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.
![]() Google News Updated : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:51:06 GMT Many homers, and pitches, in Game 2 - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com ST. PETERSBURG -- Five hours and 27 minutes elapsed during Saturday's American League Championship Series Game 2, bookending the moments when Scott Kazmir threw the game's first pitch over home plate and BJ Upton popped its ... Up, up, and away Mike Timlin shoulders blame Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:22:57 GMT Japan says will tap FX reserve if IMF steps up bailout - Reuters
Reuters - WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Japan said on Saturday it is ready to offer a part of its $1 trillion foreign reserves to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if the multi-national lender is to support countries facing economic crisis. Video: IMF: Timing right for G7 IMF Calls for Aggressive Response to Crisis Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 05:32:02 GMT American space tourist blasts off in Soyuz rocket - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (AP) - A Soyuz spacecraft with two Americans and a Russian on board lifted off from Kazakhstan on Sunday for the international space station. Space Toilet Fixed – For Now Russia launches spacecraft with sixth space tourist Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:11:37 GMT Theatrical Review of Body of Lies - DVDTOWN.com DVDTOWN.com - By Jason P. Vargo "Body of Lies" is a certain type of movie designed for a certain type of moviegoer. I think the tagline describes the movie perfectly, actually. Will 'Chihuahua' take a bite out of 'Body of Lies'? Body of Lies Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:19:39 GMT Van driver's work in Mass. aided Nobel winners - Boston Globe
Boston Globe - HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—When two American scientists won a Nobel Prize this week in chemistry, the driver of a car dealership's courtesy van had reason to take special interest. Video: Nobel Chemistry Prize Goes for Jellyfish Protein Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:14:18 GMT McCain campaign's tone likened to George Wallace's - Newsday
Newsday - WASHINGTON - Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere segregationist Gov. McCain in 'hatred' war of words Obama thanks, jabs at McCain Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:27:11 GMT ARM Holders Would Do Well to Shop Around Now - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Nancy Trejos The global financial crisis has affected virtually every aspect of personal finance, from mortgages to student loans to credit cards to retirement savings. Finance giants reportedly ordered to buy $40 bln of mortgage bonds ... Fannie, Freddie to Buy $40 Billion a Month of Troubled Assets Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:07:17 GMT Increase Web Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Marriage and Attraction: Relation is successful as long as there... Read More As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult... Read More Imagine the following scenario. Your spouse has given you an... Read More Arranged marriages have been a topic of interest for centuries.... Read More Your Wedding Favors are a little bit of your wedding... Read More There is an overwhelming demand for high quality, custom stationery... Read More Your wedding vows are the words that will forever remain... Read More How much should you spend on a diamond engagement ring?$100?$1000?How... Read More If you are in the process of design a wedding... Read More Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More Rounding up the guys to devour some barbecued red meat... Read More He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement... Read More Your groomsmen will be donating their time to your big... Read More When it comes to marriage, there are things that you... Read More Getting hitched, taking the plunge, tying the knot, jumping the... Read More A dynamic that prevents real connection in a relationship is... Read More When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as... Read More Bridal showers are one of many pre-wedding parties and are... Read More No matter how well you plan all the aspects of... Read More With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire... Read More Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More You have begun to plan your wedding and you want... Read More If there are wedding bells in your future, then surely... Read More
Adsense
websites
Marriage Dreams When Fails!
The History of the White Wedding Dress
How You Answer This Question Can Change Your Marriage
The Reality of Arranged Marriages
Wedding Favors
3 Emerging Trends In Custom Invitations
Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
The Engagement Ring Bling
Wedding Web Site Design - How to Design a Wedding Site That Others Will Rave About
The Perfect Wedding Budget
Bachelor Party Planning - The Ultimate Weekend Trip with the Guys
Engagement Party Ideas To Wow The Crowd!
Groomsmens Gifts
The Most Important Things In Marriage
Bridal Budget Beware
How to Avoid Destructive Dynamics in Your Marriage
A Honeymoon Like No Other
Why You Should Buy that Wedding Gift from the Gift Registry - OR, the Wedding Gifts from Hell!
Wedding Anniversary Symbols
A Wedding Shower Checklist
Wedding Reception Made for You
Free Wedding Planning Guide and Checklist
Wedding Shower Favors
Wedding Dresses - What To Wear
Are Wedding Decorations Waiting in Your Future?
Candles, rose petals, satin, succulent foods, perfume-you're probably already familiar... Read More
1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or... Read More
Tina Turner asked an important question in the title of... Read More
When it comes to response/RSVP cards, the goal is to... Read More
Your wedding flowers cover all button holes, all the bouquets,... Read More
These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More
The purpose of a wedding shower is to celebrate the... Read More
Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the... Read More
Wedding photography is an evolving field that requires artistic talent,... Read More
In 2004' Rockland Maine celebrated its 150th anniversary, yet very... Read More
Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the... Read More
A 50th anniversary gift commemorates a milestone most married couples... Read More
Well you may not become a billionaire or even a... Read More
You hear them at champagne-flowing parties. You hear them in... Read More
When it comes to wedding music, there are some choices... Read More
Planning a wedding of any size or budget can have... Read More
Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More
All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More
A wedding is one of life's major rites of passage.... Read More
One of the most elegant rituals you can choose for... Read More
You have to start with a thorough to do list... Read More
The biggest problem long-distance spouses often face is how to... Read More
So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under... Read More
He ? or she ? asked, and you answered in... Read More
Save the Date Cards are announcements that inform your guests... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |