Wedding Notes ™

Do I need a receiving line?

We hear some of our brides say that they are

not going to have a receiving line. They think that

they are outmoded and awkward and “no longer

needed”.

Unfortunately in our more casual society, many

people see receiving lines as being “too formal”.

We don’t see it that way and urge brides to

reconsider that position. Until someone comes

up with a substitute that would allow all guests to

be greeted on arrival and departure, a receiving

line should be formed. Your reception is a huge

party given by your family to celebrate a significant

milestone in your life. You have invited guests

to help you celebrate. The least you can do is to

greet them as they arrive. It is not really helpful

to say that you will see them all at some time during

the reception. Believe us,“making the rounds”

really doesn’t work.

Once the wine flows and the food is served,

both the bride and groom, the host and hostess

and the guests find themselves involved in conversations.

This usually makes it impossible to

circulate and speak to every guest. We can guarantee

that some of those not reached will leave

feeling slighted.

In addition to the receiving line, to make sure

that every guest is at least acknowledged, plan to

salute them in a single gesture by toasting them.

The bride and the groom should both offer a

toast to the guests who have come to help them

celebrate this very important day. You may offer

the toast as a couple or each of you may offer a

few words. You may give this toast during the

meal (the best) or just before you cut the cake.

But the best plan is to have a receiving line —

at either the church or the reception. Insist that

both sets of parents,or at least both mothers, join

you and the groom and greet every person as

they either leave the church or enter the reception.