Receiving lines are as much a tradition as the wedding ceremony itself. It was an opportunity for the newlyweds, their parents, and key members of the wedding party to personally welcome their guests and thank them for being part of their special day. It could happen after the ceremony at the church or at the reception that evening (usually during cocktails prior to the main meal). Most of us have either had the experience of standing in line for what seems like forever, waiting for those in front of us to stop talking and move along, or worse yet, actually been in the receiving line as part of the wedding party, shaking numerous hands of people we really don’t know and making small talk as they move along, really just wanting to pass along their good wishes to the bride and groom. Neither could be considered a pleasant experience, but we do it because it follows the rules of etiquette.
More recently, in light of H1N1 and other illnesses, people are questioning the wisdom of having a receiving line. Just think of how many hands you’re shaking, and therefore, how many germs are being spread. Ewww!
Don’t get me wrong! It is still important for the couple to speak with and thank each and every one of their guests for coming, but a more popular option nowadays is for the bride and groom to move from table to table throughout the evening, greeting each guest individually. Sometimes you may even arrange for the photographer to follow you and get a photo of the couple at each table with the guests there just to ensure that you have a picture of everyone. It’s a little more time consuming this way, but I think the conversations are more genuine. An ideal time for this usually is as the couple finishes their meal and before the cake is cut.
If you’re having an ultra formal wedding, you may not be able to escape the receiving line experience, but there are a couple of things you can do to speed it up. As a rule of thumb, if the guest list is over 125 people, then just include the bride and groom, their mothers, and the maid of honor. If the guest list is under 125, you can include more members of the wedding party. It is up to you whether or not the fathers of the bride and groom and the best man join the receiving line, but remember that the less people the guests have to greet, the quicker the line will move.
And make sure you use lots of hand sanitizer….
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More recently, in light of H1N1 and other illnesses, people are questioning the wisdom of having a receiving line. Just think of how many hands you’re shaking, and therefore, how many germs are being spread. Ewww!
Don’t get me wrong! It is still important for the couple to speak with and thank each and every one of their guests for coming, but a more popular option nowadays is for the bride and groom to move from table to table throughout the evening, greeting each guest individually. Sometimes you may even arrange for the photographer to follow you and get a photo of the couple at each table with the guests there just to ensure that you have a picture of everyone. It’s a little more time consuming this way, but I think the conversations are more genuine. An ideal time for this usually is as the couple finishes their meal and before the cake is cut.
If you’re having an ultra formal wedding, you may not be able to escape the receiving line experience, but there are a couple of things you can do to speed it up. As a rule of thumb, if the guest list is over 125 people, then just include the bride and groom, their mothers, and the maid of honor. If the guest list is under 125, you can include more members of the wedding party. It is up to you whether or not the fathers of the bride and groom and the best man join the receiving line, but remember that the less people the guests have to greet, the quicker the line will move.
And make sure you use lots of hand sanitizer….
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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.
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