<P> Like Western - style traditions, a reception takes place right after the wedding ceremony . The guests of the reception include family members, friends, and colleagues . Due to the wedding industry's attempt to maximize time and space, the reception will last exactly two hours . The reception does not include any random activities, but follows a strict order of events . The reception includes dramatic entrances by the bride and the groom with special effects, speeches, and other performances . </P> <P> Throughout the reception, the bride shall receive the guests' utmost attention because she changes two to three times for the dramatic entrances . With all the dramatic entrances, the groom will join the bride . For example, the first entrance includes the bride, the groom, and the nakodo couple . Nakodo means a "matchmaker" or a "go - between", which is usually referred to the husband . The nakodo couple plays such an important role that their names appear on the announcement of the wedding . The purpose of the nakodo is to symbolize a stable marriage . As the two couples appear a special effect of a cloud of white smoke will appear to surround them . Simultaneously, the hall lights are dimmed and the stage lighting will turn to the color of rose - pink; this astonishes the guests . Pictures are to be taken during the dramatic entrances of the bride and the groom . After the photographs have been taken, they will be led back to their table . </P> <P> At this point the Master of Ceremonies will congratulate the newlyweds and their family . He / she will then introduce the nakodo, who will start the opening speeches and more speeches will follow . Being that the reception is highly structured the speakers will have the idea of being formal and concise in mind . With all the speeches finished, the bride and the groom will perform the Western - style traditions, which include the following: (1) the cake cutting ceremony and (2) the newlyweds' first dance as husband and wife . </P> <P> The next part of the reception is the toast, or kanpai, which simplifies the mood of the reception where the guests can start to relax, eat, and drink . What follows the toast are the short congratulatory speeches made by relatives, friends, and colleagues . During this time, the bride has gone to change into her first costume and continues throughout the reception . However, the groom will also have a chance to change into his costume, which is the Western tuxedo . By the end of the night, both the bride and the groom have changed from their traditional Japanese attire to their Western - style attire . </P>

Who pays for the wedding in different cultures