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The Receiving Line
Administration 14 November, 2007 02:00:18 | 1094 times read
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When, Where, How and Why
WHAT IS A RECEIVING LINE?
A receiving line basically breaks down to you meeting and greeting all of your guests before the start of the reception.
WHY HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
By meeting and greeting all of your guests before the reception begins the Bride, Groom, their parents and Wedding Guests will have more time to celebrate at the reception. Without a receiving line you Brides, Grooms and their parents may find themselves tied up throughout the reception just saying hello and goodbye to everyone throughout the night. And although you?re happy that your guests attended this can be a nuisance. So the answer? the Receiving line.
IS IT MANDITORY TO HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
Not always depending on the number of guests that will be in attendance. Small wedding with fewer than fifty guests probably would not need a receiving line per say. Fifty is a small enough number that you could still meet and greet without the formality of a receiving line.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
This question totally depends on the Bride and Groom and the circumstances of the wedding day. The following points cover many situations and things to consider. You can probably choose the one best for you based on these suggestions and tips:
1) If there is not a gap in time between your Wedding and Reception (if guests will be going to the reception immediately following the ceremony) we recommend that you have the receiving line right after the ceremony.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER ~ If you plan to have your photographer take photos after the ceremony a receiving line may not be practical. Photos can take anywhere from 10 min to Ѕ hour after the ceremony. This happens when Brides and Grooms do not want to see each other before the ceremony. This means that Brides and Grooms will have to have photos of them together after the ceremony. This takes a little time and can delay your arrival at the reception.
TIP: If the above describes your situation than you will want to make your comments at the receiving line short. "Hello, how are you? Thank you so much for coming. I will see you at the reception." Guests will understand your briefness. In addition guest will be arriving at the reception 45 minutes to an hour ahead of you. Make sure to have the bar open and some sort of light snacks during this time for the guests.
2) If there is going to be a wide time gap between the Wedding and Reception (Wedding at 1:00 PM ? Reception at 6:00 PM) you can always have your receiving line at the reception. This can actually work in your favor due to the fact that usually more people will attend your reception than were at the actual ceremony. The Key is to arrive before all of your guests do and greet them at the door of the reception facility. Again you may be standing there for an hour greeting so make sure to have the bar open and light snacks if possible.
TIP: Always prepare for in climate weather when planning out your Wedding and Receptions. If a receiving ling will be held outside of a Church or Reception Facility you would be wise to have a back up plan in case the weather does not cooperate.
These are just two examples and things to think about when it comes to the Receiving line.
WHO STANDS IN THE RECEIVING LINE?
Traditionally there are more people than just the Bride and Groom that meet and greet guests in the receiving line. You should also include parents and Wedding Party (optional).
Following is the customary order of the wedding party in the receiving line:
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Bride (optional)
Mother of the Groom
Father of the Groom (optional)
Bride
Groom
Matron of honor (optional)
Maid of Honor (optional)
Bridesmaids (optional)
WHAT IS A RECEIVING LINE?
A receiving line basically breaks down to you meeting and greeting all of your guests before the start of the reception.
WHY HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
By meeting and greeting all of your guests before the reception begins the Bride, Groom, their parents and Wedding Guests will have more time to celebrate at the reception. Without a receiving line you Brides, Grooms and their parents may find themselves tied up throughout the reception just saying hello and goodbye to everyone throughout the night. And although you?re happy that your guests attended this can be a nuisance. So the answer? the Receiving line.
IS IT MANDITORY TO HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
Not always depending on the number of guests that will be in attendance. Small wedding with fewer than fifty guests probably would not need a receiving line per say. Fifty is a small enough number that you could still meet and greet without the formality of a receiving line.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE HAVE A RECEIVING LINE?
This question totally depends on the Bride and Groom and the circumstances of the wedding day. The following points cover many situations and things to consider. You can probably choose the one best for you based on these suggestions and tips:
1) If there is not a gap in time between your Wedding and Reception (if guests will be going to the reception immediately following the ceremony) we recommend that you have the receiving line right after the ceremony.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER ~ If you plan to have your photographer take photos after the ceremony a receiving line may not be practical. Photos can take anywhere from 10 min to Ѕ hour after the ceremony. This happens when Brides and Grooms do not want to see each other before the ceremony. This means that Brides and Grooms will have to have photos of them together after the ceremony. This takes a little time and can delay your arrival at the reception.
TIP: If the above describes your situation than you will want to make your comments at the receiving line short. "Hello, how are you? Thank you so much for coming. I will see you at the reception." Guests will understand your briefness. In addition guest will be arriving at the reception 45 minutes to an hour ahead of you. Make sure to have the bar open and some sort of light snacks during this time for the guests.
2) If there is going to be a wide time gap between the Wedding and Reception (Wedding at 1:00 PM ? Reception at 6:00 PM) you can always have your receiving line at the reception. This can actually work in your favor due to the fact that usually more people will attend your reception than were at the actual ceremony. The Key is to arrive before all of your guests do and greet them at the door of the reception facility. Again you may be standing there for an hour greeting so make sure to have the bar open and light snacks if possible.
TIP: Always prepare for in climate weather when planning out your Wedding and Receptions. If a receiving ling will be held outside of a Church or Reception Facility you would be wise to have a back up plan in case the weather does not cooperate.
These are just two examples and things to think about when it comes to the Receiving line.
WHO STANDS IN THE RECEIVING LINE?
Traditionally there are more people than just the Bride and Groom that meet and greet guests in the receiving line. You should also include parents and Wedding Party (optional).
Following is the customary order of the wedding party in the receiving line:
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Bride (optional)
Mother of the Groom
Father of the Groom (optional)
Bride
Groom
Matron of honor (optional)
Maid of Honor (optional)
Bridesmaids (optional)
PRE-PLANNING