Reception

       Historically the wedding reception was not necessarily a part of the wedding rituals.  Any dancing, celebration, or food was provided by the community or the family, but documentation of a ritualized post-ceremony celebration is virtually nonexistent.  

       Because of the shift in western society from the importance of production to one based on finding one's value and identity through consumerism, the formal wedding reception was formed.  Many ancient rituals can be seen in the traditions performed throughout the reception.  A detailed description of a traditional catholic wedding reception (which is very similar to other Christian receptions) is described here. 

      In today's post modern consumerist society, the reception is not only expected, but is often the biggest, most expensive part of the wedding.  Depending on which perspective you take the reception serves several functions.  From a FUNCTIONAL point of view the reception serves to bring the whole wedding party and all the guests together in a social event not only to celebrate the union of the newlywed couple, but also to strengthen the bonds between the two families and the multitude of guests present.  From a SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISTIC view the reception serves as a symbol of whatever the families of the newlywed couple wish to convey to their guests as well as to the rest of society.  The reception becomes a symbol of taste, wealth, and style of the family.  Everything down to the tablecloths and lighting serves to convey a certain message about the family that is providing the reception.  

What do these different receptions say about the families who pay for them?

        Some families choose to plan and direct their own receptions, but a rapidly growing trend is to hire someone else, like Frank, in Father of the Bride, to do the dirty work of planning a reception dinner and party.  A huge industry of wedding planners, caterers, and facility rentals has arisen in this new age of consumerism.  In fact, a search done through Google on December 3 for Wedding Planners resulted in 63,800 hits.  

         Frank the Wedding Planner

        Doodads of all sorts are constantly being invented especially for wedding receptions.  A great site selling everything for a reception and more can be found at Bridal Planner online.  Below are some good examples of the stuff you can get for you wedding (at a price).

5.58 EA	18.95 EA	12.00 EA	7.95 BOX	1.79 EA	11.95 EA

As you can see, things can certainly add up if you want a few extra frills.

The wedding reception is also constrained by time limits.  For example, The Cohen House faculty club at Rice University, a historic building rented out for events such as receptions, parties going over the allotted time costs increases the already hefty bill 500 dollars an hour!         

In Conclusion, the reception is not only the time when the families and their guests come together to eat and socialize, it is also the MOST expensive, commodified part of the wedding day due to the array of accessories, food, drinks, music, setting and even atmosphere that can be bought.  The service industry surrounding the wedding reception is extensive and fast growing due to the societal shifts from production to consumerism in today's modern world.