Spalier stehen

15:59 Sep 30, 2016 

Despite writeaway's assertion below that there is no AE/BE difference, I notice that opinions do seem to be falling that way in this discussion, with Michael, jccantrell, and myself all getting a military vibe from "guard of honor" that doesn't seem to be (as) present for the Brits.

I also wonder whether this is a case of usages changing in a living language. There’s an interesting discussion at http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/forum/general-chat/what-d... – it begins with “You know at the end of the evening when you can walk through a tunnel created by your guests by forming two lines facing each other & raising arms/linking hands … what is this called?” and then further down the thread someone says “i think it's called a guard of honour or something??”

That suggests to me that “guard of honor” is establishing itself outside the military context, as Armorel and Alison say. But it also suggests that that process is still unfolding, and that “guard of honor” is not (yet) an established all-purpose term in the way that “Spalier stehen” is.

10:03 Sep 30, 2016 

Martha knows.
I guess receiving line is not the line up of the guests, but rather bride & groom & parents forming a line.
'The shortest receiving line comprises, in this order, the bride's mother -- who is historically the hostess, and therefore stands at the head -- the groom's mother, the bride, and the groom.'
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226683/greeting-your-we...

08:45 Sep 30, 2016 

That picture in your link isn't a receiving line. The text in your link says "A receiving line is the best opportunity to greet each guest individually and thank him or her for coming to your wedding. ... The line also guarantees your guests a minute of face-to-face time with you, a chance to hug, kiss, and congratulate you both, and to say things like "The ceremony was lovely." - The picture doesn't illustrate that, since the couple aren't stopping to talk to each guest individually, which is the whole point of a receiving line.

08:40 Sep 30, 2016 

Hm, not sure. I think you can have a receiving line before and after the ceremony.
Look at the picture of my first link. That's outside the church, after the ceremony.
(I should get married more often)
On the other hand, I had no idea it is called 'Spalier stehen' at weddings in German. I thought that is a military term.

08:20 Sep 30, 2016 

... is different. That's at the reception, when everyone lines up and the newlyweds speak to / greet each person in turn - I think what is being described by the asker is the point when the couple are leaving the ceremony and simply walk through the assembled crowd (then everyone will move on to the reception, where the receiving line will be)

07:27 Sep 30, 2016 

'receiving line' gets lots of hits
Receiving Line Etiquette, Options and Tips
https://www.theknot.com/content/receiving-line-etiquette-opt...

'After the wedding ceremony, your guests will be eager to hug you and congratulate you. A receiving line is an efficient way for you and your parents to receive these good wishes and give a warm welcome to friends and family who have come to share this special day. '
http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2014/07/wedding-receiv...

06:12 Sep 30, 2016 

01:48 Sep 30, 2016 

writeaway, 'tis true, I've heard "honor guard" in the US. It doesn't seem to be a purely AE thing, though – witness for example http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/story-16755385-detail/story.h... , http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371569 , etc. What can I say – people will never settle for a long phrase if it can possibly shortened :-)