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Savvy October 2019

Receiving Line?

Aimee, on July 19, 2019 at 1:20 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 16

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I’m leaning toward not having a receiving line and would’ve ruled it out already except my parents really want one. However, everyone I’ve talked to who has had a receiving line recommended not having one since it takes forever and often even longer than you plan for. We’re having ~160 people, which I think could take the whole cocktail hour! Our ceremony and reception are at the same venue with no gap, so to me it feels like a waste of time. Plus we’re purposely doing a first look because FH and I want to enjoy the cocktail hour with our guests. My parents argue that they want the receiving line to meet people on FH’s side they don’t know, which I understand, but I thought maybe they could walk around cocktail hour and do the same thing. Why keep everyone away from cocktail hour to stand on a line? Anyone here have a reason why a receiving line is worth it? Thanks!

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16 Comments

Latest activity by Lady, on July 23, 2019 at 1:28 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on July 19, 2019 at 2:06 PM
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So we had entrance photos which is where we stand there and greet guests and take a pic with them if they choose. And man it TAKES FOREVER. But I do admit it's kind of nice because likely you won't socialize with all those people anymore during the wedding so getting to greet them is like being able to have a little moment with them
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Master May 2021
Cristy · on July 19, 2019 at 2:28 PM
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I think a receiving line is a totally outdated thing for weddings. Especially since you're planning to do a first look, so you can be present for most, if not all, of your cocktail hour. That's where your parents can meet all of FHs family. A receiving line is a waste of time!! Plus your bridal party will be completely bored after the first 15 minutes. Why do they need to stand there? It's not their wedding! I say go with your idea, and mom and dad will get over it. Maybe you and FH could make a special effort during cocktail hour to introduce your parents to some people, and get the ball rolling.
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Master May 2019
Cyndy · on July 19, 2019 at 2:34 PM
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Personally I hate receiving lines even as a guest. Nobody wants to stand in line to say hi. They can see you during the reception. You can go to each table and talk to people.
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VIP August 2019
Alicia · on July 19, 2019 at 3:05 PM
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I agree with this completely. If you make sure to mingle with your guests at the cocktail hour and reception, there is no point in a receiving line. I've been to more and more weddings that opt out of the receiving line and we aren't doing it, either.
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Master October 2020
Mandi · on July 19, 2019 at 4:45 PM
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So... I'm a little confused. How would a recieving line help them meet his family? I've only seen the bride and groom, and the bridal party feeling awkward in a receiving line. Your family, nor his family would be in it.
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Devoted August 2019
Amanda · on July 19, 2019 at 4:57 PM
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My mom pushed for a recieveing line but everyone has advised me against it. So I gave my mom a firm no! It's so hard when planning butbyou have to stick to your guns. Your mom will meet a lot of the important people at the rehearsal dinner if you're having one and like you said she can introduce herself at cocktail hour or the reception
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Super May 2020
Michaela · on July 19, 2019 at 5:52 PM
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I've actually only ever seen bride groom and parents in receiving lines. Never the wedding party. No one wants to meet them anyways lol. If we do a receiving line, it will just be us, no parents. That way it will go faster. Plus it makes more sense in the space and circumstances for us
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Dedicated June 2020
Glacier · on July 19, 2019 at 5:56 PM
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My FH wants to do a receiving line and I’m going to let him have it. He hasn’t asked for much so...Can’t wait to see how it works out with almost 300 on our guest list. We have a little under a year before our big big. Kinda hoping he will change his mind by then. Lol
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Super July 2020
D · on July 19, 2019 at 9:09 PM
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Pro
You get to see and greet everyone
Con
Ugh...too formal and it's a line. What's more boring that people actually do than waiting in line? Your parents can walk the room and introduce themselves to guests they don't know during cocktail hour.
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Super September 2019
Selena · on July 20, 2019 at 4:54 PM
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Don't do it, I hated mine at my first wedding.
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Expert October 2017
Florida Marlins · on July 20, 2019 at 6:39 PM
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I was first wed in the early 90's and I refused to do it. We had about 127 guests (yes I remember that number, lol) and we made a point of greeting everyone. It takes away from dancing but the need to thank your guests in person is important. Tip: If you do have one, have it be just the two of you.
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Super October 2020
Ashley · on July 22, 2019 at 11:12 AM
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We have a guest list of 60 right now and I am not doing it. That is what cocktail hour is for
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Savvy October 2019
Aimee · on July 22, 2019 at 11:22 AM
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Thanks everyone!! Glad I’m not the only one who feels like they’re a waste of time. I guess this is one of those situations I have to put my foot down and hope for the best!
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Lady · on July 22, 2019 at 2:35 PM
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We did one after the ceremony. 180 ppl and it took about 25 minutes. It it absolutely necessary to speak to and thank every single on of your guests and this was by far the easiest option. I wanted to mingle freely at my cocktail hour and reception, not keep track of who i talked to and who i didnt. Table visits suck in my opinion. you have to cut your dinner short just to interrupt everyone else eating dinner OR dinner last waaaaay too long because you take your time, then go talk to everyone.
If you do one, keep it and JUST you and your H - the more people in the line the slower it goes. But seriously they dont' take long if you dont' have a conversation with everyone. Say thank you for coming, give them a hug, and move on to the next.
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Savvy October 2020
Lisa · on July 22, 2019 at 8:34 PM
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Lady,
I agree! Thanks for the advice. Just a quick thank you. Isn't this when the favors are passed out?
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Lady · on July 23, 2019 at 1:28 PM
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I probably would not pass out favors, but would have them set up on a table at the reception!
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