with the way the economy is right now why even consider spending this kind of money? I know it's a wedding but if you are thinking about spending this kind of money in DR you have lost your mind. Keep it simple, small and save the rest of that $ for a rainy day [no pun intended].
A good marriage starts off with a realistic understanding of cost of living issues and a plan for how to deal with them as they arise. How many marriages go awry before the liquor bill from the reception is paid off?
Going 'all-in' for the big party at the beginning of the marriage will have serious consequences as the couple struggles with the economic hardships induced by the start-up costs of family life. For most, the answer is to stretch their newfound creditworthiness to its limit in order to achieve immediate gratification in terms of material needs and wants (the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' gets fuzzy during the credit binge).
I remember a vacuum salesman imploring "It's only $22 a Month, you can afford that" when I'd just married the very first time. My wife was sitting there with her head going up and down like the little dog in the back window of the car and I interjected "We can afford the payments but we'd rather save for one". They both looked at me like I was crazy. I probably should've split right then.
OP,
Put the half the savings in the bank, honeymoon on the other half after leaving the local Justice of the Peace with your brand new spouse and a pair of witnesses. Keep adding to the savings as life progresses and after 5 years invite all the friends and family to a "Renewal of Marriage Vows" ceremony in the back yard of your new house. Make sure they register with Sears for those new appliances.