Hi there, we are now planning a small family only destination wedding. Between my fiancé and I we have 40 coworkers (including their +1s) that have been hinting that they expect to be invited. We specifically have not been discussing wedding plans around them besides announcing our engagement. We would really love to celebrate with these people but it would increase our guest list 200% and at $400+ per person (all inclusive weekend) we cannot afford that. Can we host an engagement type party for these people in town if we specifically state that our wedding will be family only? Or should we call it something else? Or forgo it all together. We found a restaurant in town that would host for about 50++pp and we can afford that for the party. Then theres the issue of gift? We don't want people to feel obligated since they aren't invited to the wedding but I know some people would want to give us something. We don't want to offend anyone, we just want to celebrate.
Also, none of our family lives in town, so no one going to the wedding would be at this party. Figured that will help avoid confusion.