Bridesmaids' Role: Receiving Line Etiquette For Bridesmaids

A wedding receiving line is a traditional way for the couple and the hosts of the wedding to greet their guests individually. It is a way to ensure that the newlyweds have face-to-face time with every guest and can personally thank them for attending. While it is not a requirement, it is considered good etiquette for the couple to greet and thank their guests, and a receiving line is an efficient way to do so, especially for larger weddings. The receiving line usually includes the couple, their parents, and the maid of honour, with bridesmaids and best men as optional.

Receiving lines are not required but are a good way to greet guests

Receiving lines are not a requirement at weddings, but they are a great way to greet guests and ensure you don't miss anyone. Here are some reasons why you might consider having a receiving line:

Efficiency and Thoroughness

A receiving line is an efficient way to greet a large number of guests, especially if your wedding has more than 75 people. It ensures that you have face-to-face time with every guest and gives them an opportunity to meet your parents and attendants. This can be more challenging to achieve by visiting each table during the meal, which is an alternative approach for smaller weddings.

Timing and Convenience

The receiving line can be held at two convenient times: either at the ceremony site as people exit, or as soon as the couple reaches the reception site. If held at the reception, it can flow into the reception area, or guests can be offered refreshments while they wait their turn. Another option is to greet guests as they arrive at the cocktail hour or before they enter the reception, though this may cause a bottleneck.

Formality and Tradition

While receiving lines may seem like a formal or old-fashioned tradition, they are still valued by many guests and cultures as a formal opportunity to greet and thank the hosts. It is considered good manners and proper etiquette to personally thank and acknowledge your guests at some point, and a receiving line ensures you don't miss anyone.

Flexibility and Customisation

The receiving line can be customised to fit your wedding. Traditionally, the bride and groom, their parents, and the maid of honour would be included, but it is not required to have everyone. The bridal party, fathers of the couple, and bridesmaids are optional and can take turns or circulate among the guests. If divorced parents are included, they should not stand next to each other in the line.

In summary, while receiving lines are not mandatory, they offer a structured and efficient way to greet and thank your guests, ensuring you don't miss anyone. This tradition can be adapted to suit your wedding size, timing, and level of formality, providing a memorable opportunity to connect with your guests.

The bride and groom must greet and thank all guests

The bride and groom must greet and thank all their guests, and a receiving line is a great way to ensure this happens. It is an old-fashioned tradition, but it is a formal and efficient way to guarantee face-to-face time with every guest.

A receiving line is usually formed at the end of the ceremony, at the start of the cocktail hour, or at the beginning of the reception. The couple, the wedding hosts, and key family members stand in a row, and guests line up to greet them. It is an opportunity for the couple to thank each guest for attending and to introduce their new spouse to those they might not have met before.

The receiving line can be a quick way to greet guests, but it can also be time-consuming, especially if there are more than 75 people at the wedding. It is also a more formal approach, which may not suit all couples. If a couple chooses not to have a receiving line, they can greet guests at each table during the meal, give a short toast at the beginning of the reception, or greet guests as they arrive at the cocktail hour.

The receiving line is usually formed by the couple, the hosts of the wedding (traditionally the bride's mother, followed by her father, the groom's mother, and the groom's father), and the maid or matron of honour. One or two bridesmaids can also be included, and they can take turns. Groomsmen are not usually included in the receiving line. If the fathers are included, both sets of fathers should be present, or neither. In a military wedding, the groom, in uniform, stands before the bride.

The receiving line is held at the ceremony site or reception area

The receiving line is a wedding tradition where the couple and the hosts greet each guest individually. It is a great way to ensure that the newlyweds have face-to-face time with every guest and give them the opportunity to thank their guests personally. The receiving line is usually held at the ceremony site as people exit the service or at the reception site as guests arrive.

If you choose to have a receiving line at your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide who will stand in the receiving line. Traditionally, the receiving line includes the parents of the couple, the newlyweds, and the maid of honour. However, the bridal party and fathers of the couple are optional and can instead circulate among the guests. If you have divorced or remarried parents, you may want to adjust the order of the receiving line to avoid any awkwardness.

Another thing to consider is the timing of the receiving line. It is usually held immediately following the ceremony, either at the ceremony site or at the entrance to the reception. If you choose to have the receiving line at the reception, it is important to get there before your guests so that you can greet them as they arrive. Keep in mind that this option may cause a bottleneck, especially if you have a large number of guests.

To make the receiving line run smoothly, it is recommended to keep the conversations short and sweet. This will help to keep the line moving and ensure that all guests have a chance to greet the couple. It is also a good idea to provide refreshments for guests waiting in line and a table for them to place their drinks and plates before going through the line.

Overall, the receiving line is a great way to greet and thank your guests, especially if you have a large wedding. By holding the receiving line at the ceremony site or reception area, you can ensure that all your guests have a chance to offer their congratulations and well wishes.

Groomsmen are not required to be in the receiving line

The receiving line is usually held at the end of the ceremony, as guests are exiting the service or entering the reception area. It can also be held at the start of the cocktail hour. The line typically includes the parents of the couple, the newlyweds, and any key family members. The fathers of the couple can choose to be in the receiving line or to circulate among the guests with the groomsmen.

The receiving line is a wedding tradition that is becoming less common as couples opt for more modern and personalised celebrations. It can be a formal and old-fashioned practice that may not fit the tone of every wedding. Additionally, it can be time-consuming and take away from the couple's enjoyment of their own celebration.

If you decide to forgo the receiving line, there are alternative ways to greet and thank your guests. You can give a short toast at the beginning of the reception, go table to table during dinner, or greet guests as they arrive at the cocktail hour. These options allow you to connect with your guests without the formality and structure of a traditional receiving line.

Ultimately, the decision to include groomsmen in the receiving line is up to the couple. However, it is important to remember that the receiving line is an opportunity to show gratitude to your guests and ensure that no one feels left out, especially with larger weddings.

Divorced parents should not stand next to each other in the receiving line

A receiving line is a wedding tradition where the couple and the hosts of the wedding greet each guest individually. It is a great way to ensure that the newlyweds have face-to-face time with every guest and a chance to thank them for attending. While it may seem like an old-fashioned tradition, it is an efficient way to greet guests, especially if there are over 75 people at the wedding.

If you have divorced parents, it is best to avoid having them stand next to each other in the receiving line. This can be awkward for them and for guests, and it is generally recommended to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations. If your parents get along, you can alternate them in the line, such as having the mother of the bride stand with her spouse, followed by the father of the bride with his spouse, and so on. If there is animosity between your divorced parents, it is best to omit them from the receiving line altogether and have them mingle with the guests instead.

If either of your parents is remarried, whether or not you include their new spouse in the receiving line depends on your relationship with your stepparent. If you are close to your stepparent and you know that your parents will be comfortable with the arrangement, you can invite them to stand by your parent's side. On the other hand, if you are not close to your stepparent or think that the situation may become uncomfortable, it is best to politely ask them to mix and mingle with the guests.

Remember, the most important thing is to respect everyone involved and try to avoid any potential conflicts. You can also seek the help of a wedding planner or another neutral family member to assist with seating arrangements and introductions, ensuring that everyone feels included and respected.

Frequently asked questions