Welcome to the forum. I've photographed two receptions that were after the wedding, way after the wedding. One couple were married in Switzerland and had a reception here in L. A. for all of their Stateside friends and family, and that was during their Christmas break, and in between moving countries. So they fit it into everyone's schedule, and having a holiday time reception worked for them. They are now in Sydney! Lots of frequent flyer miles, This couple waited six months.
The other couple got married down in Cabo and then three months later had a Halloween themed reception for all of their friends and family, although most of the fam went with them to Cabo.
I think its really up to you and what works best for your group of people that are going to be attending the reception.
hth,
arlene catherine