Puerto Rico Wedding Photographer | Jose Febus» Receiving Line http://en.febusphotography.com | Wedding Photography Blog Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:57:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 What To Say When Greeting Your Wedding Guests http://en.febusphotography.com/what-to-say-when-greeting-your-wedding-guests/ http://en.febusphotography.com/what-to-say-when-greeting-your-wedding-guests/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:08:55 +0000 admin http://en.febusphotography.com/wedding-articles/?p=68 Does the idea of coming up with clever banter throughout your wedding day, as you speak to guest after guest after guest, make you nervous? Even the most outgoing personality can be at a loss for words when you take into consideration the emotions running high and a large number of people in the crowd.
If it’s any comfort, keep in mind the fact that your guests aren’t expecting to have extensive, one-on-one conversations with you on your wedding day. Instead, most guests are eager to congratulate you on your new marriage, tell you how great you look, and offer good wishes.
During your receiving line – if you choose to have one – the line will likely move quickly, giving you time to briefly greet each guest as they congratulate you. The reception, however, will give you plenty of opportunities to mingle with your guests. Don’t hide from them or spend every moment with your new spouse. Remember this is your event, you are the hostess, and the guests are here to honor you. In return, they deserve to have your attention for at least part of the evening.
Conversations with guests on your wedding day will give you the chance to finally meet your new spouse’s friends and relatives for the first time. Your new spouse and in-laws will be delighted to introduce you to out-of-town family and friends. Take this opportunity to introduce them to your family and friends, as well.
You’ll probably hear comments such as:
• “You look beautiful / fabulous / lovely.”
• “I’m Jenn. I don’t think we’ve met before.”
• “Everything went so smoothly.”
• “Congratulations!”
• “What a beautiful ceremony.”
• “I’m Stephanie’s second cousin once removed.”
Make an effort to speak to every guest, even if it means moving from table to table during the reception. Be ready with simple statements including:
• “Thank you so much for coming.”
• “We’re so glad you made it.”
• “It means so much to us for you to be here.”
• “Have you met my new husband, Jeffrey?”
• “So nice to see you.”
• “You know my parents, Mike and Carol, don’t you? Mom, Dad, this is Libby.”
• “We’re so honored that you’re here and hope you have a fabulous time.”
Avoid questions that might lead to long conversations with the chronic complainers in your life. You know who I’m talking about. Don’t ask how her flight was or if she likes the hotel unless you’re ready to hear about the horrible turbulence or how she’s stayed at much better hotels.
Keep in mind that your guests will remember your wedding day based on how welcome you made them feel. A few sincere words can make all the difference.
]]> http://en.febusphotography.com/what-to-say-when-greeting-your-wedding-guests/feed/ 0 The Receiving Line: Should You Have One or Not? http://en.febusphotography.com/the-receiving-line-should-you-have-one-or-not/ http://en.febusphotography.com/the-receiving-line-should-you-have-one-or-not/#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:36:42 +0000 admin http://en.febusphotography.com/wedding-articles/?p=25 Long ago, the wedding party surrounded the bride and groom to ward off evil spirits as guests wished them well. These days, the wedding party – along with the parents of the bride and groom – gather into a receiving line is a way to greet your wedding guests. After all, they’ve taken the time to witness your vows. Make sure they realize you appreciate seeing them.

The most common way to form a receiving line?

Immediately after being pronounced husband and wife, you and your new spouse march down the aisle with attendants in tow,  and everyone takes their place in the foyer or outside, if weather permits. Parents of the couple should be the first of the congregation to exit the church, congratulate the couple and join the lineup.

A receiving line is usually formed with the bride and groom in the middle and parents on either side. Place the groom’s parents next to the groom, and the bride’s parents next to the bride.

Next, position the groomsmen on the groom’s side, and the bridesmaids on the bride’s side. By this time, the ushers will be ready to begin dismissing guests, pew by pew, beginning with the pews closest to the front of the church.

However, about 85% of weddings skip this tradition because guests get upset standing in a long receiving line, and also because today’s couples prefer to greet everyone in a different way.

Instead of the traditional receiving line, the bride and groom do the job of the ushers and dismiss guests from the church. The couple turns to face the congregation and marches down the aisle following the ceremony, taking a moment with their parents once they are ushered out, and then the couple returns to the front of the church. As each row of guests is dismissed from their pew, the newlyweds greet them. Begin with the front row on the bride’s side of the church, and then alternate back and forth until you reach the last pews.

What should you say to your guests as you greet each one?

A simple “Hello” is a great way to get started. Thank you guests for coming. Introduce them to your spouse or your parents.

How much time should you estimate for spending in the receiving line? As long as you keep the greetings short and sweet, you should budget 30 minutes for every 100 guests.

Whether you choose a traditional receiving line or greeting each pew as it is dismissed, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge each guest, thank them for coming, and give them a chance to feel like they were a vital part of your wedding day.

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