I say if you have the money do it, if not you don't have too. We are going to create a little wedding album and make a copy of the wedding video for our parents as gift after the wedding.
David's bridal has some great dresses for less than 160! I am totally happy with my girls dresses. And why pay more if you can get a good dress for less. They will only wear it once anyway.
some of my guests are going for 5 nights, so with flight included its less than 1000. for those that are coming to 7nights its about 1200 with flights. Not bad for an all inclusive.
That is my reason for doing a destination wedding. most likely all of us are spending a pretty penny. But at least you get to stretch it out. I cannot even emagine spending 10K on a one day where you dont even get to see everyone.