How to Pass Through a Receiving Line

A receiving line is a traditional wedding ritual which serves an important function. It allows the bride and groom to individually greet each and every guest at their wedding. Most receiving lines are set up immediately following the ceremony and before the reception. Passing through a receiving line with grace is simple, following these easy steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Allow the member of your party who shares the closest relationship to the wedding party to go first. For example, if your spouse is friends with the bride, allow her to go first. This will facilitate introductions along the way.
2. Introduce yourself as soon as you recognize that the person in the receiving line does not know you. Typically the receiving line begins with the bride's parents, so if they don't know who you are, make it easy on them by introducing yourself and your relationship to the wedding party. For example, "Hello, I'm Jane, the groom's sister."
3. Share the names of the other members of your party as well. If you're attending the wedding with your spouse or significant other, introduce them to the bride's parents.
4. Be prepared to repeat introductions further down the receiving line. Typically, the bride's parents pass the information along to the next person in the receiving line, but just in case there's a miscommunication or some confusion, don't be shy about speaking up.
5. Make some nice comments to the specific person in the receiving line that you actually came to wedding to see. For example, if you're the groom's long lost cousin, this might be your only chance to really say hello and that you're glad to be a part of his special day.
6. Limit small talk and chatter in the receiving line if the wedding has more than 100 guests so that everyone can get through. Your conversations should be primarily introductions and compliments about the wedding to most of the members in the receiving line.

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