A wedding reception is a party usually held after the completion of a marriage ceremony as hospitality for those who have attended the wedding, hence the name reception: the couple receive 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.
Wedding reception in 17th-century Russia by Konstantin Makovsky
Wedding Party, Flemish painting of the 17th century
Wedding dance of an Azerbaijani married couple
Banquet hall being used for wedding reception
A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration or celebration of a special occasion. A party will often feature food and beverages, and often conversation, music, dancing, or other forms of entertainment.
A September 1945 street party in Selborne Road, Margate, celebrating victory in the Second World War
A birthday cake with lit novelty candles
Children at a birthday party
A formal dinner party as sketched in 1920 by reporter-artist Marguerite Martyn