foxytv

Oh you are not alone. I think just about everyone had people who 'promised' they 'wouldn't miss it' and then didn't come - for whatever reason. I think it's great that both sets of parents will be there - that is most important. If there are any friends or relatives who you really expected to come or really want to be there - I would touch base with them. Let them know that even though it is a DW, there are still booking deadlines, etc that need to be met. I know how frustrating this is for you, though!!!

We did this for our reception, but I also made back-up CD's of all my wedding music playlists b/c we couldn't get a clear answer on which types of cable connectors we needed to bring. We ended up using the CD's ... but it was great b/c I labeled each one (processional / cocktail hour / dinner / first dance / cake cutting / dance music/ etc) and it was an easy transition for each. I, too, think that's the way to go - and it was WAY cheaper. I do recommend a CD back-up - JUST to be on the safe side!!!

That is VERY cool. We wanted a cigar roller, but not the added expense. I wish I had known about this option. Would have been awesome to add our monogram to the cigars! I bet they turn out awesome! Can't wait to see!!! And I am definitely keeping this in mind for some friends weddings that are coming up! Also for once we get pregnant - especially if we have a boy!!!

My review of PPC is listed in ym siggy, so if you haven't already - click on the link. Also, my teaser pic link has shots of the gazebo.

I would choose quality of the ring over size. If you can get a better quality diamond, I'd go for that over a larger rock w/ less clarity.

Can't wait to see pics! Yay for a step in the right direction!!

I'm not sure if they come in mini-bottles or not. Ask at a liquor store that carries that larger bottles. I am a wine rep and deal with liquor stores, so if one of their distributors carries Brugal, they will be able to special order it for you in mini bottles at no extra charge (if they are available in that size). And since you will be buying a larger amount - you will likely get a better price than their regular charges. Are you going tro be using them as favors in the DR ... or for an AHR? Because you can't take all that through customs, FYI. We bought Brugal for our BM's & GM once we got to the DR. There is an outdoor market down the beach from PPR where you can barter for everything.

I recall seeing some pics from the PPR house photographer - but can not remember who ... so I would recommend searching the entire Dominican Republic thread area. To the best of my recollection they were good - just not as off-the-charts as the photogs you would pay to come in. Compare prices - it might be worthwhile to bring someone in. I know there is a local company that does great work in Punta Cana.

Joann - I am in Greenville, SC ... and we visit Charleston often. I'll let you know next time we make it there. Or if you ever come to G-vegas, let me know. PS - LOVE your STD's!!!

We were married at the gazebo overlooking the beach at Paradisus Punta Cana and had our reception on the beach. We had absolutely no issues with bugs. I included bug spray in our OOT bags - but no one needed to use them. You will LOVE PPC!!! We (and all of our guests) were especially impressed and had the time of our lives!!! CONGRATS and good luck with your planning!

I truly think that a DW should be about what you and your future spouse want. Any wedding should be more about the two of you than about the guests - although the guests certainly need to be taken into consideration. If an adults-only resort is what is MOST important to you - then stick to your guns. Your Dad and Stepmom can stay at a kid-friendly resort ... and perhaps that means only Dad can come to the wedding. Or what about only Dad coming and staying at the adults-only resort. Would he not take the trip without his wife - even for his daughters wedding? What we did was married at a resort where anyone was welcome - we wanted our nephews to be able to come and didn't mind kids at our wedding resort - but then we moved to a more adult-oriented resort for our honeymoon. I know you are in a tough spot. Bottom line is that you are not going to be able to please everyone - but it's up to you a FH to decide what is MOST important to you. Have you talked to your Dad to see if its an 'all or nothing' situation? I really can't imagine your father missing your wedding b/c his step-son can't come. That would be very sad...

I didn't kow they made these, but I think it's a worthwhile investment. I am never in the office - wish they made something that would work in the car....

We wanted to return to the DR with many of our guests ... but are doing that for our 2nd anniversary instead. It just wasn't feasible for our 1st anniversary. Instead, we did a long weekend in New Orleans and had an absolute BLAST! Next year, we are headed back to our wedding resort in Punta Cana with probably about half of our original guests and hopefully some friends/family who couldn't make it to the wedding.

That is perfect. Do what YOU want and it will be perfect. A DW in and of itself isn't 'traditional' so there are no rules about the reception either! We had a fun beach reception and then partied at one of the bars afterwards .... then a totally informal AHR a month after our return home.

You mentioned PPR or PPC in your thread title. PPC is definitely more affordable, and since we are a laid back couple, PPC wqas more fun for us - with a LOT more to do. PPR is much pricier and more 'luxurious' but there are not a lot of extra options aside from relaxation for your guests. It really just depends on what your tastes are though. Both resorts are unbelieveable. We are a lively crowd and PPC was PERFECT for us!!!

Our resort only had 2 stylists so we just staggered our appointments.

We LOVED Punta Cana. We left the resort to go to a bar in town, and had no problems. The area is absolutely gorgeous ... but it is a poor country, so you have to keep that in mind. The resorts are glorious, but living conditions for most locals are modest at best. We were married at Paradisus Punta Cana and walked to the little market outside of the resort and to a local bar. We honeymooned at Paradisus Palma Real and walked off resort to a restaurant and shops as well. We are returning to Punta Cana for our 2nd anniversary and many of our guests are coming back with us. We absolutely LOVE Punta Cana.

It all depends on what you are looking for in your ceremony atmosphere. We were married in the gazebo overlooking the beach at Paradisus Punta Cana. Our reception was costly, but not the ceremony ... and you can just do dinner reservations at one of the restaurants and then party at the Lobby Bar for your 'reception' to save money.

Paradisus Punta Cana - fabulous for kids!

I was engaged in June 2006 and my DH left for Iraq a week later. He was gone for 14 months ... we were married in April 2008 ... so I had PLENTY of time to plan ... and was actually glad of the added time. Although I was still rushed at the end with all of my DIY projects ... the planning process itself was great and that timeframe was especially great for our guests ... since they had ample time to make their plans and save money. GOOD LUCK and CONGRATS!!!

Jaime!!!! I can't believe your big day is almost here!!! I haven't been on in a while and there is so much to catch up on! Man oh man how time flies!!!!

Just my personal opinion: This is a wine for non-wine drinkers. These wines are all going to be on sweeter-side, taste-wise. If you like White Zinfandel, you will probably like it. These wines, while offering a great caloric incentive - IMHO are thin and flabby, without structure or any remote hint of complexity. Now, this comes from someone who drinks wine - and lots of different wine - on a daily basis. So, I am used to more complex wines. So, if you are not an avid wine drinker, you will probably be fine with this wine. Hey - I started out drinking Boone's Farm and boxed Franzia!!! (and I still ALWAYS take a few bottles of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill with me when we go camping! It's a ritual!)

I'm interested to see what everyone thinks it tastes like. I have my own opinions. ;-)

Paradisus Punta Cana is the only resort I know of in PC that has the beach gazebo. It was PERFECT. I hope your dates work out. Bummer that your first choices are already taken...

Jess - You are going to LOVE PPC!!!! It was absolutely spectacular! We are going back next year with lots of our guests who have been raving about it for another trip!