Realistic Punta Cana Budget

cheshire_moon · 07-22-2008, 08:48 AM

Usually my google-fu is great, but I'm having some difficulty with the search engine on the forum. I am looking for a realistic budget for an all-inclusive wedding in Punta Cana, DR. =) I can see how much the resorts charge, but I know that is just the beginning - what kind of budget are you lovely brides working with? I'm thinking 7 days, flight, reception, OOT bags, everything! I'm guessing there will be about 20 guests, but I would like to see what a good budget is before any helping to pay for guests.

Thanks for your input!

happygilmore · 07-22-2008, 09:11 AM

There are a lot of variables unfortunatly...
Airfare plays a big part in it...and whether or not you are having a AHR.
Also depending on what "package" you choose at the resort. We are looking at around $1100 airfare, $2400 for 9 nights in a "preferred" suite. Around $2000 for the actual wedding package.then more $$ depending on how many people you have at the reception. I know at Dreams it is an extra $20-$35 per person over 20 guests.. We are using photosouvenir..and they are about $2000.
Luckily we are doing some DIY stuff to help cut costs.. The OOT bags we are at about $15 for everything in the bag, OTC has some great deals.
I think we are somewhere between $10-15K including our AHR...
Hope this helps, let us know if we can answer anymore questions

Good luck!

cheshire_moon · 07-23-2008, 10:38 AM

Thank you so much for that information! I was hoping the figure would be a little less, but I completely understand all of the variables. Do you think it is feasible to do it on a budget of $7000? Or should I start planning something else? =)

CATHERINE&RANDY · 07-27-2008, 07:16 PM

I hope so myself! I think it could be done for less. We went to Cabo for my friends wedding this pass year and it cost her @ 6,000. Maybe she budgeted a little better but everything was beautiful. We also stayed for 10 nights. I also know that the travel agents said that it is a little cheaper in the DR than in Mexico. We got flights for very cheap. The deal is you have to keep checking they change every day. Well good luck. I hope it all goes well.

RU2008 · 07-27-2008, 07:17 PM

I think $7000 is totally doable! I've having my wedding at the Majestic next month and will around 60 guests. I spent a lot on my OOT bags, like $25. However, at the Majestic you don't have to pay anything for the reception dinner...it's free at one of the resturants. You do have to pay for the private open bar if you want that though. The wedding package itself, which includes the decorations, cake, champange for ceremony is like $1000 (a little more if you need the judge and license in the D.R.) A two week stay at the Majestic was about $3000 for the two of us, but if you are only looking for one week it is cheaper. Good luck!!!

ldyVelvet · 07-28-2008, 06:10 AM

I'm getting married in PC in May 09. With airfare on the rise we are going with a budget of $27,000 for 30 guests. We are also bringing down our own photographer though. We are paying for everyones accomodations and airfare too so that increases the budget.

kemiandhecareth · 08-13-2008, 09:55 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this thread (but not the forum), because my FI and I just recently started shifting towards having our DW in the DR, instead of Mexico. We too are trying to keep our budget to $7000-8000. We really don't want to go too much higher than that. I am glad to hear that you think it is feasible.

One other issue I am considering is the cost for our guests. They would be paying their own way, but I was wondering if it extremely expensive at the Paradisius Palma Real Punta Cana and the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana. So far, I think the lowest price they have is a little over $900/night. Is this how much it worked out to for your guests? I'm a bit troubled by this, because not everyone we're inviting is rolling in dough.

Well, any extra input you all could share with me would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance and happy planning to all!

~ Kemi

chika · 08-14-2008, 04:28 AM

we are getting married in Nov 2008, at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort. Our trip (7 days all inclusive, incl flight from Canada) is costing us approx $1500 each. Since we have over 10 guests coming with us, the wedding package is free. We can have a dinner reception for free at one of the resorts restaurants, or pick a private reception, starting at about $500. Our OOT bags are costing us approximately $15 each, and we have 28 people total. Each couple gets one bag, and every single person gets their own. Obviously our attendants are getting a few extras in their bags. My dress, veil, and tiara were $350. My FH's suit cost him more than my dress and the BM dresses combined! Our BM dresses were $50 each (x3).

I think you can certainly pull off your wedding in the DR for less than $6000. :)

Happy planning, and congratulations on your engagement!

happygilmore · 08-14-2008, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kemiandhecareth

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this thread (but not the forum), because my FI and I just recently started shifting towards having our DW in the DR, instead of Mexico. We too are trying to keep our budget to $7000-8000. We really don't want to go too much higher than that. I am glad to hear that you think it is feasible.

One other issue I am considering is the cost for our guests. They would be paying their own way, but I was wondering if it extremely expensive at the Paradisius Palma Real Punta Cana and the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana. So far, I think the lowest price they have is a little over $900/night. Is this how much it worked out to for your guests? I'm a bit troubled by this, because not everyone we're inviting is rolling in dough.

Well, any extra input you all could share with me would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance and happy planning to all!

~ Kemi

Here are some room quotes for Dreams Punta Cana. We got these from our TA a few months back so prices might have changed a bit but not much! It shows multiple nights and the prices for all the room categories. Hope this helps! **My friend, her husband and her parents have booked their trip and it was a bit over $6000 for all 4 of them including trip insurance, so about $1500/each)

****these prices are for two people so divide in 1/2 if you want per person**

MAY 12-21, 2009 9 nights DELUXE $2082 DELUXE PARTIAL OV or SWIM OUT $2394 PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE $2592 HONEYMOON SUITE $2788 PREFERRED CLUB JR SUITE $3296

MAY 10-17, 2009 7 nts DELUXE $1630 DELUXE PARTIAL OV or SWIM OUT $1874 PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE $2026

MAY 13-17, 2009 4 nts DELUXE $954 DELUXE PARTIAL OV or SWIM OUT $1092 PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE $1180

MAY 14-17, 2009 3 nts DELUXE $728 DELUXE PARTIAL OV or SWIM OUT $830 PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE $896

cmmdee · 08-14-2008, 07:43 AM

It's really going to depend on what time of the year you go, which travel agent you use or where you book from, what resort you choose, how many guests, etc.

I would start by looking at a few resorts you like, email the WC's to send you the wedding packages, price them out and see which are in your budget :)

(Was a PC bride last month!) :)