I think it really depends on the size of your wedding. We were just married this May on St. Thomas. We hosted 50 guests at a private villa and had our ceremony on the beach. We made a visit to the island beforehand, which gave us the opportunity to look around at different resorts for guests, see different beach options for our ceremony, meet our planner beforehand, sample the food from a couple of caterers and bakers, and also to try a few restaurants for our welcome dinner. If we hadn't gone, we probably would have chosen many things differently and I wouldn't have had any peace of mind. I imagine we would have gone with the vendors who appeared to be the most popular assuming they were the best. However, by going there we found the opposite to be true in a few instances...cake and catering namely. Not only did it save us a little bit, but we had a more personalized service and better quality food. I don't know if I would have been happy if we didn't go. So, if you can afford it then go for it! It will also give you and your fiance a much needed break that I'm sure you deserve.