How to approach a smaller wedding with immediate family and some friends?

My fiancé and I are planning on having a smaller wedding with about 45-50 people including immediate family (grandparents, parents and siblings) as well as a larger wedding party and their significant others. They are our closest friends that we can’t imagine not inviting but at the same time do not want to offend extended family by inviting some friends but not them. Thought about inviting aunts and uncles but we both have large families and it would then be at 75 and 175 if we invited everyone we want to.
We are planning on having a party next year to celebrate with everyone (175 total) but are trying to keep the ceremony smaller for covid as well as wanting it to be more intimate.
Anyway, has anyone else been in this situation and how did you handle it? We want to send a save the date for the party right after the wedding so they’re aware we are thinking of them and excited to celebrate with them. Can’t help but have so much anxiety about approaching this though. Any advice is much appreciated!