Receiving Line

Question

Do you have to have a line? We really wanted to take the time to enjoy our wedding instead of being stuck in line ALL night, but others thought it was impolite because that was their only chance to say congratulations. Could a wedding table serve the same purpose and people come to the table?
~Brittany

Answer

You really should have a receiving line. When there is no official line and the couple
is walking through the crowd, or seated at a table the whole time, it doesn’t give all the guests an opportunity to congratulate the couple. It is very important to give your guests this opportunity. You may think that you are more approachable walking around or seated at a table, than in a line. That’s ridiculous! Normal, polite people, who are your parents’ friends, won’t interrupt a conversation you are having just to say, “Hello, I’m an obscure person to you, but I had to buy you a gift and drive all the way down here because I love your mom and dad.” So find a place to stand still to greet your guests who have taken time out of their own busy lives to celebrate this amazing time of your life.

You don’t have to have a receiving line for the entirety of your reception. If you want a chance to mingle, eat, dance or just sit down, at your reception, you can indicate so on the invitation by stating, “Receiving line from 6:00–7:30 p.m., Dancing from 7:30–8:30 p.m.” Or some-such. A great way to handle the ending of a formal receiving line is to send a bridesmaid or groomsman to the end of the line of guests entering and let newcomers know that the receiving line is closing and that they can just go right into the reception.