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Receiving Line Etiquette (Business Functions) • Receiving lines are only appropriate for 50 or more guests when it’s near impossible to greet everyone individually. • One to two people from your company who know all the guests should see to it that every person who arrived is introduced to the host of the party. They would act as “introducers.” • This is very important if the host doesn't know all guests personally which is most likely the case at a business function. • Guests in receiving lines should never hold a drink in their right hand because we shake with our right hand and we don't want it to be cold and wet when shaking. Think electric shock! • If the line is long, a guest may leave the reception line and come back but dispense with the glass on a nearby table before reaching the front of the line. • Every receiving line has an introducer, a host and often a guest of honor. These are the three most important persons in the line who will be meeting invited guests. • Introducer. The introducer is the catalyst, not the focal point. The introducer should be a company person who is good at greeting guests, knows the guests and is well rehearsed in the names and titles on the guest list. The introducer greets each guest with a smile and a handshake, saying their first and last name when introduced to the host. • Host. The host is now free to say a few words as they know the guests name and can introduce them to the next person in line which would be the honored guest if there is one. • Guest. It's the guest’s responsibility to immediately supply their name, company name and title to the introducer. • The receiving line is no place for lengthy conversations. It's not fair to others waiting. Think how often you've waited in a wedding receiving line? • If the receiving line is at The White House, men always precede women unless the women hold the more important position - this is protocol. • It is also customary in all armed services that women move down the isle first with the exception of the Air Force. • After passing through a receiving line, it is the duty of each guest to introduce themselves and mingle with other guests. • You can wait until the line has shortened, but it is your duty to go through at some point.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
