My fiancé and I are having a shotgun wedding with immediate family attending in St. Thomas in 1 month.

We’d like to have a post-wedding “celebration” for family and friends when we return home, but am confused about what the proper term for the celebration is. Do we call it a “reception” or a “celebration” or a “party”?

It will be a cookout, hosted by us, at our new house 1 week after the wedding. It will be very informal.

Can you please advise on the wording of the “celebration” invitation since it will not be given by someone else in honor of us? We are doing the hosting ourselves.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

Dear Shot Gun,

You can call it a wedding reception because a wedding reception is a celebration of your wedding. Many couples will host this.

If you want to call it something else, that is fine too. It is your party.

Best wishes,