Are receiving lines still a thing?

Yep, the receiving line is still a thing, and there are still some couples who feel obligated to have one. We’re here today to explain why you don’t need one, and how you can still make sure you welcome each guest who comes to your wedding even without that old tradition in place.

What can I do instead of a receiving line at a wedding?

Receiving Line Alternatives at The Reception Enlist the help of one of the wedding party to assist in carrying the favors for you. Another option is to have guests stand in two lines. The bride and groom then walk up the middle, alternating and shaking hands with guests on both sides of them.

Who should be in the receiving line at a wedding?

Aside from the bride and groom, the receiving line most often includes the parents of the couple in the following order: the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, the newlyweds, the mother of the groom, and the father of the groom.

How long does a wedding receiving line take?

A reminder when meeting royalty: ladies curtsy and gentlemen bow their heads. How long does this all take? Well, the approximate time is 20 seconds for each guest, and the average time for 100 guests to go through a receiving line is 30-45 minutes. For 200 guests, it is 45-60 minutes.

What is recessional wedding?

What Is the Wedding Recessional? The wedding recessional is the order in which the newlywed couple and wedding party exit the ceremony. Just like the processional, there’s a specific order to follow based on the couple’s preference. The recessional begins immediately after the first kiss.

Why is a receiving line important?

Basically, the receiving line gives the newly-wed couple, together with their parents and other important guests, a chance to greet the guests and thank them for attending. It is also an opportunity for the guests to thank the couple for having invited them to their wedding ceremony.

Who exits first after a wedding?

The bride and groom are the first to exit during the recessional. They are then followed by the flower girl and the ring bearer. The maid of honor and best man will then make their way down the aisle, followed by the remaining bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride and groom’s parents will then exit.

Do flower girls walk in recessional?

Recession at Christian Ceremony The flower girl and the ring bearer (if they remained at the altar during the ceremony) come first (if there’s only one or the other, he or she can walk alone), then the maid of honor and the best man, then the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

What wedding guests should say?

Be ready with simple statements including: * “Thank you so much for coming.” * “We’re so glad you made it.” * “It means so much to us for you to be here.”

What does a receiving line mean?

Definition of receiving line : a group of people who stand in a line and individually welcome guests (as at a wedding reception)

Do you need a receiving line for a wedding?

A receiving line really is the best way to be sure that they don’t miss anyone, especially if the wedding is large (more than 75 people). A receiving line is also a great (and efficient) way to be sure that all the guests have a chance to meet the couple’s parents and attendants.

Does the bride and groom have to say thank you?

However, the bride and groom do have to greet and thank each and every one of their guests for coming to their wedding. A receiving line really is the best way to be sure that they don’t miss anyone, especially if the wedding is large (more than 75 people).

Which direction should your reception reception line go?

This is the most common option, as your guests are all in one place and can really only go one way as they head to the reception. The other option is to have your receiving line on the way into cocktail hour.

How many people can sit at a table at a wedding?

There are generally still some rules — self-serve buffets are a no-no, receiving lines should be nixed, tables are limited to six or ten people — but venue owners say they can’t stop anyone from hugging or dancing.