The Good Guest
Short Receiver
Wedding customs and norms seem to be ever-changing, albeit slowly. One tradition that for most has gone the way of the dodo is the receiving line. But if you find yourself face to face with this situation, buck up and get into formation as soon as possible. Don’t ditch your hosts in search of booze, as tempting as that might be. The receiving line takes place as guests leave the ceremony or as they enter the reception and allows the key players to greet their guests individually. Traditional weddings of old would include only the mothers of the bride and groom and bridal attendants but these days you’ll likely see the wedding couple and the fathers there, too. While it can become tiresome, the Good Guest can help everyone by keeping remarks upbeat and brief at 30 seconds or less. Let’s see . . . 30 seconds multiplied by 100 is already 50 minutes! Better make that 15 seconds--you get the point.
If you’ve ever been behind a jabberer in a receiving line, you know how frustrating it is, so be part of the solution and not part of the problem. The same goes for the couple and others in line doing the greeting. It takes two to tango so move it along and don’t bet bogged down by Uncle Ernie and his tales that start with “when you were knee- high to grasshopper.” A warm smile, a peck on the cheek and a firm gesture toward the bar will do the trick.
The receiving line is simply a method by which the hosts can greet each guest and vice versa. It also saves the couple the chore of going table-to-table during the dinner- dance portion of the reception when they’d prefer to be on the dance floor. Most of my clients are not so formal and avoid the receiving line not only due to time constraints but also the comfort of their guests. The process can easily take an hour and it’s a good move to make the cocktail reception itself an informal receiving line. The couple and their parents (perhaps with drink in hand) stand across the room from the bar while guest approach them for well-wishing. Do make your way over for a brief word or two. Protocol dictates that you should greet your host(s) upon arrival and say good-bye upon departure. This is a biggie so don’t think you can just duck in, eat, drink, dance and then flee the scene. Remember, you’ll need witnesses.
The good news is that once you’ve made it through the line or greeted the couple during the cocktail reception you can hold your head high knowing that you have done your social duty. Now doesn’t that feel good? Celebrate with a nice glass of ice-cold champagne . . . or three.
Ah, now that’s better.