LindsayG

Well it's not older country, but we are doing our child/parent dance to "I Hope You Dance" by Leanne Womack. Both our moms love the song and since we are combining the groom/mother and bride/mother dance, we needed a song that wasn't specifically about sons or daughters. Good luck!

I was in your same dilemma. I couldn't find anything I liked, so I did my own [well, mom did it]. I found some real touch green cymbidium orchids just like I wanted and had mom sew 2 onto a brown comb. Total cost was about $5! I used Silk Flowers, Artificial Flowers for my flowers and was very pleased.

What a crazy story! I'm glad it all worked out in the end, and great choice of dress - I picked it too!

This advisory was released last week: U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo issued the following Warden Message on June 27: There has been a recent rash of thefts of credit and debit card numbers from members of the U.S. Embassy and expatriate community in the Dominican Republic. Based on an initial assessment of the information provided, NO singular location of card usage has been identified. This investigation has been turned over to the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). The Embassy will continue to support the USSS with this investigation and will provide additional information as soon as it is available. American citizens in the Dominican Republic may wish to refrain from using credit and debit cards to make purchases or to withdraw cash from ATMs here until more information regarding the source of the problem is known. Americans who use a credit card or debit card in the Dominican Republic may prefer to use one with a low maximum credit line. It is advisable to monitor your accounts for fraudulent charges at least every other day. If you have used a credit or debit card to make a purchase or have withdrawn cash from an ATM in the Dominican Republic within the last two months, the Embassy suggests that you monitor your accounts closely for fraud. Report unauthorized charges to your credit card company or bank immediately and DO NOT file complaints with vendors. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at Welcome to Travel.State.Gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up to date security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov. For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail [email protected]; web page Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. From what I've seen on other forums, it has gotten out of control. I leave on Tuesday and now I'm scared to use my card down there! We will be bringing some cash, but I know my mother plans on paying for the wedding with a credit card to avoid bringing thousands of dollars down. What should we do?

I arrive there on the 8th with my wedding on the 11th. I'd love to meet up and hear how things went for you! How has the new WC been with you so far?

I'm getting married at PPC on July 11. I haven't really communicated with the new WC, since all my arrangements were finalized through Viviana. I guess I should send the new girl an email summarizing our plans to ease my mind, though I'm concerned that some of you haven't had good luck with her!

Thanks gals! Good to know I can cross that off my to-do list.

So I've heard conflicting stories on the electrical plug situation in the DR and specifically at the PPC. I know that the voltage in the DR is the same as ours, but do you need a plug converter? I've heard that they have only 2 prong non-polarized outlets, and many of our chargers and such have 3 prongs or have the one prong bigger than the other. Did any of you guys have to use a plug converter?

I just got the same email from Viviana letting me know that she is leaving PPC. Her assistant is taking over as Romance Manager and some girl I've never heard of is taking over as assistant. I have to admit, this makes me very nervous!

Oh they are all so wonderful! What a beautiful bride and wedding!

As said above, it really can vary. I am doing a simple ceremony, with a beach buffet reception for about 25 people. The only "extras" we are getting is the Trio for ceremony music and a sound system for the reception. Total for the package is about $3750 including tax and surcharges. That of course, does not include my stay.

I love it, what a pretty dress!

I haven't tried negotiating any prices, mainly because we decided to go with one of the designer wedding packages (the Chill Out Chic). It fit our budget and number of guests well, and includes basically everything we need. As far as group rates, I chose to go through a travel agent. She discouraged "group rates" since you are locked into a certain number of rooms whether you get that number of people or not. One thing I have learned is that you will probably have less people than you think. Initially, a ton of folks said they would come, but as it's gotten closer lots have decided not to go or just not booked. Our TA works through American Express travel and the rates she has gotten us are pretty good.

Looks great! I think I am wearing mine down and "beach" curly, but I may splurge and let them do it for me. Did you have them do your makeup? I'm curious as to how good they are at that, as I'd LOVE to get my makeup done!

Wow, between the two reviews I got a ton of my questions answered! Did either of you use the salon for hair/makeup/nails? I'm considering doing it, and am wondering what kind of job they do. Foxy, I took your suggestion and reserved the area on the beach by the hybiscus bar. Viv told me it would cost $200 for the palm fronds though, so we may just skip that. Is the bar fairly close? I doubt we shell out the three grand for a private bar....lol. Thanks again for all the good info!