A
wedding reception is a
party held after the completion of a
marriage ceremony. It is held as hospitality for those who have attended the
wedding, hence the name reception: the couple
receives society, in the form of family and friends, for the first time as a married couple. Hosts provide their choice of food and drink, although a
wedding cake is popular. Entertaining guests after a wedding ceremony is traditional in most societies, and can last anywhere from half an hour to many hours or even days.