Receiving lines is a great tradition with a long history. As a wedding planner, more and more each day I hear brides wanting to skip it for fear it would take too long. I, on the other hand, recommend that it be done, even if for only a few minutes. Reason being, it is a way to meet and greet your guests that have taken the time to travel near and far to share your special day and a special gift.

It is rude to have guests come visit with you and you ignore them. It can become impossible to circulate and speak to each and every guest but the receiving line, mixed with “making the rounds” should help you reach a majority, if not all, of your guests. Total omission could cause some to leave feeling slighted.

So do yourselves a favor. If you choose not to have a formal receiving line at the church, at least insist that both sets of parents, or at least both mothers join you and the groom and greet every person as they enter the reception area. You’ll be glad that you did. ©

Debbie Wallace
Elegant Affairs, LLC
Wedding/Event Planning & Décor
(866) 424-0522
elegantaffairsbydee.com www.elegantaffairsbydee.com

Debbie Wallace (a.k.a. Dee) is the owner and operator of Elegant Affairs, LLC wedding/event planning and ballooning company. She has over 20 years of experience in the business, communications, wedding/event planning and decorating industries. It is that experience she uses to help her clients reach their strategic goals and objectives as it pertains to creating successful events.
Her motto is, like Burger King, “have it your way”. Debbie appreciates that it is her client’s wedding or special event, and therefore, they should have it “their way” as they dreamed. Her company will coordinate the wedding/event details as much or as little as desired. From the first meeting to the perfectly orchestrated day of the event, her clients are treated fairly and honestly with personalized attention, respect and professionalism while given all agreed upon services in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Enjoy what so many of her other clients have—the assurance and relief of knowing you have left your event in the hands of professionals that share the interest of making your day one of the mos