Nicole asks:
We are having a small wedding of only 50 people for close family and friends, however, contemplating having an engagement party – is it rude to invite people to the engagement party that will not be invited to the wedding?
Hi Nicole! I have a compromise for you. While it’s not appropriate to invite individuals to any parties prior to the wedding if they aren’t going to be a part of the Big Day, it would be in perfectly good taste to have a party after the wedding to celebrate with all of your friends and family! After-parties are generally done for destination weddings, but also apply in your situation. They are generally less formal events thrown by the newly married couple and, like engagement parties, are gift-optional.
I hope that helps!
E.