This will be the first of our Tuesday Wedding Tip of the Week! I’ll be working on giving you some GREAT wedding tips from planning to etiquette.
Why Tuesday?
Well, Tuesday seems to be the “Middle Child” day of the traditional work week. Think about it. Monday it’s back to work day. Monday has a cloud or sunshine all its own (depending on how much you love or don’t love your job.)! Monday elicits a powerful image all by itself when someone says “Monday”. Wednesday, well, that’s hump day. Wednesday signifies that you’re half way through your productive work week! Wednesday is exciting! Thursday is the day before Friday, filled with its own positive anticipation, and Friday has received TONS of mileage: T.G.I.F., Casual Fridays, Cocktails or dinner Friday night celebrating the end of the week and the beginning of your weekend. . . . Poor Tuesday. It’s been neglected, forgotten, looked over, and doesn’t have a ton going for it. That’s about to change!
Tuesday’s Tip of the Week is born! (Besides I like the alliteration of Tuesday and Tip. I will gladly entertain commentary and suggestions for more alliteration or some other catchy name! In the end it all helps Tuesday’s image.) We’re going to redefine Tuesday and give you something good and valuable and fun to associate with this day!
I know, it seems like a lot of pressure to put on ourselves, the redefining of an entrenched work week’s image, created since the dawn of time by whomever started the “work week”. Well, we are up to the challenge!! Now, what to do for the kick off. . . . .
Here’s my all time favorite tip: “Don’t spit in the wind.”
That’s not very bridal . . .
Let’s go this route:
Receiving Line Etiquette
Who’s Involved?
Traditionally the receiving line includes (in this order) the Bride’s Parents, the Bride and Groom, and the Groom’s Parents. The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are optional. Depending on the familiarity of your wedding party and guests, you can best decide whether or not to have them in the receiving line! I’ve been to large weddings where the entire wedding party was in the receiving line. I was interested in my friend and congratulating her new husband. It was awkward meeting the first-cousin-once-removed-I-need-to-keep-peace-in-the-family-bridesmaid. Not really necessary.
When do we have the receiving line?
It is done right after the ceremony or just before the reception. Your guests will appreciate the time (albeit short) time with you. It’s just good manners! They’ve chosen to celebrate this special day with you and, in most cases, brought a gift! Go ahead and get some lipstick on your cheeks and smash that boutonniere with hugs. When in your life will you get this much lavish attention from the people you love? Enjoy it!
What do I say?
Ideally you should introduce your spouse and your parents to the guests they do not know. However, you might not know a guest that your parents have invited! In most cases guests are pretty darn great at introducing themselves down the line. Remember though, you will make a nice impression by doing the introductions yourself. A receiving line is a great way to meet and personally thank all your guests.
What if my parents are divorced?
There are many variables here. . . Normally they don’t stand next to each other because that gives the impression that they are a couple. If your divorced parents don’t really care, have them stand together! If your parent is remarried and you have a good relationship with the new spouse you could invite him/her to be in the receiving line as well. If this isn’t really the best option, have mom first, the bride and groom, the groom’s parents, then the bride’s father. You want to make it as comfortable as possible for your family and friends. This is a good thing to talk with them about before hand so there is no awkwardness (make lists and discuss who’s involved in which photos too!).
Happy Planning!
