Definition

Noun: A social gathering held after a wedding ceremony to celebrate the marriage, typically featuring food, drink, and entertainment for the wedding guests.

Usage

The term "wedding reception" refers specifically to the celebratory party that follows the formal marriage ceremony. It is a standard and expected part of most weddings.

Examples

• The wedding reception was held in a beautiful garden with a live band.
• After the church service, everyone was invited to the wedding reception at the hotel.
• They gave a heartfelt speech thanking their parents during the wedding reception.

Advanced Usage

• "to host a wedding reception": To organize and pay for the party.
  • Her parents hosted a lavish wedding reception for over 200 people.
• "reception venue": The location where the wedding reception is held.
  • Choosing the right reception venue is a major part of wedding planning.

Variants and Related Words

• Reception (n): In the context of weddings, this is often used as a shortened, informal form of "wedding reception."
  • The ceremony is at 2 pm, and the reception starts at 5 pm.
• Wedding breakfast (n, chiefly British): A formal name for the wedding reception meal, regardless of the time of day.
• Celebratory dinner/lunch (n): A more general phrase that could describe the main meal at a wedding reception.

Synonyms

• Wedding party
• Marriage celebration
• Nuptial festivities

Related Phrases

• "Toasts at the reception": The speeches made in honor of the newly married couple during the reception.
  • Her brother's toast at the reception was both funny and touching.
• "First dance": The traditional dance by the newlyweds that opens the dancing portion of the wedding reception.
  • Their first dance as husband and wife was the highlight of the reception.

Noun

1. a reception for wedding guests held after the wedding