I have been worrying about the same thing. I know my wedding is far away and we haven't sent out save the dates but I am concerned about the turn out. I don't want to feel like I wasted time planning and then have no one show up. And I definitely don't want people to rub it in my face by saying that we should have gotten married somewhere local.

I feel your pain on the low turn out... I haven't had a lot of guests confirm they were going yet and it's started to get me down... I just had to remember that we chose a destination wedding because that's was WE wanted.. it is our dream wedding and we weren't willing to sacrifice our dream day to fit everyone else's wishes... We had originally tried, but no matter what there was someone who couldn't come or had something to say about the location.... I would try to just focus on what's really important to you and your groom to be, if it's your dream to have a destination wedding.... PLEASE do it and if people can't understand that is their problem... The people that really love you, where may not be able to afford to go, they will still be able to be happy for you!

We did not send out formal invites.  They were just unnecessary and I didn't want to pay for them. 

I sent a postcard STD 1 year in advance.  About a month later I sent an email "invitation" with resort details and the form to book their rooms and RSVP.  (And my Travel Agent followed up with another email after mine)

I don't regret the decision at all, although I do hope my guests aren't like "where the hell is my formal invite?!?!"  What sucks is my SST says "formal invite to follow" because I bought them and mailed them before I decided against actual formal invites.  Ooops.

We did not send out formal invites.  They were just unnecessary and I didn't want to pay for them. 

 

I sent a postcard STD 1 year in advance.  About a month later I sent an email "invitation" with resort details and the form to book their rooms and RSVP.  (And my Travel Agent followed up with another email after mine)

 

I don't regret the decision at all, although I do hope my guests aren't like "where the hell is my formal invite?!?!"  What sucks is my SST says "formal invite to follow" because I bought them and mailed them before I decided against actual formal invites.  Ooops.

How did this work out as far as people RSVP'ing?

We did not send out formal invites.  They were just unnecessary and I didn't want to pay for them. 

 

I sent a postcard STD 1 year in advance.  About a month later I sent an email "invitation" with resort details and the form to book their rooms and RSVP.  (And my Travel Agent followed up with another email after mine)

 

I don't regret the decision at all, although I do hope my guests aren't like "where the hell is my formal invite?!?!"  What sucks is my SST says "formal invite to follow" because I bought them and mailed them before I decided against actual formal invites.  Ooops.

Thanks!! This makes me feel better!!!

I did a facebook event for most  because its easier to keep track of everyone and if there is any changes its one email to everyone of course there were still a few that needed invites but it cut the costs and a lot less waste as well.