Receiving Line Etiquette

Whether you've invited a few guests or a few hundred, you'll want to let them know you're glad they've come. You'll also want to let them see you up close to congratulate you and your new spouse. This is where the receiving line comes in.

A receiving line guarantees your guests a minute of face-to-face time with you on your wedding day. With the more casual greet-them-as-you-see-them approach, you may spend the whole party cutting conversations short to say hello to people you haven't greeted yet.

The receiving line can take place either after the ceremony or at the beginning of the reception.

The receiving line can take place outside the ceremony site's doors, in the hallway, on the front porch, or near the reception party room -- by the doors, cocktail lounge, or lobby.

Traditionally, the bride's parents head the receiving line and are first to greet your guests. The newlyweds stand beside them, followed by the groom's parents. You can also include your honor attendants.

While standing in the receiving line, you should introduce your new spouse and your parents to all the guests they have not met. Accept the congrats, hugs, and kisses and thank everyone for coming. It's that simple.

If you have fewer than 50 guests, you can turn the cocktail hour into a meet and greet instead of a formal receiving line. It's a very casual atmosphere that lets you introduce your guests to more people.

At large formal receptions, an announcer stands at the beginning of the receiving line. He asks the name of each guest who appears, then gives it to the bride's mother so she can make the necessary introductions.