I Do BBQ Engagement Party

We are doing something similar. We invited family and close friends ( we haven't picked a bridal party yet). Just know whoever you invite must also be invited to the wedding.

Is your aunt hosting? I think you/the host can invite whoever you want, but everyone invited should be invite do the wedding!

Are you hosting the BBQ?

My aunt is hosting the party. We have our wedding party picked as well. I guess I just feel kind of bad that it's so far away for some people. I know it's just the first party and there will be more to come...I hate feeling like I'm leaving people out.

Thank you for your responses!

I would keep it limited to people you know will absolutely be invited to the wedding. A lot can change in two years.

Close family and friends that you know will be invited to the wedding. Anyone you're on the fence about shouldn't be invited.

We are doing the same thing. We are inviting family and close friends.

@Tiffany, if it's too far away, those guests can choose not to come. I guarantee they'll be more disappointed that they weren't invited but other family members were than if you do invite then and they can't make it.

Invite them even if it's far and let them decide if they can come or not. Just don't let it hurt your feelings if they can't make it. Some of my close friends threw a small bachelorette party at a lake house for me. I only invited my BP, and none of them were able to make it. But I had a great time with the ladies who hosted, and there were no hard feelings.

We are doing the same thing. I invited my family that was far away just so they have the option but know they probably won't come.

We are doing the same idea! Our list for the engagement party was about 1/3 the size of the wedding guest list. Immediate family, extended family that lives nearby, and close friends who will definitely be invited to the wedding. About 60 people.

We did the same thing for the engagement party my parents threw for us! To keep the guest list under 30, we decided to do just friends. Keep in mind anyone invited needs to be invited to the wedding, so keeping it as close-knit as possible is important!