Wedding Receiving Line Etiquette?Greeting Your Guests with Style

Even though it's a great tradition with a long history, some couples choose not to greet their guests in a receiving line fearing that this might take too long. Frank Gregoli, a top New York party planner says realistically, one should allow 30 minutes for every 100 people in the line.

If this time allotment fits within your plans and you'd like to be certain that you personally welcome and thank each of your guests, read on.

Know the Basics

Being familiar with the basics of what a receiving line is all about will immediately help you to feel comfortable with this elegant formality.

Exactly when and where the receiving line is formed is really based upon your particular situation. In general, people like to form their line either in the vestibule right after the ceremony or at the entrance to the reception area.

With the exception of the groom, this is really a lady's affair. Here's the lineup: first in line is the bride's mother, followed by the bride, the groom and, next to him, his mother.

Dads, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and children in the wedding party generally are not a part of the receiving line. If for some reason you choose to include any of these people, keep in mind that every person you add will cause the line to proceed slower.

Short and Sweet

Once everyone is in position, the rule should be to keep greetings brief yet warm and sincere. This will avoid a bottleneck. If there is time before your wedding day, review your list of guests with the groom and parents. A little homework never hurts.

Since your mother and you are the first in line, it's expected that relatives and friends of his side of the family will introduce themselves to each of you. As your relatives and friends proceed, you should introduce them to the groom and his mother.

Include the Pleasantries

Consider adding a few pleasantries if your receiving line will not be in a house of worship. This will liven up everyone's mood, get conversations going, and make waiting in line easier for your guests. For instance, you could: Include music-Have the band or your dj positioned close enough so that there is music in the background. Plan ahead though. You don't want to have to take time to make these arrangements at the last moment. Pass the tray-Ask your caterer to set hors d'oeuvres and champagne on a table nearby or have a waiter offer these on a tray.

Receiving Guests Like a Pro

There are always instances where, for one reason or another, a person's name is not ready to roll off your tongue. You can handle these moments as if you've been in receiving lines all your life by saying something like: "I'm so glad you came. (Groom's name) and I hope you'll have a wonderful time." Or you could say, "It's great to see you again. Please say hello to my husband, (Groom's name)." Or "Thank you so much for coming. (Groom's name) and I feel lucky to be with so many good friends."

About the Author

Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, founder of Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and return address labels, visit Bachcroft Mailing and Return Address Labels and Aloha Return Address Labels.

For bargains and bargain shopping articles, visit Town and Country Shopping Bargains.

CBS News
Gay wedding cards from Hallmark: No rainbows please
WalletPop, VA - 3 hours ago
And besides, Hallmark doesn't make cards to celebrate gay marriage, right? As of this summer, wrong. Lots of my friends are driving down to California to ...
Signs of the Times: Hallmark Introduces Gay Marriage Cards The Gay Financial Network
Hallmark Increases Gay Marriage Cards Local10.com
Now on the Hallmark aisle: Gay marriage cards LocalNews8.com
WAPT - Gay Wiredall 440 news articles

PinkNews.co.uk
Oregon tribe recognizes same-sex marriage
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 1 hour ago
... based on the southern Oregon coast, recently adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage, and its first such wedding is set for next spring. ...
New tribal law allows couple to plan wedding The Register-Guard
Ore. tribe approves same-sex marriages The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
Ore. tribe approves same-sex marriages KTVZ
all 22 news articles

www.thedailygoss.com
Sir Bob Geldof 'gives Peaches marriage his blessing'
Now Magazine Online, UK - 17 hours ago
Sir Bob Geldof is said to have called a truce with Peaches Geldof over her shock wedding to Max Drummey. The socialite wed the American musician in Las ...
Pictured: Peaches finally spends some time with new husband Max ... Daily Mail
Bob Geldof finally blesses rebel daughter Peaches’ run away marriage Newspost Online
Peaches Geldof and Bob Geldof make up after marriage row Fametastic
AHN - Daily Starall 245 news articles

The Associated Press
Now on the Hallmark aisle: Gay marriage cards
The Associated Press - 15 hours ago
The language inside the cards is neutral, with no mention of wedding or marriage, making them also suitable for a commitment ceremony. ...

ABC News
Ellen Degeneres Hopes To Inspire Equal Rights With Portia De Rossi ...
Showbiz Spy, UK - 11 hours ago
Talk show queen ELLEN DeGENERES hopes her marriage to actress PORTIA DE ROSSI will inspire generations to become more open-minded about same-sex unions. ...
Video: Stars Celebrate DeGeneres, De Rossi Nuptials AssociatedPress
Newlywed de Rossi's 'most beautiful day' The Australian
CBS ‘Early Show’: Guns ‘Controversial,’ Not Gay Marriage NewsBusters
RTE.ie - San Jose Mercury Newsall 236 news articles

Wedding jitters? Try Kismat Konnection
Times of India, India - 15 hours ago
Sonali (name changed on request) says, "I have been in love with a man for four years, but our parents are apprehensive about our marriage as our horoscopes ...

Gay couples use weddings to wage ballot fight
Gay and Lesbian Times, CA - 3 hours ago
“Nobody wants to be political about their wedding day,” said McKay, media director for Marriage Equality USA. “But we have to do double duty. ...

Dallas Morning News
True Romance: Hesitation, elopement launched a 60-year marriage
Dallas Morning News, TX - 6 hours ago
They have six grandchildren and five great-grandkids, all of whom helped them celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The secret for a successful marriage ...

The Wedding Issue
Gay and Lesbian Times, CA - 3 hours ago
After all, a recent study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law calculated that same-sex marriage will bring nearly $700 million to the ...
Hallmark Issues Gay Wedding Cards, Sky Not Yet Fallen California Majority Report
all 5 news articles

Justin (finally) talks about Britney and marriage
Los Angeles Times, CA - 13 hours ago
If he stalls about a wedding date, do not be fooled into thinking he needs more time. You're really breaking up! Photo credit: Justin and Britney in happier ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Enhancing Communication in Marriage