A wedding reception is a special celebration that is held after a ceremony at the wedding venue. Receptions may include traditions and rituals but they also have dancing, music, and meals. But have you ever wondered why the party after a couple officially ties the knot is referred to as a reception? The term means the process or action of receiving something. But how is it related to getting married?
A reception is held to welcome all the guests who attended your wedding. It’s where the couple receive their friends and family, the community, for the first time as a married couple. It also applies the other way around. It is the time when the community receive the couple as an official married couple.
Reception Origins
Before, weddings were simple. Up until World War II, wedding celebrations took place in the home of the bride and the style of the reception relied on the financial standing of the family. This applied to the western culture. A fancy ball were for wealthier family while an afternoon luncheon and tea were commonly held by middle class families.
Later on, dance halls started to grow in popularity and more and more people were included in the guest list. The bride and the groom could invite as many as they want because their guest list was no longer limited by the size of their house. Wherever they held the reception, there’s a receiving line that would greet the guests. The newlyweds, parents, and host would greet each guest.