GRAND PALLADIUM BRIDES 2011........ Watch out for the fees!!!!!!!!

[daphodil]

 AAlways go with your first intuition.   Just for the record, the place is gorgeous and maybe that's what led to my misunderstanding. The package said they would charge $20 per person for each additional person after 8.  However, now as I'm asking more detailed questions, they're charging $45 per person for reception and $300 fee for using outside vendors, plus adding whatever else they can get.  The PROBLEM lies in the cost for reception guests past a certain number, cocktail & open bar fees, fee for using outside vendors, etc.  Shall I go on.  I already confirmed my date, but I am seriously looking to go elsewhere. Could have gotten married in NY for all this money.  Under pressure because the wedding date is scheduled for August 2011 and not sure if I can make changes.  Still searching.  Any suggestions?

[BeachBridein11]

I'm sorry you didn't know about the extra fees beforehand.  If you're no longer considering GP, I'm sure they could be other resorts with your date available for the wedding.  Good luck!

 

BTW, what vendors were you looking to use from the outside?  I'm using an outside photographer, and in order to bypass the fee... the photographers are actually booking a room for the night.  They're actually paying for the room, so no added expense to me.

[dcairns]

I got engaged at the GP, and it is gorgeous, but for those same reasons I went with another resort. NOT that there are not hidden costs everywhere believe me.

 

Currently I'm at La Romana Dreams in DR, but they have changed their policies since i've booked. So far so good if you are on top of it and ask them everything!

 

[daphodil]

Beachbride11,

 

Thanks for the kind words.  I have not yet canceled anything with GP, but am looking for other venues and vendors that can accommodate a modest budget.  I know it exists.  I just didn't want to invest majority of our finances into the wedding and the honeymoon cost is not even included.

[mmcst38]

Daphodil,

 

I think there are hidden costs with every resort, It is definitely frustaring especially when people say "destination wedding, thats the cheaper way to go" or something on those lines, good luck with all the planning

[BeachBridein11]

daphodil-

 

How many people are coming to your wedding? 

[daphodil]

Approximately 60-80 ppl.

[BeachBridein11]

Okay, so you definitely need to do the private reception.  If you were going to have a small wedding, I was going to say you could have dinner at one of the restaurants and avoid the $45/pp fee.  Nevermind though!

[dcairns]

I did this at La Romana, I rented out one of the a la cartes for a set fee and the menu is based on their set menu. This was for up to 60 pp then 20$ each additional person.   They have recently changed that option for new brides... and aparently no longer offer it but they are honouring my contract. Maybe you could ask your WC if this is a possibility as it isn't written anywhere but I actually found out this option here on BDW when I first joined...

[Chule0307]

Hello BeachBride11,

 

I also have hired an outside photographer and was wondering who you were using??? I think it is very nice of your photographer is staying there