So true, that this experience happens to so many of us. I too gave everyone a year notice, which I thought was fine (I couldn't wait 2 years lol).
I also got the same comments from people - "If only it were St. Lucia...". I really couldn't think of a ruder thing to hear from my FBIL, but then, other people complained that I had picked Jamaica and they weren't interested. Nice manners!
So, out of 150 invited (and really, I totally didn't expect that many, of course) we have 14 booked. My MOH has daily fights with her tool of a boyfriend so that has delayed her booking.
On the bright side, two couples are coming that I never thought would (and we are super pleased about that) and with just 6 weeks to go, my travel agent says that new people are 'inquiring' every week. So, until I am there, I will just wait to see what happens.
I'm so anti-big-wedding, I still couldn't imagine a better way to do the whole thing.