Reuters/Joshua Roberts
President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shovel dirt onto a freshly planted oak tree gift as first lady Melania Trump watches on the South Lawn of the White House on April 23, 2018..
At the most powerful address in the country, receiving special visitors is not just part of the job, but a long-held diplomatic tradition.
State visits are the highest-ranking form of diplomatic visits - only heads of state qualify for the lavish public ceremony.
Every president since Calvin Coolidge has held at least one state dinner a year, except President Donald Trump, who waited until his second year to invite French President Emmanuel Macron.
Though each state visit varies to best accommodate the president and first lady's wishes, much of the walking, standing, and shaking hands is required as distinct ceremonial steps are planned months in advance.
The Office of the Chief of Protocol assists White House staff in making sure the event goes off without diplomatic faux pas or embarrassment.
Take a look at some of the carefully coordinated pomp and circumstance, step by step: