When do you start the receiving line?

We had our receiving line immediately following the ceremony. It worked out great and didn't interrupt anything. As the guests made their way to the reception hall (which we fortunately attached to the church) we were able to finish taking formal pictures.

We had a receiving line at our wedding because we were having a much smaller reception but still wanted to see everyone who came to our ceremony. As soon as we walked back up the aisle, my husband and I, our parents, and the maid of honor and best man formed a receiving line in the lobby of our church. Meanwhile, we had some cupcakes and punch outside so that even those who weren't coming to the reception weren't just kicked out with nothing to show for it ;o). Then, since the reception was at a different location and the guests would be arriving before us (as would happen at any wedding where pictures are taken after the ceremony), the appetizers just started without the wedding party. If I hadn't had this situation with the smaller reception, I wouldn't have done the receiving line, because it takes a lot of time and can be boring for some people. If you'll see everyone at the reception anyways, just make sure you (bride & groom) go to each table and greet everyone that way. But if you want the receiving line, go for it! It was nice to be able to see everyone, because it can get kind of crazy on your wedding day, and this way everyone is coming to you. :o) Congratulations!

The receiving line usualy takes place after the bride and groom have walked back down the aisle together. They wait for their guests so they can greet them and then the guests go outside to wait to see the happy new couple off before all leaving for the reception.

Usually at a wedding the receiving line takes place directly after the ceremony. Generally after the bride and groom walk back down the aisle together at the end of the ceremony they stay and greet their guests.

We had a receiving line. After the preacher pronounced us husband and wife and we kissed, blah blah blah, we walked back down the aisle and stopped off to the side of the doorway to greet our guests as they left. My parents and my in-laws also stood with us, since we are the ones that knew the majority of guests. It's not done before the ceremony.

Unless you are having a formal wedding, I would do away with the receiving line... face it, they are boring and you feel obligated to go up to the receiving line to congratulate the newlyweds! So why would the entire party have to be up there with you?

I had a pretty formal wedding, but we did away with the receiving line! BORING!!!

You can have it after you've entered the reception or right after you exit the church-I've seen it done both ways...I just got married in May and we didn't have one...I didn't want to awkwardly hug a lot of stangers.

You could do table visits where you and the groom circulate the room and visit the guests at their tables.

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Sorry.