After the solemnity of the ceremony, it's time for a celebration. Many reception traditions have developed over time to become an expected and enjoyed part of the marriage ritual. While the course of events will vary somewhat from wedding to wedding, here's a general idea of how things traditionally proceed.
The Receiving Line
The receiving line is the first element of the wedding reception (unless you already had one after your ceremony). It allows the bride and groom a chance to greet all their guests. an opportunity they might not otherwise have during a large reception.
The line is usually formed with the mother of the bride first, then the father, followed by the groom's mother and father, bride and groom, and then the maid or matron of honor and bridesmaids (the attendants are often left off in order to speed guests' passage through the line). Divorced parents should not stand together in the receiving line. For example, if the bride's parents are divorced and the groom's are not, the groom's parents may stand between the bride's.
To avoid making the receiving line a time-consuming process, exchange brief but warm wishes with everyone as they pass by. It is also courteous for those in the receiving line to introduce the next person: 'Mrs. Jones, you look beautiful today! Have you met my husband yet, John Smith?' Help pass the time for guests who are waiting in the line by asking waiters to circulate with drinks and hors d'oeuvres for them.
Introductio
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