What is it?
2007-01-10 08:23:35 · 9 answers · asked by Jessie006 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Following the ceremony and starting the reception is the tradition receiving line. It includes both sets of parents, the bride and groom, and the honor attendants. They are meant as a way for the bride and groom to thank everyone who attended.
Please do not do one. They take up a great deal of time, are slow, and are awkward.
Here is a very up to date way to do a receiving line:
After you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, have the officiant announce "Please remain seated. The bride and groom will come back into the ceremony and dismiss you." Then you and your husband make your way back up the aisle and begin dismissing rows one at a time starting with your parents. You move from one side to the other, hugging and thanking people as they exit the ceremony.
This is without a doubt the best way to see everyone and avoid the receiving line. It sounds long, but it is light years faster than a receiving line. It takes about 10 minutes and people are seated for it (not standing in line making small talk with the best man as they wait to thank you for the invitation).
Please consider this alternative. It works well everytime.
2007-01-10 08:32:24 · answer #1 · answered by Sweet Susie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They're all correct about what a receiving line is. The main thing to keep in mind is that you want to thank people personally for coming. If you're going to have a large wedding, going table to table will be hard, but I've seen it done. Usually though people leave before the bride and groom get to them and they are a bit miffed. You want to make sure that your guests know that you appreciate them coming (and giving gifts!) so a receiving line is an easy way to make sure you don't miss anyone.
However, it is a much more traditional and formal thing to do. If your wedding is low key and informal, this would be really awkward.
I did a receiving line because a lot of people we didn't know were invited (I have a terrible memory) so I got to hear my parents say the name and cheat a little bit with my greetings. It was also a good option because it gave the videographer and photographer great shots of us with the guests. The main reason though was that our reception was in the same location as our ceremoney (next door) and we used the same chairs. This gave the staff plenty of time to move all the chairs from the ceremony room to the reception hall and for the DJ to set up his equipment.
In the end, it is up to you. You should do what feels natural and expresses the two of you the best.
2007-01-11 05:11:00 · answer #2 · answered by hotdoggiegirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A receiving line is the wedding party, including parents, stand and greet all of the guests as they arrive at the reception. This is great if you are having a small wedding reception, but can be very tiring for the guests as well as the wedding party if there are a lot of wedding guests to meet and greet.
2007-01-10 08:32:41 · answer #3 · answered by btij06 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could do it at the end of the night instead of the start. At lots of weddings I have been too the guests all link hands to form a tunnel that the bride and groom walk through to exit the reception. It's fun and a lot less formal than the receiving line.
2007-01-10 12:25:48 · answer #4 · answered by Charlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the bride and groom wedding party and parents of the wed stand in a line and all th\e guests give best wishes and good luck, kiss, hug and shake hands. It is usually jdone at the church after the wedding or at the reception hall before everyone enters.
2007-01-10 09:16:21 · answer #5 · answered by Question Addict 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its right after the ceremony the bride groom wedding party and parents line up where the receive the first congratulation from all the guests.
2007-01-10 08:31:39 · answer #6 · answered by jennababe_68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A receiving line is where the wedding party thanks all the guest for coming to the wedding. Usually, it is done right after the wedding.
2007-01-10 08:52:56 · answer #7 · answered by traysea303 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweet Susie had a great answer/idea. I plan on talking to my fiance about it. I'd really like to do it. Sweet Susie: I have a question. Do you mean, after the ceremony, the couple walks all the way down the isle to the back of the church and then walk back up and then greet everyone? Why walk all the way out?? Why not just do the thank you's as you walk down the isle the first time? Just curious exactly how this works!! IT'S AN AWESOME IDEA!
2007-01-10 10:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by Sue A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bride and groom,meeting the guests after the wedding at reception,,
2007-01-10 08:32:55 · answer #9 · answered by tnedutsmp .rM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋