Receiving Guests

Right after our wedding, we had a receiving line. This is where the newlywed couple stands at the back of the church with their parents and sometimes members of the bridal party and family members to greet everyone who attends. It gives the couple a chance to have a few minutes with everyone at the wedding and thank them for attending. It also gives guests time to congratulate you face-to-face, particularly if there is a large guest list.

But it takes time. With over 200 people at our wedding, we spoke with and hugged every guest and it took more than 30 minutes. While necessary to visit with everyone, it was long and drawn out, particularly for those standing in line waiting.I remember at my cousin's wedding a year later, instead of a receiving line, she and her new husband went table-to-table at the reception to say hello to every one. It was more efficient in that everyone got to the reception quicker and was seated to eat while the couple made their rounds.

I saw a rerun for a 2010 episode of the television series Four Weddings which showed a bride and groom playing usher at their own wedding and hugging guests as they left the pews at the wedding. Everyone had to leave anyways, so it was nice that the Mr. and Mrs. took this time to greet and welcome their guests.

Should you choose not to have a receiving line, understand that it may be more difficult to try to get around to visiting with everyone. If you want to make sure you've seen everyone, this is the way to go, plus it gives members of the bridal party and parents a chance to meet every guest and gives the bride and groom the opportunity to introduce individual friends and extended family or folks who have traveled long distances to their new spouse.

The awkward part about the receiving line is for guests who are shy and may not want to shake hands with or introduce themselves to the entire bridal party. You can eliminate this by keeping the receiving line to just the two of you. This will also speed up the line. Also, try to keep conversations brief. If there is someone you want to spend more time talking with, tell them you'll catch up with them more at the reception.

The Bible tells us in several locations to "greet each other with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26) - which is probably a kiss on the cheek - but regardless greeting is a big part of welcoming and respectful to those coming to celebrate with you. I will say, there is one memory I have of my receiving line which I will never forget. My choir director from our church and my junior high school came to our wedding. She was undergoing chemo for brain cancer and had lost most of her hair. I will never forget the chance I had to put my hand on her face and hold her close. How I loved this woman. It was the last time I ever saw her. She passed away soon after (and I'm sure is leading the heavenly choirs in Paradise today.) For those precious moments, the receiving line is priceless.

So to have a receiving or table visit? Or eliminate all together. This is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable with. So do what works for you.

Discussion: How do you plan on receiving and spending time with each of your guests? Do you think it's important to spend that time with them? If you have a receiving line, who will you include to greet guests?

Prayer: Father, we know how important it is to be hospitable to our friends and to strangers as well. We pray we find a way to greet all our guests in love and efficiently for their comfort and our own. In Christ we pray, Amen.