Tools for this page
Print

Masters of Reception

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: TLC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Wedding reality show reinforces "perfect day" ideal.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • 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.

  • 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 an issue.

  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Masters of Reception

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Masters of Reception?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.