Ladies I need help!
So I want to throw an engagement party, but with COVID-19 running amuck there's no telling who's comfortable or not about going to events.
I'm wondering if I should send out a mass informal message asking friends and family who would be willing to even come to an engagement party in the first place before paying for a venue and food and sending official invites.
I was told that was tacky, and I should just invite everyone and see who RSVP's.
To me, sending out the mass informal message would give me an idea of how many attendees there will be, instead of playing the waiting game because that makes it harder on me to get an accurate food count, seating arrangements, etc. and I just hate doing everything at the last minute because one person can't decide if they want to come. At least the informal message would give me an idea and people will be aware there might be an invite going out soon.
To add we are planning for our engagement party to be hosted at a park pavilion, and our menu will be picnic style foods that are going to be prepackaged. But before buying all that food I want to make sure I have an idea before spending a lot of money if that makes sense.
Any advice would be appreciated! 
