foxytv

I had a lot of luck negotiating actual wedding package stuff as well. TA Maureen is right about how many people to expect, even if you have 100+ people 'say' they are going to go. We invited about 250 and had about 70 respond that they were going and had 40 show up.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs.future_Deas Tami, You did an excellent job on this review. What did you as far as a Photographer or Videographer? Did You go with someone in Punta Cana? I need some recommendations:0) Thank You Jessica Jessica - I stated this in the thread, but we brought our photogs from home with us. However, there are several recommended photogs in Punta Cana if you search through the other DR thread titles.

Linda - I never signed a contract, but I would think you could make the changes if you do it soon. My guess is the contract really just confirms that you won't be backing out of the whole DW. I found going a la carte was WAY less expensive. And I used the DIY threads on BDW for inspiration in order to come up with things to do on my own that would add pizazz and yet not cost a lot of $$. I think the simplicity of our set-up worked perfectly for us - but of course everyone's tastes are different. I'm happy to help. Pretty much details of everything I did are in my threads. You will need to search for my Planning Thread but that has a lot more info on things I made and brought.

I am 36 and we are pregnant with our first, but we had to do IUI (artificial insemination). Both of us tested 'normal', so its considered unexplained infertility ... but I do have a diminishing ovarian reserve. That happens as you age, and it can be more difficult to get pregnant. We were very lucky that our IUI worked the first time - but it was a long road to get there. LOTS of testing and different fertility drugs, etc. Pre-natal health is important ... and of course doctors suggest testing if you are 35+ and don't get a BFP after 6-months of trying.

Great review, Mindy! I can't wait to see pictures of your wedding and reception. You know is funny - we had 40 people with us and NONE of us ever found the disco during our week long stay, lol. But we spent our nights at the Lobby Bar. Wish we had found the disco one night, though. The resort is SO huge!!!! I am so glad it was perfect for you! We wouldn't have changes a thing about our PPC wedding either! Please post pics soon! I need to reminisce!!!

Just breathtaking! The view from that gazebo is to die for - and one of the reasons we almost chose your resort! Man, how fantastic! Please let us know when you write a review and post more pics from the resort. I'd love to see more - and here all about what you thought of the resort and the area.

YAY! I am going to check out your pics right now. RIU Bachata was on our short list, until we decided on Punta Cana. But we plan on visiting Puerta Plata and I absolutely love the wedding setting at this resort! CONGRATS!!! Off to sralk your pics now! ;-)

Gret pics! They turned out fabulous! hottie!

I never contacted the resorts. I went to several TA's and collected magazines and books on the DR and went through and marked those of interest, researched them and then narrowed down my choices. Once I had done my research and narrowed it down to my top 5, I gave DH that info and had him pick his top 2. Luckily, we both picked the same top 2. The we decided to go with the lesser expensive one for our DW and more expensive one for our HM. I then contacted a TA who took care of things from there.

My flowers came from ANGEL'S ACCENTS and she will sell you individual flowers. They are beautiful and they look and feel real.

There is a ton of info on all 5 of these resorts if you either browse through the DR threads, or if you use the search function to narrow down each resort. CONGRATS and HAPPY PLANNING!

Here are links to some of my threads that you might find helpful. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ia-fans-18940/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ta-cana-13901/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...st-book-21791/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-w-pics-20973/

We didn't use a package. We did everything a la carte (they have a price list they should send you on this if you don't already have it). We also didn't have to pay for the open bar b/c they failed to quote us that cost in our planning emails, so we were lucky on that (they tried to tack it on but I had all of our email correspondence with us, so they honored the quoted rates in the emails). Also, we brought all of our own decorations and kept things really simple. The flowers and decorations are sssooo expensive at the resort. We brought all of that and saved a TON of money that way. And it was just as beautiful. Have you taken the time to read through the threads on BDW? Here is a link to my last post that should be helpful for you, and it has links to pictures from our ceremony and reception so you can see it was still perfect even without all of the expensive decorations. Like I said, we brought our own. I made the place cards for the meals and showed the WC how I wanted the centerpieces to look and then they did it all and it was at no charge. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...1/index53.html The link to my Wedding Album has the best pics of our decorations, etc, but just a heads up that it will take a bit of time for all of the pictures to download. I hope that helps! Good Luck and CONGRATS!

Next spring will give you time to plan without the stress of rushing. And pricing for next spring will come out around June so you should use this time to find a TA that you like and then she can work with the resort to lock in the best rates as soon as the resorts release their 2011 pricing. The time will still fly by - I promise! Have fun planning!!!! It will take you over a year to find all the cool ideas on BDW that you want to use anyway, LOL!

I'm glad I ran across this again. I want to start making homemade salt scrubs now to give as gifts next Christmas.

Hi ladies. Seems like every time I find my way back here, I am saying how much I suck for not checking in regularly, lol. Anyway ... we have found out that we are having a GIRL. Her name will be Michaela Diane, after both of our mothers. Here is our u/s pic from our 18w anatomy scan and my 19w bump pics.

I ordered mine through Oriental Trading. I got a dozen for some ridiculous price, took them all with us, and gave them to our WC afterwards for other brides to use.

If you work with a travel agent, you will likely be able to negotiate better deals, and get your room for free. That helped us out. We only had 40 people in attendance ... but with 100 people, you would be wise to look at options that are not wholly private. Privatizing everything is what jacks up the costs. Good Luck!!!

Saona Island excursion was absolutely fantastic! We are doing it again on our anniversary visit back to Punta Cana. A definite MUST DO!

Holy WOW! You look amazing! Don't know how your DH couldn't love those pics! I say he will be DROOLING!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Butterflyf369 This is so cute. What are the starfishes made out of? It's adorable. I bought some candy molds and made candy starfish w/ chocolate and vanilla candy melts. Super easy and they were a huge hit! Quote: Originally Posted by gettingmarried foxytv...we are also having a beach reception....how did your turn out? Did any of your guest have problem eating in the sand....were bugs a problem? Was there enough light? Oh, the beach reception was PERFECT. Everyone loved it!! No guests had any problems. There were no bugs. I think you can see in the pics that they added nice strings of lights around the reception area so lighting was not a problem as it got darker. It was the perfect ambiance. Not too bright, but a nice, soft glow of lights.

We used Angels Accents and LOVED them! Now, my bouquet and 2 BM bouquets are on display at our home!

And here are some pics of our AHR reception tables. Our AHR was at DH's oyster bar, so the theme was fitting. The Guest Book Table: Centerpieces: Our dessert table w/ my DIY cupcake towers.

My DW beach reception tables. We kept it simple. I brought everything (minus the sand, of course) and now we have it all to use as patio table decor in our backyard.

LOVE your pics!!!! #4 is my fave! You both look fantastic!!!!! Can't wait to see the rest and your wedding pics!!!!