DCA | Directorate of Cadet Activities | Cadet Activities | US Military Academy

*Receiving Lines*

Receiving line order: Mother, then Father Grandmother, then Grandfather Aunt, then Uncle Sister, then brother Girlfriend/boyfriend Yourself Rule of thumb: Ladies First!
	Take off your gloves. Step next to the line aide or “greeter.” You should be side-by-side with him/her. Do not shake his/her hand. Tell his/her the names of each of your guests as they walk past both of you in the order listed above. Your guests will not shake the line aide’s hand. He/she will announce their names to the official host/hostess of the receiving line. Follow your last guest through the line. Each guest shakes hands with the official party members in the line and repeats their name to all members, except the official host, while offering a greeting. “Good evening, sir/ma’am, my name is Mary Smith.” Remember, this is not the time for a long conversation!\|
Receiving Lines afford guests the opportunity to greet their host and hostess of the evening.
	Duties of the aide or “greeter”: Arrive early to meet your receiving line participants. Position yourself at the head of the line, standing “at ease”. Do not shake hands w/ guests. Clearly announce the names of all guests to your line host/hostess.