A wedding reception is a celebration often conducted following the conclusion of a wedding ceremony as hospitality for those who attended the ceremony, thus the term reception: the couple acquires society, in the shape of relatives and friends, for the first time as a married couple. Despite the fact that wedding cakes are popular, hosts supply the food and beverages. In most civilizations, it is customary to entertain guests following a wedding for range from a half hour to several hours or even days.

The majority of wedding receptions are held in the evening for supper; however, the couple may choose a luncheon, brunch, or afternoon tea. restaurant wedding , the married couple picks the reception's features and location. In many traditions, the bride's and groom's families celebrate their weddings separately. Before receptions, a social event centered on a receiving line and often conducted in the afternoon with only light refreshments, became popular, weddings were traditionally celebrated with wedding breakfasts and wedding balls for those who were married at night.

In the 20th century, the popularity of receptions over brunches, dinners, and balls led to the word reception being given to any social gathering after a wedding, whether it be brunch, tea, supper, or a dance. Technically, for an event to be considered a reception as opposed to any other form of entertainment, attendees must be greeted by a receiving line. In a reception line, the newlyweds, the hosts, and often their parents and other honor attendants stand in order of precedence and welcome each visitor in turn. Each guest along the line welcomes the main character and, if required, introduces him or herself.

The principal character then presents the guest to the next person in line before turning to the next guest. As each visitor offers little more than his or her name and standard welcomes or congrats to each of us in turn, the line moves smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Western etiquette requires at least one of the hosts and the newlywed couple, as the guests of honor, to greet and welcome the guests.

However, other members of the wedding party, such as parents who are not hosting the reception, siblings, etc., are not obligated to face the bride and groom in the receiving line. As more modern couples host and pay for their own weddings as opposed to their parents, it is becoming increasingly common to showcase the pair as the most effective, rather than the parents. After formally welcoming each guest in this manner, the receiving line is complete, and those who were duty-bound to stand in it may mingle with guests and engage in more extended talks. read full...