The Rules to Greeting Your Wedding Guests

There’s a reason why, as other wedding customs come and go, receiving lines have remained popular. Receiving lines are the best way to make sure you have a chance to speak to all of your guests individually, and it allows them to offer their best wishes on your new life together. Receiving lines are a must for a large wedding (etiquette dictates that all weddings with more than 50 guests include the line), and are usually held immediately after the ceremony, and before the reception.

Most receiving lines are held at the house of worship, either in the vestibule or the front steps. Chose a place that has good ventilation and is not cramped. You can also hold your receiving line at the reception, at the entrance to the site. The house of worship is a more popular option, as you might want to take photographs before you head to the reception. Also, all introductions and well-wishes have been taken care of before the party starts.

The receiving line should take no longer than about 20 minutes, with you and your spouse exchanging a few words with each guest. To keep things moving, it’s wise to enlist a bridesmaid or relative to stand close to you in line, and to grab anyone’s attention who won’t leave your side. Tradition says that the bride’s parents (as hosts) head the line, followed by the bride and groom. The groom’s parents are next. Many couples also include members of the bridal party.  You may also stand alone, should you wish, or with just the moms.

Divorced parents should not stand next to each other (even if they are still close, some guests will assume they are still married); instead, have your Mom on one side of you, then, on the other side, his parents, and then your dad. Stepparents can be included if you are close to them. It’s okay to be creative; remember, the whole point is to meet-and-greet. Before you nix Mom and Dad, however, remember that the more people next to you, the less of a chance you have of getting stuck not knowing the name of a distant relative.

If your wedding is small, or you frown on the idea of a receiving line, make sure you find a way to meet each individual who is invited to your wedding. Don’t wait until the end of the night; show up at the reception site, and take a quick walk around the room, mingling with each guest for a few minutes. Once that’s finished, you can relax and get the party started.

-David Toussaint

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