Jen! Thanks Jen. Face time with each guest is so important.
Nalie :

Date: September 29, 2009 @ 11:56 am

Thanks for the post! It was something I didn’t put a lot of thought into yet. But definitely seems a must, especially because we plan to have lots of people on each side whom one or the other significant may not have met yet.