But it made the overly formal reception all the more disappointing.

"I'm not going to a formal reception, just across the hall."

Inside, the large center hall was used for balls and formal receptions.

Indeed, when he first arrived, the staff of the hospital lined up in a formal reception to meet him.

On 9 November 1737, she felt an intense pain and, after struggling through a formal reception, took to her bed.

'There will be a formal reception for us at the palace tonight,' she said.

There was a huge formal reception at University, with a dinner that went on for hours.

After dinner, they attended a formal reception, where discussions continued.

A formal reception would be scheduled for a later date, with appropriate guests.

During that evening, the Band played for a formal diplomatic reception.