TV Details
Genre
More details

Masters of Reception (TLC)

common sense media says

Wedding reality show reinforces "perfect day" ideal.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show about a veteran wedding-planning business fosters the myth of the "dream wedding" as a major production -- focusing all of the attention on the big day rather than on the life-long relationship that comes afterward. And while the costs of such an event are never mentioned, they have to be astronomical. The brides (and to a lesser degree, the grooms) are catered to and pampered at every turn, which sometimes reinforces their tendencies to be demanding. That said, there are defintely some anti-Bridezillas in the mix, too.

Positive messages: While the show ostensibly focuses on love and beauty, there's some serious conspicuous consumption going on here, and the whole "bride as Queen for a Day" theme is very strong -- emphasizing the idea of the wedding over the concept of the marriage.
Positive role models: The role models are very mixed. Some of the brides get very demanding -- the fact that the planning staff gives them everything they ask for without letting them see how much trouble it causes them doesn't help -- while others are very easygoing and flexible.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There's the occasional racy reference, but it's remarkably tame, all things considered.
Language: Words like "crappy" are audible, though used infrqeuently. Stronger swearing is muted.
Consumerism: While there aren't any mentions of specific brands or products, the show does "sell" the concept of the dream wedding.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Champagne, hard liquor, and other alcoholic beverages are served at weddings (usually in glasses, though sometimes in more creative ways like a fancy ice sculpture), though no one is seen over-indulging.

More on Masters of Reception

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the messages the show sends about weddings. Why are weddings such a big deal in general? What role does the media play in making us think that the wedding is as important as the marriage?
  • How does the way the show is edited affect your perception of events? Do you think all of the things you see happening really happened that way? Why do producers take liberty with the facts?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Frungillo Brothers wedding company has been in business for over 30 years and is still a family business. Each episode of MASTERS OF RECEPTION follows the company's staff in a basic "day in the life" way, showing how they go to extraordinary lengths to make sure each of their brides has exactly (and we mean exactly) what she wants for her dream wedding.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

As shows like this go, it's good without being exceptional. The weddings are fun, and you can't help get a little teary-eyed watching the couples recite their vows.

That said, the receptions are so over the top that it's hard not to marvel and yet wince at the same time. Bottom line? Wedding-TV junkies will probably enjoy it, but it might not send the best message to tweens and teens about the importance of a wedding vs. a marriage.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TLC
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC

This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 
 

Review It

 

Review Masters of Reception





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you see Masters of Reception?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age