Is the ceremony mostly for the bride and groom and the reception is mostly for the guest?

The former. the ceremony should be about the B&G and the reception is a thank you party for the guest that celebrates the ceremony.

The ceremony is about the bride and groom, the reception is a thank you for the guests.

I just want to mention that in modern times, weddings and marriage in general mean a lot of different things to different people. Some see it as legal commitment, some it's religious, some spiritual, some it's a place to officially state vows, some it is a place to unite family, some it is a rite of passage. So depending on how you see marriage, it will likely affect how you see the ceremony and reception if you have one at all.

Generally though the ceremony is about the couple, and the reception is about the guests.

Agreed. The reception is usually when the bride and groom might make a toast/speech thanking their guests for coming.

Yep, what FFW said. The term "reception" actually comes from the bride and groom receiving their guests for the first time as a married couple and showing them hospitality in gratitude for witnessing their vows.

Generally speaking: Ceremony= Bride and Groom; Reception= Guests.

Personally, I feel that a really great ceremony is not only for the couple, but a gift for the guests too. Our ceremonies have readings (usually non scriptural), a story about the couple, inspiring words for those watching. It's a window into the couples' life, but ideally, it enriches the people hearing it.

The reception is a giant "thank you for supporting us, let's celebrate!" for the people who, well, support you. One of the reasons I'm not a fan of giant receptions with people you hardly know and will have literally 12 seconds to interact with. (ended with a preposition, sorry)

The reception should be a hosted party for the people you love, the people who support you, the people you could call in the middle of a snowy night to bring the jumper cables. Not random people from work, not people you have not spoken to in years. It should be a lovely, warm, exciting party for people who CARE to be there.

Since you asked.

Absolutely beautifully put Celia.

Both! You should be sharing your experience with your guests and if you've invited the right people they'll enjoy the ceremony just as much as you.

As for the reception...how in the hell is this only for the guests? If the brides and grooms aren't celebrating the fact that they just got MARRIED then this is strange. The whole day is meant to be for the bride and groom and to be shared with your loved ones and meant for everyone to have a great time.

No one said it was ONLY for the guests, it's just primarily for the guests. You're just as married without a reception but it's there to thank the guests for supporting you, raising you, witnessing your ceremony, etc.

I think both are for both, honestly. If the ceremony wasn't also for the guests/family, then why would you invite them and why would they want to come? Likewise, if the reception wasn't about everyone celebrating together, then what is the point? If you absolutely HAVE to give distinction, than I would say the first one, but I think both should be a balance for both.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As for me, the ceremony and reception are for the bride and groom.

ETA: I personally, I think a reception is a personal choice, not mandatory. (spell check)