Receiving Line

kavita85

Hi ladies,

I have searched posts about receiving lines on other boards, but was hoping to get opinions from a South Asian perspective. Some people seem to favor them, some not. Did any of you have or will have a receiving line during your wedding? If so, at what point? If you decided against it, what was your reasoning?

I am thinking about doing one during the cocktail hour (and getting pictures with family before the ceremony to get them out of the way), but I'm not sure what Indians think of receiving lines! It seems it would take the whole night to go to each table during the reception to greet everyone since we are having about 300 guests. I don't think I've been to an Indian wedding that had a receiving line (I'm not sure if they even did the table-by-table thing..hmm). I do think it's important to say hi to everyone at some point, but I also want to enjoy the reception and dance and eat. I would appreciate any thoughts!

mkjasani

Hi.  We are not doing a receiving line (but are going to go to each table during the reception) for a couple reasons:

1 - I need to change between the ceremony and cocktail hour and would like to try to get to the cocktail hour to enjoy a little
2 - We have 200 guests (which seems like a lot but I guess isn't compared to 300) so I think (hope) table to table will be manageable
3 - In my experience from other weddings - people also will seek out the bride and groom so I am sure we will see each person this way as well.

In the end it is really a personal decision - based on your preferences, etc.  I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do it.  Good luck!

Jeff and Deepthi

I haven't seen a recieving line in an Indian wedding before either. Normally you will go to each table. We are doing that and we have 400 people coming. It's 40 tables, but not all of them you will have to see. Some of the family you don't have to welcome and some people will come up to you if you are doing a sweetheart table. Honestly, it is your choice.

kavita85

Thanks for your comments. I am still working out the logistics. I may forgo a formal receiving line and just mingle with people during the cocktail hour, then swing by tables at the reception to greet people I haven't said hi to yet. We are also having a sweetheart table so people can come up while we're eating. Thanks again - you made some good points!

Bhanu&Anuj

I was talking to a recent bride over the weekend.  She told me that she and her hubby never left the dance floor and the greatest thing they did was greet/say hi before the reception started.  She said she was able to enjoy the night without having to go to each table.

I don't think I'll be there in time for the receiving line.  FH and I are using that time for photos ...

How do people enjoy their night if they have to go around to 30+ tables to say their "hi-hellos"?

kavita85

I am doing pictures before the ceremony instead, so I can hang out at the cocktail hour and say hi to most people then. I'm not changing my dress in between the ceremony and reception, so that will free up some time as well.