Receiving Line Etiquette

The receiving line developed from the ancient belief that brides and grooms had the power to spread good luck among wedding guests on the day of the ceremony. Specifically, they shared that good luck through touch. Each wedding guest was given a chance to press hands with the bride and groom.

In modern times, many brides and grooms wonder who's in the receiving line. This can vary, depending on who hosted the wedding and who participated in the wedding. Some receiving lines are made up only of females with the exception of the groom, so you might have a receiving line like this: MOB, bride, groom, bridesmaid, bridesmaid, bridesmaid. If nothing else, the bride and groom must take part. The most common receiving lines are made up of the parents of the bride and groom, the bride and groom themselves, and their attendants. Sometimes attendants do not participate -- this is for the best, we think, as longer receiving lines can eat into the reception!

Why have a receiving line? Many couples often pass on this and prefer to "make the rounds" greeting their guests during the wedding dinner. A receiving line gives you and your new spouse a chance to greet each and every one of your wedding guests and gives your guests a chance to hug and congratulate you on your new life status. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of greeting each of your guests, just remember that they have come to your wedding to honor you, and saying hello to each of them is the least you can do in return.


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Blue Wedding Favors

Blue remains a popular wedding color, and it doesn't look like blue will be going anywhere anytime soon. Brides can buy blue wedding gowns, blue wedding cakes, and blue bridesmaids' dresses... there's never a shortage of "something blue!" Today we want to take a look at some blue wedding favors that may just complement your wedding color scheme perfectly. Enjoy!










Wedding cake cookies are a perfect favor for wedding showers and weddings receptions. Each wedding cake cookie comes package in a clear cellophane bag with matching blue ribbons. Put one at each place setting so wedding guests have something to nosh on while they wait for dinner!










These wedding presents are perfectly sized and practical wedding favors. What's the gift? Incognito sticky note pads are cleverly disguised as gift boxes, wrapped in pretty turquoise blue ribbons to match your wedding color scheme perfectly.










Something Blue gift box candles instantly add the right color accents to your wedding reception tables and double as wedding gift keepsakes. For a little easy aromatherapy, group these blue scented candles in your table centerpieces.








If value is what you're after in wedding favors, personalized pillow candy wedding favors are for you. Elegant clear containers filled with coordinating candy let you coordinate with your wedding colors... in this case, blue!










Share your love of the ocean with your wedding guests with glass sailboat favors. Create the magic ambiance of sail boats moving across the horizon with on your reception tables or simply add them to the existing nautical decor at a restaurant by a bay, harbor, or marina.


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Cultural Wedding Traditions

We here at Smart Wedding Planning love learning about new and different wedding traditions. While we might not incorporate all of them into our own weddings, it's still nice to know how our sister brides in other parts of the world are celebrating their nuptials!

We've shared interesting and unique wedding traditions in the past, but here are a few more unusual wedding traditions from around the world to inspire you as you plan your own ceremonies and receptions!

The Greek bride will often tuck a sugar cube in her glove to "sweeten the union."

According to Hindu beliefs, rain on your wedding day is good luck. On the other hand, some western cultures believe rain is unlucky, so check those wedding forecasts!

In Holland, it is traditional to plant a tree outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility.

Finnish brides traditionally carried a pillowcase door to door, collecting gifts. (Trick or treat, anyone?) An older married man went with her, symbolizing a long marriage.

Korean brides wear red and yellow outfits for their weddings.

Danish brides and grooms used to confound the evil spirits by cross-dressing!

Egyptian parents traditionally do all the cooking for a week, so that the couple can relax. Lucky them, right?

In many cultures -- including the Hindu, Egypt, and Celtic peoples -- the hand of a bride and groom are tied together as a symbol of their new bond and commitment to the marriage. This is the origin of the expression "Tying then knot."

African-American weddings often hold to the tradition of "jumping the broom." Slaves in the United States were not allowed to marry, so they would exhibit their love by jumping over a broom to the beat of drums. It now is symbol of the couple's intention to set up a home together.

Japanese couples become man and wife when they take the first of nine sips of sake. Wow!

In the Irish tradition, once the bride and groom were in the church, the guests would lock the doors to make sure the groom couldn't back out. It was also important that a male and not a female be the first to wish joy to the newly married bride.


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