Bringing back the Receiving Line I've been thinking about this and want to know why no one does receiving lines anymore. It seems to be a tradition of the past.  It was proper etiquette to stand in a line typically after the ceremony with the bride, groom and both sets of parents (and sometimes the bridal party) and greet every guest, thanking them for attending the wedding.  These days more brides and grooms choose to greet guests by walking around to each table during the dinner hour.  I have found that most couples want "just 10 more minutes" to visit a last few tables. And even with that they feel rushed and don't make it to the all of the guests. Let's think about that,  if you have 150 guests and spend 30 seconds per guest you will spend 75 minutes greeting everyone.  But there is only 60 minutes for dinner.  How are you expected greet everyone and eat your own dinner? So why not do it?  You are guaranteed to see and thank every guest.  The line will move quickly and the bride, groom, and the guests will be able to relax and enjoy the reception.   Traditional line up: Mother of the bride Father of the bride ( optional) Mother of the groom Father of the groom (optional) Bride  Groom Maid/Matron of honor (optional) Bridesmaids (optional) Groomsmen (optional)