Too much research leads to greater confusion

Hi all.

I have no idea where we should have our July 2010 DR wedding.

I have researched a handful of resorts and now I am ever more confused.

I started off with Dreams Punta Cana, but they don't include a dinner, you have to pay per head to eat in the all inclusive restaurant.

I looked at Paradisus, Occidental, Melia, Riu Palace...

I've reserved Riu Palace but may switch to Occidental.

I would like to have a Gazebo ceremony, followed by cocktail reception, followed by dinner, then a reception for cake and dancing.

For my guests i would like reasonably priced accomodations. Also a great play area/activities for the dozen+ kids that will be there.

Researching the resorts, so many positives and soo many negatives...that I am now confused.

I would appreciate any input on which venue to go with...

Thanks!!!

I was just reading today a review from a bride that just got married at Dreams Cancun and she had kids at hers and it was very reasonably priced so you may look there. I had chose Jamaica's Negril Sandals but it turned out to be a huge ordeal so am now doing stateside. Good luck and hope this helps!!

Hi!

I'm right there with you... I'm looking into having my wedding in Punta Cana. I've looked at Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort and it's a bit expensive for my guests (even with member rates b/c they have to stay for 8 days/7 nights)

I wanted to get married March 2010 but I think it's too soon for many people... So I'm thinking of moving my date to February 2011.

I've been looking at so many places and I'm going to start doing so major research so I'll keep you posted. Feel free to email me if you'd like! [email protected]

Good luck!

Thanks for the responses...here is the research that I have on a few resorts...hopefully this will also help others.

First up: Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana, I believe they only do one wedding a day.

They have a special right now if you contract with them. Zoraida Castaneda is the sales rep [email protected]

$156 pp/single occupancy

$111 pp/double

$79 3rd person over 12

$47 children 2-12

If you contract with them they hold these rates for all your guests until the wedding. She is very flexible with signing of the contract. Ie. She will hold the rates to August when we get to see the hotel before signing and leaving a deposit. The deposit is $1500 and is applied to our room or returned to us when we check-out. "good faith deposit" to hold the rooms for the guests...it's ok if not all the rooms are booked or vice versa. She really spells it all out.

Laura Genao followeda CC: message from Zoraida and sent me the follwoing information. I do not know the pp rates beyond the package inclusions because I just got the info.

This is the wedding package information:

I'LL STAND BY YOU Package 2010

Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental

This package includes:

* Judge arrangement and fees + marriage certification

* Bridal bouquet

* Groom boutonniere

* Celebratory champagne toast for 20 people.

* Delicate wedding cake enough for 20 people

* Fresh, elegant floral arrangements or displays

* Grand Ceremony décor & crisp, classic tables setting.

* Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay.

* On- site Wedding consultant

Package Price $2,550.00US (Taxes included)

Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses

will be provided by the hotel if is required.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009

until December 21, 2010

JUST YOU & I Package 2010

Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental

This package includes:

* Judge arrangement and fees + marriage certification

* Bridal bouquet

* Groom boutonniere

* Celebratory champagne toast for 20 people

* Delicate Wedding cake enough for 20 people

* Semi-private reception.

* Celebratory welcome fruit basket

* Witnesses if required can be afforded by the hotel

* Dinner for just the two of you.

* Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay.

* Arrangement of fresh, local flowers.

* Nightly turn down service.

* His & Hers manicure & pedicure

* His & hers massage therapy

* Surprise wedding gift

* Matching Occidental Grand shirts

* On- site Wedding consultant

Package Price $3,175.00US (Taxes included)

Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses

will be provided by the hotel if is required.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009

until December 21, 2010

LET'S STAY TOGETHER (VOW RENEWAL) Package 2010

Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental

This package includes:

* Officiant services

* Bridal bouquet

* Groom boutonniere

* Celebratory champagne toast for 10 people

* Delicate wedding cake enough for 10 people

* Grand ceremony décor & crisp, classic table setting

* Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay.

* Dinner just for the two of you.

* On- site Wedding consultant

Package Price $1,270.00US (Taxes included)

Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses

will be provided by the hotel if is required.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009

until December 21, 2010

Laura Genao

Weddings Coordinator

Phone: 1 809 221 8787, Ext. 5036

Fax #: 1 809 221 8797

E-mail: [email protected]

Next: Riu Palace Punta Cana

I do not have rooms rates as of yet. Still waiting to here from the groups department.

This is a very professionally and efficiently run destination wedding dept. I sent a request and they followed up immediately and have answered each question that I have had...The sales coordinator is Gabriela Iturralde. She is the first person you work with and handles booking the date, the type of ceremony, the package, upgrades and adjusting # of guests. She also handles the other RIU resorts. I chose the Palace because the Bachata max capacity is 60. Palace is 300. (I may have more than 60)

Once you chose a package, they confirm it and then send you to the WC for all the details.

Packages:

FREE

-WC

-Decoration of ceremony site

-Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere

-CD music for ceremony

-Semi private dinner for all the guests (no limit)

-Wedding cake (states serves 10, so must add more for $50)

-Champagne (same as cake add $40 i think)

Minister/Judge fees are not included and range from $270-$560

Royal Package $1360(symbolic) $1495(Civil/Religious)

All the above for 40 guests or less, including cake, sparkling wine

Massage for Bride and Groom

Complimentary room upgrade for couple

Riu tshirts "Bride and Groom"

Judge/Minister fees

Caprice package $227/$2450

all the above for 60 guests

Late Check out

Breakfast in Bed

Strawberries and chocolate and sparkling wine

PS The RIU website allows you to place a request...which they do respond to a few days after submission. NOTE: Only submit for one hotel, they will delete the others. If you need information on the others, they will provide this. (I learned the hard way, lol)

Dreams Punta Cana

My experience with the WC here is much different than above. However, because of previous posts that I have read, I have learned that they are quite busy and remain patient when awaiting responses...which may take a week+. This has me favoring the previous 2 resorts. But the Dreams looks awesome. That being said, I also learned much about Dreams Palm Beach and sent a request for information there as well. So many good posts about Palm Beach, I'm looking forward to the info.

WC: Deyanira Aristy a lovely young lady. She did not get my online request and my FI left a message on the WC voicemail without response. I called again a week later and Deyanira answered, she stated that she did not get the request and gave me her email address. [email protected]

The packages do not include dinner for all guests, there is an additional pp charge. I'll list next.

Here is the package information:

DREAMS WEDDING IN PARADISE PACKAGE

Selling Price $769 USD

This package is complimentary when booking a Honeymoon Suite category or higher for a minimum of 7 nights or if 5 rooms are reserved for a minimum of 4 nights in any room category, this package also applies for renewal of vows ceremony.

Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator

Preferential location of the room in the category reserved

Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit

Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)

Bride’s bouquet

Boutonniere for the groom

Use of the wedding gazebo located in a romantic setting

Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 10 guests

Special turn down service at night

15% discount on all Spa treatments (product purchases not included)

Honeymoon Package

Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)

Silver framed photo of choice from stay*

Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary**

DREAMS OF LOVE WEDDING PACKAGE

Selling Price $1,980 USD

This package includes:

Wedding organization and personalization by our Wedding Coordinator

Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit

Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)

Personal dressing assistant

Use of the wedding gazebo or beach front arbor

Bride’s Bouquet

Two boutonnieres & two corsages for parents or witnesses

Special Silver Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)

1 natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table

Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests

One hour Silver Cocktail Party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)

Special turn down service

Bride’s hair styling for ceremony

Make-up application for bride

15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included)

36 full color professional photos and wedding album

Honeymoon Package

Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)

Silver framed photo of choice from stay*

Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary**

DREAMS ULTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE

Selling Price $2,650 USD

This package includes:

Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator

Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit

Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)

Personal dressing assistant

Use of the wedding gazebo or beach front arbor.

Bride’s Bouquet

Two boutonnieres and two corsages for parents or witnesses

Special Gold Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel.)

One natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table

One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table

Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests

One hour Gold cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)

Special turn down service

Bride’s hair styling for ceremony

Make-up application for bride

15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included)

50 full color photos and wedding album

Honeymoon Package

Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)

Gazebo décor - chairs with white covers, ceremonial table, and carpeted walkway

Live Caribbean music trio (1 set)

Video of the ceremony (30 min. DVD edited)

One Spa treatment to choose from: One Swedish massage for two or one European facial for two or one Salt Glow Body Scrub for two

Silver framed photo of choice from stay*

Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary**

When I look a this now...it's not so bad...

DINNER PACKAGES

Silver Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$500.00

Extra person SilverUS$25.00

Gold Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$620.00

Extra person GoldUS$31.00

Platinum Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$820.00

Extra person PlatinumUS$41.00

Sap,

At Dreams Punta Cana I thought you were able to use one of the restaurants for an all inclusive meal after the wedding instead of paying per person?

Please advise

I feel your frustration! It took me 6 months to decide on a location and I changed my mind only about 500 times! But when I finally signed on the dotted line at my travel agency, it was the best feeling in the world! And now, instead of driving myself crazy with travel books, I'm finally able to plan the fun stuff!

We're getting married at the Majestic Elegance Resort in Punta Cana, but definitely the RIU palace was a very close second. It came down to budget for us and the Elegance was more economical. One of my coworkers was married at the RIU palace, and has only fabulous things to say about it. The nice thing about the RIU is that I think your guests could stay at one of the other RIU resorts near the palace (like the Bambu), if they want to save money.

Good luck!