Receiving Line Basics

Lining Up
Traditionally, members of the receiving line stand in the following order: bride's mother, bride's father, groom's mother, groom's father, bride, groom, maid of honor and, finally, the bridesmaids. If either member of the happy couple has any children, they can stand wherever they feel most comfortable. If either of the couple's parents are remarried, it's up to the bride and groom to decide who stands in the receiving line. Say the groom's parents have divorced and are remarried. If neither of his parents are hosting, no one need stand in the receiving line. If one parent is hosting, he or she might stand in the receiving line with or without her spouse. If both sets of parents and their new spouses are hosting, they can all stand in the receiving line. In this case, the bride's parents or the bride and groom might stand between the two ex-spouses and their new partners, so as not to confuse guests or cause discomfort. The maid of honor can also serve as a buffer in this way.

Saying Hello
Long conversations can wait for later -- the receiving line is simply a place for a quick handshake or kiss and a "thank you for coming." Guests will get in line and bear the responsibility for introducing themselves to the first greeter. They should quickly offer their name and their relationship to the bride and groom. Each greeter, in turn, introduces that guest to the next greeter in the receiving line. And finally, greeters should not allow themselves to be monopolized. It's important for greeters and not guests to set the pace, so that the line does not last interminably.