RECEIVING LINE

Receiving Line

Once the official has concluded the ceremony with the pronouncement of marriage, the recessional follows [this is usually in reverse order from the processional]. The maid of honor gives the bride her bouquet and adjusts her train, the bride takes her groom's right arm, and they exit first, with the flower girl and ring bearer following. The maid of honor takes the best man's right arm and they exit next, with the bridesmaids and ushers following in pairs as a symbol of the marital union that has just been formed.

The receiving line may be formed in the vestibule of the church if the clergy so permits, following the order of exit. Or, if the area is small, the receiving line may be done outside (weather permitting). The ushers return to escort mothers, grandmothers, and other older female relatives of the bride and groom, with the bride's parents first. The remaining guests then exit by alternating left and right rows, and may file through the receiving line to offer best wishes and congratulations.

The wedding hosts, typically the bride's parents, head the line. Bride's mother, then father, then groom's mother and father, then bride and groom, and optionally, the bride's honor attendant and other bridesmaids. The best man and ushers, as well as any children in your wedding always mingle and do not stand in the line. Also, the fathers are optional - they can just mingle with the guests rather than stand in line if they prefer. If any parents are divorced, they can stand in the line if they wish, but generally not next to each other (unless they are on good terms with each other and prefer to stand together). If a parent is deceased, you could consider replacing them in line with a grandparent or other honored guest. Stepparents that you are close to may also stand in the receiving line, next to their spouse. The shorter the number of people in line, the less time your guests need to spend here and the sooner your reception can begin.

Keep each greeting short if your line is long. Simply thank each guest for coming and tell them how happy you are to see them. Introduce them to your new spouse if they do not already know them. It is helpful to go over your guest list a day or so before the wedding, so the names are fresh in your mind. If you don't know a guest, or the name escapes you, introduce yourself - he or she should then offer his or her name in return. It is probably easiest if the bride and bridesmaids set their flowers down (out of the way) before receiving guests. Also remove any gloves for handshaking.

If bridal party pictures are to be taken after the ceremony, a receiving line can be set up at the reception site. Food and drinks can be passed out to those waiting in line. A picture board with photos of the bride and groom is a good idea to have at the reception site.