Remember to consider the three "W's" when designing your receiving line: Who, When and Why. Who will be a part of your receiving line? When in the course of your special day should the receiving line take place? Why is it important to have a receiving line? The answers to these three integral questions can help you design a receiving line that best matches your wedding experience.

Who should be a part of your receiving line?
Consider the tone of your wedding when designing your receiving line. Was your ceremony formal or informal? Do you want a formal announcement made when you and your groom enter the reception, or would you prefer something less traditional? And where in the world do stepparents fit in a receiving line?

Typically, the bride¹s parents and groom¹s parents stand on either side of the couple in a traditional receiving line. Remember to keep your receiving line short so the pace of your celebration is not interrupted. A bride may also include honor attendants if it will not lengthen the line too much. Stepparents should be paired with their spouses in the receiving line if it is appropriate. Keep in mind that the way you arrange your receiving line should reflect your taste and not add more stress to the wedding event.

When in the wedding event should you hold a receiving line?
Traditionally, guests greet the bride, groom and family at the doors of the reception hall, but it is also appropriate to place a reception line at the end of the actual ceremony.

Finally, before you design your own version of the receiving line, keep in mind why this tradition exists in wedding etiquette in the first place. A receiving line gives the bride, groom and corresponding families a chance to greet guests who may otherwise be overlooked on a hectic wedding day. This is your chance to recognize dear friends who traveled to be with you on your special day. Also, the receiving line adds a personal, warm touch to your day by allowing your guests a chance to extend their congratulations to you. A well-designed, thoughtful receiving line can add a delicate, human touch to your wedding day.