Wedding Receiving Line: Traditional Etiquette and Modern Alternatives

A wedding receiving line sounds old-school… because it is. But it’s also one of those traditions that exists for a reason: it guarantees you actually greet your guests. In our experience photographing and filming weddings all over the DC metro area (and plenty up and down the East Coast), couples either love receiving lines because they reduce social anxiety—“I said hi to everyone, done!”—or they dread them because they can quietly eat up 20–45 minutes without anyone noticing until the timeline is suddenly on fire.

Here’s the honest truth: a receiving line can be lovely and meaningful, especially for big families, formal weddings, and older relatives who care about tradition. It can also be the thing that causes you to miss your entire cocktail hour, show up late to your reception, and feel like you’re speed-running handshakes instead of enjoying your wedding. The good news? You’ve got options. We’ll walk you through traditional receiving line order, modern receiving line alternatives, exactly where it fits in a schedule, who should stand in it, how to keep it moving, greeting etiquette that won’t make it awkward, and the very real situations where you should skip it.

(And yes—we’ll tell you what most blogs won’t: sometimes the “polite” choice is the one that makes your guests wait around. We’d rather you be kind and efficient.)

What a wedding receiving line actually is (and why it exists)

A receiving line is a designated spot where guests line up to greet the couple (and sometimes the families/wedding party) one by one. It’s basically the wedding version of “meet and greet,” except everyone’s dressed better and your great-aunt is emotional.

Why couples still do it

• It guarantees face time. Nobody leaves saying, “We didn’t even get to talk to them.”
• It helps with big families. If you’ve got 200 guests and a lot of “you must greet X” pressure, a line can reduce drama.
• It’s structured. Some couples love structure—especially if you’re introverted or your families are intense.

Why couples skip it

• It can hijack your timeline. Especially if your ceremony runs late (it will) and your guests are chatty (they are).
• It can feel impersonal. Quick handshakes can feel like a conveyor belt.
• It can cut into photos and cocktail hour. And cocktail hour is where your guests are happiest—drinks, apps, vibes.

Traditional receiving line order (classic etiquette that still works)

Traditional etiquette is more consistent than you’d think—but it’s also flexible depending on family dynamics, remarriages, and who’s hosting.

The most common traditional receiving line order

This is the receiving line order we still see at formal weddings (Catholic ceremonies, hotel ballrooms, country clubs, embassy-adjacent DC events—you get the idea):

1. Bride
2. Groom
3. Bride’s mother
4. Bride’s father
5. Groom’s mother
6. Groom’s father
7. Maid/Matron of Honor
8. Best Man
9. Bridesmaids and groomsmen (optional, often skipped today)

That said, modern etiquette often puts the couple first (together), then parents, then wedding party—because guests primarily came to greet you, not do a full family introduction.

Traditional order if you want the couple centered (our preferred “classic”)

We’ll be opinionated: this version feels more natural and keeps the focus where it belongs.

1. Couple (together)
2. Bride’s parents (or parent + spouse/partner)
3. Groom’s parents (or parent + spouse/partner)
4. Wedding party only if you have a small group

What about divorced/remarried parents?

Welcome to wedding planning—the emotional sport.

Here are clean, polite options we’ve seen work without forcing anyone into weird proximity:

• Option A: Separate family receiving lines (rare but effective). One line for each “side” or household. Guests choose who they’re greeting.
• Option B: Couple only. Keep it simple, avoid tension, and let parents greet guests during cocktail hour.
• Option C: Include parents, but skip stepparents in the line. This is sensitive, but sometimes it’s the least dramatic path (and yes, you should talk about it ahead of time).

Where grandparents fit in traditional etiquette

If grandparents are a big deal in your family (they often are), you can include them—but only if they’re comfortable standing for 20–40 minutes.

A common way:

• Couple
• Parents
• Grandparents seated nearby (not in line), with guests encouraged to stop by

Hot take: If your grandparents are elderly, don’t put them in the receiving line unless there’s seating and a clear plan. We’ve seen a sweet idea turn into a medical situation. Not worth it.

Who stands in the line (and who really shouldn’t)

A receiving line can be just the couple, or it can be a whole cast. More people in the line doesn’t always mean more “welcoming”—it can slow things down and make it awkward.

The best receiving line size for most weddings

In our experience, the sweet spot is:

• Couple only, or
• Couple + both sets of parents

That’s it. It keeps the line moving and avoids guests feeling like they have to repeat the same small talk 8 times.

People who often stand in the line

• The couple
• Parents (and sometimes stepparents)
• Wedding party (if small)
• Occasionally: the officiant (rare), grandparents (rare)

People who usually shouldn’t stand in the line

• A huge wedding party (10+). Guests get tired. The party gets tired. The line becomes a choke point.
• Kids (flower girl/ring bearer). They’re adorable for 6 minutes and then they melt down.
• Anyone who can’t stand comfortably for 20+ minutes. That includes pregnancy, injuries, mobility issues, and elderly relatives.

Timing in the schedule: where a receiving line fits (and what it costs you)

Let’s talk logistics. Receiving lines don’t exist in a vacuum—they live in your timeline. And your timeline is already packed.

If you haven’t built your day yet, start with our Wedding Day Timeline guide. It’ll save your sanity.

The three most common times to do a receiving line

1) Immediately after the ceremony (most traditional)

Pros:

• Guests are already gathered.
• It prevents “chasing people down” later.
• Works well for church ceremonies with a natural exit area.

Cons:

• It can delay your photos (family formals, couple portraits).
• Guests may be standing outside in heat/cold.
• It can shorten cocktail hour fast.

Typical time needed:

• 50 guests: ~10–15 minutes
• 100 guests: ~20–30 minutes
• 150 guests: ~30–45 minutes
• 200 guests: ~45–60+ minutes

(Yes, really. If each greeting averages 10–15 seconds, the math adds up fast.)

2) At the start of cocktail hour (good compromise)

You do a quick receiving line near the bar/entrance to cocktail hour.

Pros:

• Guests have something to do (drink in hand).
• You’re not blocking the ceremony exit.
• Easier to cut off and transition to photos.

Cons:

• You may still miss most of cocktail hour.
• Guests scatter, so the line can get messy.

3) At the start of the reception (less common, sometimes awkward)

This looks like: guests enter the ballroom, then they queue to greet you before finding seats.

Pros:

• Weather controlled.
• You can do it near your entrance.

Cons:

• You’re holding up dinner.
• Hungry guests get cranky. Fast.

Hot take: A receiving line that delays dinner is a bad vibe. People will forgive you for skipping a greeting. They won’t forgive you for making them wait for food.

How long receiving lines really take (and a simple way to estimate)

Here’s a quick rule we use when advising couples:

• Plan on 12 seconds per guest for a couple-only line
• Plan on 18–25 seconds per guest if parents are included
• Add 5–10 seconds per extra person in the line

So for 120 guests:

• Couple only: 120 × 12 sec = 1,440 sec = 24 minutes
• Couple + parents: 120 × 20 sec = 2,400 sec = 40 minutes

And that’s assuming people behave like polite robots, which—love them—your guests will not.

Receiving line time vs. photo time (what you trade)

If you’re doing a traditional photo plan, cocktail hour often includes:

• family formals: 15–30 minutes
• wedding party photos: 15–25 minutes
• couple portraits: 20–40 minutes

If you add a 30–45 minute receiving line in that same window, something has to give. Usually it’s couple portraits or you actually enjoying the party.

If you want to understand what photos matter most, our Wedding Photography Guide is a great place to start.

Traditional receiving line etiquette: how to greet people without it getting weird

Receiving line etiquette is simple in theory, but weird in practice because people panic and overshare.

What the couple should say (keep it short)

Your job is to be warm and move the line. Pick 2–3 phrases and repeat them all night:

• “Thank you so much for coming!”
• “We’re so happy you’re here.”
• “It means a lot you made the trip.”
• “We can’t wait to catch up later!”

That last one is magic because it acknowledges them without inviting a full conversation right there.

What guests should do (and how to hint politely)

Guests should:

• Say congratulations
• Keep it brief
• Move along

But guests aren’t reading etiquette books anymore (and honestly, good for them). So you’ll need gentle structure.

Introductions: do you need to introduce your parents?

If parents are in the line, introductions can slow everything down. We recommend skipping formal introductions unless it’s genuinely necessary.

Instead:

• Parents smile and greet
• You keep the “thank you” energy
• If someone needs an intro, do it later at the reception

Hugs vs. handshakes

This is cultural and personal. Do what feels right.

But here’s what we’ve seen:

• Hugs slow the line (especially double hugs)
• Handshakes are faster
• A quick one-arm hug is a solid compromise

If you’re worried about germs, lipstick, or smudging makeup, don’t feel guilty about handshakes. You’re not being rude—you’re protecting your face (and your schedule).

How to keep it moving (without acting like a bouncer)

Speed is the difference between “that was sweet” and “why are we still here.”

Choose the right location (this matters more than people think)

The receiving line should be in a place where guests naturally pass by—like:

• the ceremony exit
• the path to cocktail hour
• the doorway into the reception

Don’t put it:

• in a narrow hallway (traffic jam)
• in direct sun in July (DC humidity is a villain)
• anywhere guests can easily bypass (they will)

Give guests something to do immediately after

The line moves faster when guests feel taken care of.

Good ideas:

• A drink station right past the line
• Passed appetizers nearby
• Clear signage: “Please join us for cocktails after greeting the couple”

Use a “line captain”

This can be:

• a planner/coordinator
• a venue manager
• a trusted aunt who doesn’t mess around
• a groomsman who’s politely assertive

Their job:

• Keep people from stopping to chat
• Pull aside “talkers” with: “They’ll catch up with you inside!”

Set a hard stop time

We love a hard stop. It keeps you from bleeding into dinner or photos.

Example:

• Receiving line starts: 5:05 PM
• Hard stop: 5:30 PM
• Couple goes to photos or bustle break

Yes, some guests may not get greeted in the line. That’s okay. You’ll see them later.

Modern receiving line alternatives (our favorite options that feel more natural)

If “standing in a line” sounds like your personal nightmare, you’re not alone. Plenty of couples want the greeting moment without the formality.

Here are receiving line alternatives we recommend all the time—because they work.

Alternative #1: The “photo line” (fast, fun, and actually useful)

This is one of our top choices.

How it works:

• Set up a nice-lit spot near cocktail hour or reception entrance
• Guests line up to take a quick photo with you
• You greet them and snap (or have a photographer snap) one quick shot

Why we like it: It creates a built-in memory and keeps guests moving because the “action” is clear.

Timing: Often 6–10 seconds per group if you keep it tight.

And yes, you can add it to your must-have list in your Reception Photo Checklist planning.

Alternative #2: The “welcome toast” + mingle

Instead of greeting everyone one by one, you:

• Make a short welcome toast early in the reception or at cocktail hour
• Then spend 10–20 minutes intentionally mingling

This feels more modern, and guests still feel acknowledged.

Alternative #3: Table visits during dinner (with a plan)

This is the classic alternative, but it’s not automatically better. Done wrong, you’ll miss your meal and still not see everyone.

Done right:

• Visit tables between courses (or right after you’ve eaten)
• Keep it to 60–90 seconds per table
• Have your photographer capture 4–6 of the most important tables (not necessarily all)

Hot take: Table visits are overrated if you have more than 18 tables. It becomes a marathon, and you’ll look exhausted in every photo.

Alternative #4: The “cocktail hour lap”

This is simple and genuinely enjoyable:

• You enter cocktail hour for 15–25 minutes
• You do a loop with intention (start with VIPs)
• You then step out for sunset portraits or a breather

This works best if you did a first look and most photos pre-ceremony. If you didn’t, cocktail hour is already busy.

Alternative #5: The “after-party greetings”

If you’re doing an after-party (hotel bar, lounge, late-night space), you’ll often get better conversations there anyway.

But don’t rely on this as your only greeting plan—half your guest list may not come.

Comparison table: traditional receiving line vs. modern alternatives

Receiving line order for modern setups (yes, order still matters)

Even for receiving line alternatives, order helps keep things smooth.

Photo line order

We recommend:

1. Couple
2. Optional: parents join for a few “family photo line” minutes (not the whole time)
3. Optional: wedding party rotates in/out for fun shots (again—not the whole time)

If you keep adding people, the photos get slower and the line gets longer. Keep it clean.

Cocktail hour lap order (a simple priority system)

Start with:

1. Immediate family and wedding party partners
2. Out-of-town guests (they made effort—reward it)
3. Elders (they may leave early)
4. Everyone else

This is one of those “adulting” moments in wedding planning. You won’t get equal time with everyone. And that’s okay.

Greeting etiquette details people don’t think about (but should)

The drink problem

If you’re greeting people, you don’t want full hands.

Our recommendation:

• Don’t hold a drink during a traditional receiving line.
• If you’re doing a cocktail hour lap, keep your drink in your non-dominant hand and expect to set it down a lot.

The lipstick/makeup problem

Hugs + kisses + photos can mess up makeup. Plan for touch-ups.

Budget reality:

• Makeup touch-up add-on from an artist is often $100–$250 for an extra hour.
• Or have a bridesmaid carry a small kit (lip color, powder, blotting papers).

The bouquet problem

If you’re holding a bouquet, greeting is harder.

Solution:

• Put bouquet down at the start of the line
• Or hold it low in one hand and greet with the other

The “I haven’t seen you in forever!” problem

This is where time goes to die.

Your polite exit lines:

• “I’m so glad you’re here—we’ll catch up inside!”
• “Thank you for coming—let’s talk later tonight!”
• “We’re trying to greet everyone, but I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to!”

Say it warmly. Keep moving.

Where receiving lines work best (and where they’re a headache)

Great fit:

• Formal, traditional weddings
• Church ceremonies with a natural exit flow
• Guest counts under ~120 (depending on how chatty your crowd is)
• Couples with strong family expectations

Usually a headache:

• Outdoor ceremonies in peak weather (July/August heat, winter wind)
• Tight timelines with lots of photo locations
• Venues with narrow exits or limited space
• Large guest counts (150+)

Comparison table: best receiving line option by guest count

How receiving lines affect photography and video (what couples don’t expect)

We’re biased because we live behind cameras, but this matters.

The good news

Receiving lines can be great for:

• genuine smiles
• hugs with relatives
• quick guest interactions you might otherwise miss

The tradeoffs

• You might lose golden hour portraits (especially in fall/winter when sunset is early—think 4:45–5:30 PM).
• Your guests may all be in one spot, which is great… unless it creates clutter and harsh lighting.

If you’re prioritizing portraits, talk to your photo/video team early. A small adjustment—like moving the line indoors near window light—can make a massive difference.

If you want to nerd out on what matters most, our Wedding Photography Guide goes deep on planning photos without turning your day into a photo shoot.

How to set up the space (so it doesn’t look like a DMV)

A receiving line can be beautiful if you treat it like a “moment,” not a chore.

Set the backdrop

• A floral arrangement
• A nice wall or architectural feature
• Soft shade outdoors (not direct sun)
• A simple sign: “Please say hello to the newlyweds!”

Control the lighting

For photos/video, avoid:

• spotty tree shade
• harsh midday sun
• dark corners with mixed lighting

If you’re indoors, window light is your best friend.

Think about sound

If the receiving line is right next to a speaker blasting music, nobody can hear anything and guests will lean in close (slower + awkward).

How to keep it emotionally sane (because you’re not a robot)

Receiving lines can be sweet. They can also be draining.

You’ll be:

• smiling constantly
• hugging people
• hearing the same jokes
• trying not to cry
• trying not to sweat through formalwear

Plan tiny breaks:

• 2 minutes to drink water
• a quick lipstick check
• a “private minute” right after ceremony before the line starts (highly recommended)

One thing we see over and over: Couples underestimate how overstimulating the first hour after the ceremony is. A receiving line adds to that. If you’re prone to anxiety, choose an alternative that gives you more control.

What NOT to do (Red Flags we’ve seen blow up timelines)

We’ve watched receiving lines go sideways in very predictable ways. Learn from other people’s pain.

Red Flag #1: Putting the receiving line before family photos without a buffer

If you need family formals, and you do a 35-minute receiving line first, family members wander off. Then we’re chasing Uncle Mike who went to the bar. Not ideal.

Red Flag #2: Including the entire wedding party “because tradition”

Tradition is not a good reason to make your guests stand in line longer. Also, your wedding party will start chatting and the line will stall.

Red Flag #3: No clear end point

If nobody is empowered to stop the line, it will continue until dinner is late. Then the kitchen is mad. Then the venue is mad. Then you’re stressed.

Red Flag #4: Doing it outside with no weather plan

We’ve seen:

• elderly guests overheating in August
• wind destroying hairstyles in March
• rain turning heels into lawn darts

Have a Plan B location.

Red Flag #5: Letting “talkers” camp out

Every wedding has one guest who treats the receiving line like a reunion. If you don’t have a line captain, you’ll lose 10 minutes to one person.

When to skip the receiving line (and not feel guilty about it)

Skipping a receiving line isn’t rude. It’s a choice. Sometimes it’s the smartest choice you’ll make all day.

Skip it if:

• You have 150+ guests and a tight timeline
• You’re doing post-ceremony photos and want to attend cocktail hour
• Your ceremony space has no good exit area
• You have family dynamics that make a line tense
• You’re doing a Catholic gap (ceremony hours before reception)—a receiving line can be redundant

Skip it if you’re already doing a strong alternative

If you’re doing:

• a photo line
• a welcome toast + cocktail hour lap
• planned table visits with time

…you don’t need a traditional receiving line too. That’s doubling up.

Hot take: A lot of couples choose a receiving line out of guilt, not desire. Guilt is a terrible wedding planning strategy. Pick a greeting plan you can actually enjoy.

Step-by-step: how to decide what greeting plan is right for you

Here’s a simple decision framework we use with couples.

Step 1: What matters most to you?

Pick your top priority:

• A) Tradition and formality
• B) Maximizing time with guests casually
• C) Protecting photo time (especially golden hour)
• D) Keeping anxiety low with structure

Step 2: Check your guest count

• Under 100: receiving line is very doable
• 100–150: doable with boundaries
• 150+: choose an alternative unless you love the idea

Step 3: Check your timeline reality

Look at:

• ceremony end time
• cocktail hour length (usually 60 minutes, sometimes 90)
• sunset time (seasonal—huge in DC area)
• travel between locations

Need help building this? Our Wedding Day Timeline page is the backbone.

Step 4: Choose your plan (and write it into the schedule)

Don’t keep it vague. “We’ll greet people at some point” turns into “we didn’t talk to anyone and it’s midnight.”

Sample timelines (realistic, not Pinterest fantasy)

Sample 1: Traditional receiving line after ceremony (110 guests)

• 4:30 PM ceremony ends
• 4:35–5:05 PM receiving line (30 minutes)
• 5:05–5:35 PM family + wedding party photos
• 5:35–6:00 PM couple portraits
• 6:00 PM reception entrance

This works, but you’ll miss most of cocktail hour.

Sample 2: Photo line during cocktail hour (160 guests)

• 4:30 PM ceremony ends
• 4:40–5:00 PM immediate family photos
• 5:00–5:25 PM photo line near cocktail hour entrance
• 5:25–5:50 PM couple portraits (ideally golden hour-ish)
• 6:00 PM reception entrance

This is one of our favorite “best of both worlds” setups.

Sample 3: No line, just intentional mingling (90 guests)

• 4:30 PM ceremony ends
• 4:35–4:45 PM private moment + quick refresh
• 4:45–5:15 PM family photos
• 5:15–5:45 PM couple joins cocktail hour + mingles
• 5:45–6:00 PM sunset portraits
• 6:00 PM reception entrance

This feels modern and relaxed—if you’re willing to be intentional.

Cost considerations (yes, receiving lines can affect your budget)

A receiving line itself doesn’t cost money. But the ripple effects can.

Overtime risk

If your receiving line pushes the schedule back, you might pay:

• Photography overtime: often $300–$600 per hour per shooter in the DC metro area
• Video overtime: often $400–$800 per hour
• Venue overtime: commonly $500–$1,500 per hour depending on venue
• Planner/coordinator overtime: often $100–$250 per hour

Not every vendor charges overtime the same way, but we’ve seen timelines slip and budgets take a hit.

The “we extended cocktail hour” cost

If you add 30 minutes of cocktail hour to accommodate a receiving line:

• venues/caterers may charge $15–$35 per person for extra bar time and staffing
• passed apps can add $8–$18 per person for an extra round

Sometimes it’s worth it. Sometimes it’s a sneaky budget leak.

Receiving line scripts and signage that don’t sound stiff

A simple officiant announcement (after ceremony)

“Please join us for a quick receiving line as the couple exits—they’d love to greet each of you before we head to cocktail hour.”

A simple sign

“Say hello to the newlyweds! Please join the line and then head to cocktail hour.”

A gentle nudge for speed

“Quick hugs, quick hellos—then cocktails!”

Yes, it’s a little cheeky. That’s the point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a wedding receiving line take for 100 guests?

For a couple-only receiving line, plan on 20–30 minutes for 100 guests. If you include parents (or more people), it often becomes 30–45 minutes because guests stop to chat with people they know. If you’re tight on time, set a hard stop and switch to mingling.

What is the traditional receiving line order at a wedding?

The traditional receiving line order usually starts with the bride and groom, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, and sometimes the maid of honor and best man (with the rest of the wedding party optional). Modern etiquette often keeps it simpler—couple first, then parents—because it moves faster and feels less formal.

Do you have to do a receiving line at a wedding?

Nope. A receiving line is optional, and plenty of modern weddings skip it entirely. If you still want to greet everyone, a photo line, a welcome toast, or a structured cocktail-hour mingle can work just as well (often better).

Where should a receiving line happen—after the ceremony or at the reception?

After the ceremony is the most traditional and usually the easiest to organize because guests are already together. But it can cut into photos and cocktail hour. If you want a smoother flow, doing a photo line at cocktail hour or greeting guests with a welcome toast at the reception often keeps the energy up and the schedule intact.

Who should stand in the receiving line?

Most couples do best with just the two of you or you plus both sets of parents. Including the entire wedding party tends to slow things down and makes greetings feel repetitive. If you have complicated family dynamics, keeping it couple-only can avoid tension.

What are the best receiving line alternatives?

Our favorites are the photo line, the cocktail hour lap, and a welcome toast + mingle plan. Table visits can work too, but they’re harder to pull off with big guest counts because you’ll miss eating and still feel rushed. Pick the option that matches your timeline and your personality.

Is it rude to skip a receiving line?

Not if you replace it with another way of acknowledging your guests. People mainly want to feel welcomed and appreciated—they don’t need a formal handshake moment to feel that. A short welcome toast and intentional mingling usually covers it.

Final Thoughts: pick the greeting plan you’ll actually enjoy

A wedding receiving line can be a beautiful moment of connection—or it can be a time-sucking stress factory in fancy clothes. The best choice depends on your guest count, your family expectations, and how much you care about cocktail hour, portraits, and keeping the day calm.

If you want tradition, do it—just cap the time and keep the line small. If you want something modern, a photo line or welcome toast often feels more “you” and keeps the party moving. And if your gut says, “Nope,” skip it and don’t look back.

If you’re building your schedule now, our Wedding Day Timeline guide is a great next step. And if you’re thinking about how greetings, cocktail hour, and reception flow affect your photo coverage, check out Wedding Photography Guide and our Reception Photo Checklist.

If you want help planning a timeline that protects the moments that matter (and still leaves room to breathe), our team at Precious Pics Pro would love to be part of your day—photography, video, and the real-world wedding experience that keeps things smooth without killing the vibe.

Other internal link opportunities: First Look, Family Formal Photos, Cocktail Hour, Wedding Reception Introductions, Wedding Planning Checklist