nbulldog19

The sound system is perfect, we had 40 people and everyone heard it beautifully. FYI- I used travelers checks and that also worked out well for us.

The whole restaurant was private just for us. The restaurant is huge because it is where the main breakfast and lunch buffet is and I could not believe the transformation. They blocked off half the restaurant so it would be more intimate but there was no one allowed on the other side. It was perfect

Just read a couple of the recent July posts and I think that I can help a little. We actually used our Ipod with a playlist we made for the ceremony and the sound system was included. I asked one of my sisters friends to handle the IPOD just to make sure the right music played at the right time. Music was really important to us and I had a song for the sand ceremony and also an exit song on top of the bridal entrance at the beginning. She also played music while people where sitting waiting for the wedding to start. We had the Carribean Trio (same as the Guitar trio) for the cocktail hour and guests said they were good. We were taking pictures at the time so I dont know. However, the same Trio was in the mexican restaurant the next night and they really are good. We played $250. As far as the reception, I couldnt decide between the cascade pool or a restaurant. I ahd my heart set on the cascade pool but am so happy I went with the restaurant. It was totally private, air conditioned, and NO BUGS. We even got to party a little later because it was inside. I loved it. Lastly, I had 40 guests and none of them said anything about bed bugs. All of the room were very clean, some had a slight moldly smell but for the most part there were no complaints. Some of my guests are even heading back in April for a reunion lol. Hope this helps!

I got married at Excellence because I had 40 people coming with no kids and it just made sense. We are sort of a rowdy bunch and I didnt want to worry about that with kids present and 5 of my best friends are Teachers and it was a really nice break to travel without kids. I know you are exhausted from looking at places but check out the Excellence planning thread. The staff really go out of their way to make your day special. All 40 people loved it and some are even heading back next year. There is a gazebo which is nice but I don't know how many people it holds. I got married on the beach because it was on of the reasons I wanted a destination wedding. Dreams is defintitely more affordable for your guests (I think on average maybe 200 dollars) but Excellence truly is a palace and the wedding packages are great. No hidden fees at the end of the day and they went above and beyond what I expected. Hope this helps!

I left my vases there so maybe they still have them....There were 6 of them, cylinder shaped about 10inch tall. Here is a picture of what it looked like at home before we left for the wedding

Diva- Just 30, they move them for you at no extra cost. Also about the rooms being outdated, my guests and I thought they were great..the only complaint is the beds are definitely hard. Not a bed I wanted to spend all day in which was fine because we hardly spent anytime in our rooms except to go to bed

The rooms were definitely musty, some worse than others. My mother in law has asthma and her room was really musty, but when she told the front desk, they changed her room immediately so that was good. Basically if you are unhappy with anything, just tell them. They are there to make you happy and strive to do so.

It ended about 1045ish then there was a beach party til 2am that was for the whole resort. Here is a few pictures inside the restaurant. We provided the centerpieces, bows on chairs, and starfish favors. Once the professional phots are up, I will post them

To be honest the Glue dots didnt hold too well, if I did it again, I would still use the glue dots to wrap the ribbon around the handle and then maybe tie the postcard to the ribbon. Just an idea

about the mosquito question...My wedding was in April and they were pretty bad at night. I brought bug spray and was fine, only a few bites the whole trip. But even though I told guests in my pre-wedding package to bring some, many forgot and got eaten alive especially at night near the discoteca. I actually changed my reception from the cascade pool to the Toscana restaurant the day of the wedding because I was worried about the mosquitos. At first I was really upset because I really wanted it by the pool, but it was one of the best decisions I made. Inside there were no bugs, there was A/C and the party was able to continue well past 10pm b/c we weren't near any guest rooms. It was also nice to change it up since I had the wedding on the beach and the cocktail hour on the beach also. We saw our photographer Fran from photosouvenirs the next night and he was taking pictures for another wedding that had their reception near the cascade pool and he said he was miserable because the mosquitos were so bad. So i definitely think it depends on the time of year, but no matter what be prepared and bring bug spray.

No I actually used glue dots and attached it but you could def do a back side if you wanted

it came with a stopper which was key, I will take a picture and post later. I had to carry it on the plane because I didnt want all the sand to pour out.

we had "One Love" by Bob Marley. It was absolutely perfect and it took about 2 minutes to pour the sand so I think a song is definitely needed or there would have been an awkward pause. Hope that helps

I got my vase from Home goods-loved it, very unique, and it was only $12.99. Then got it engraved at Things remembered for $20. The sand is from Michaels.

I actually hate the idea of programs, but really wanted to thank my guests and pay respect to the loved ones Austin and I have lost especially my dad. I had a small wedding party just a MOH and best man so instead of programs I put Raffia fans on each chair with an extra large postcard I made at vistaprint as a thank you. People loved it.