It is held usually 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. In some cultures, separate wedding celebrations are held for the bride’s and groom’s families.