Norma83

Dreams Punta Cana sounds awesome! We're thinking about Punta Cana as our honeymoon destination - it looks really nice there. The end of the year will be here in no time! Yes, our wedding will be at the Gran Caribe -- so excited about it!

I totally understand what you mean. I was having a tough time deciding too. Since the ceremony will be at 1, we'll be done at about 2 and then do the civil ceremony. That's only going to be like 20 minutes. After wards, we're still debating on having a cocktail hour because of the gap and then also because I can't justify spending the extra money for a cocktail hour when we can just go up to a bar and get a drink since it's an all inclusive resort. If we decide to do the cocktail hour, I'm thinking we'll either do it right after the civil ceremony or at 5, right before the dinner/reception. We wanted to still catch some of the day light time to take pictures on the beach and stuff so with the time gap, we're going to go do that and probably break away from the cocktail hour for some sunset shots. I also wanted to go out of the hotel resort with our photographer to take some city shots. Might as well take adavantage of the time gap -- of course, we'll only do this if we don't do the cocktail hour. As for the reception time, we've extended it another hour. I didn't think 3 hours was going to be enough time so our reception/dinner will be from 6-10. I wanted it later but we can only get it till 10PM. The only place you can have it till later is in the ballroom. We didn't want to go that route. I think that if your guests are ok with it, then I say do the 1 PM. Either way you look at it, it's going to suck. You might just find a neat/cool way to utilize that time gap for something fun or something. I wouldn't feel bad about it though. Just make the best of it

Hi Wanda - We are also getting married at the Chapel and we originally wanted to book the ceremony for 3 o'clock but we were told that the priest takes his two hour lunch between 2-4. Our options were the same -- either doing a 1 PM ceremony or 4 PM. We then changed it to 4 PM, thinking ok, one hour for the ceremony then doing the 20 minute legal ceremony and then the pictures/toast and then dinner at 6 PM. We then started thinking about it and figured that if we have the ceremony at 4, that it's not going to leave enough time for FI and I to go take pictures, go to the room freshen up, much less take pictures with family. I felt that with the 4PM Ceremony everything was going to be rushed and we didn't want that. SO NOW, we changed the ceremony to 1 PM. It's a little bit of a gap but if you think about it, you don't have to feel rushed and you can take your time with pictures and still do the toast with no issues. So you aren't alone I hope everything works out for you!

A cruise wedding sounds awesome! Well just a couple more months till the years over so I'm sure 2012 rates should be coming out soon. You are definitely right though...we have more time to plan and save! Quote: Originally Posted by sinesbride We were originally planning a cruise wedding for jan 2012 but I'm pushing to probably June 2012. Haven't booked the cruise yet since they don't have the summer 2012 listed but I cant wait till they do. Plus it gives us more time to save and get other people prepared to plan for it as well. -Cat

These are really pretty! The pattern does have that Mexican feel to them. Reminds me of the Mexican dresses women wear with the flower patterns embroidered on. Very cute

Awesome! Where are you planning to get married at? You are getting close to a year away from your big day. Pretty exciting

Hi Gonzalo - Yes, I agree. With this much time in advance I should be very organized with my plans! So far things are going well--hopefully, things stay that way

We went to the Chichen-Itza this summer and they were pretty strict. They had all these requirements before going into the ruins about cameras, etc. You can't touch the pyramids or anything. If you are thinking about Chichen-itza, I think your chances to get away with it are pretty slim. Have you thought about La Coba? This is a new place they just recently opened and from what I understand you can climb the ruins. I think La Coba is the tallest ruin they've discovered so far. You might have more flexibility here since it's new and they are wanting people to tour it. At one time, you used to be able to climb Chichen-itza but because they are trying to preserve it, they've made everything off limits. Anyway, hope this helps!

Hi Aumuller - Yes, I've actually already booked our wedding for May 2012 with our resort. They also told me that I couldn't book until 2012 prices came out but I just kept at it until they gave in. I'm still having to wait for 2012 prices for the extra stuff we want but I at least got the 2011 package rate. My WC told me that 2012 prices should come out in late October/November so you don't have that much longer to wait. Are you planning to get married at the Gran Caribe or another resort? I'm not sure about other resort prices but my guess is they come out around the same time.

Hi VChan! I'm sorry your WC didn't properly book the venue you originally wanted. I had the same happen to me. Well I still got the Albatros Terrace but the WC I was working with didn't reserve it for me when I asked her to. Anyway, I'd be glad to share the Albatros Terrace pics with you. I've tried posting them on here before but I was having issues. If you PM me with your email address, I'd be glad to send you the pics that I have. Some people don't like the green turf but it really didn't bother me. I guess because my colors incorporate green. It is pretty spacious though. I can't remember what the villas terrace is located. I know we saw two but can't remember where the villas terrace is exactly located. I do know that the terrace close behind the gazebo was pretty small. Anyway PM your email address and I'll send you the pics!

 Hi Mac2012  Glad to hear of another May 2012 bride! It seems like 2012 is so far away but it'll be here before we know it. My fiance and I went to do a site visit at the Gran Caribe and we absolutely fell in love with the Chapel. The resort is really nice and everyone is really helpful! I can't wait to go back Â

Hi Shelia - Â Congrats & welcome to the forum! I'm with ya -- it is a little overwhelming in the beginning trying to figure out where to start and then you start to think of all of the things you have to do. BUT it's ok. The good thing is that we have this forum to turn to and everyone is so supportive! Just do one thing at a time and you'll see that everything will come together. Â Good luck with you planning and don't foget to have fun! -Norma

Love these! Great job

Such a beautiful dress!

You did such a great job! I can't wait to read your review and see pics of your wedding! Everything looks fab!

The DJ Gran Caribe uses is DJ Doremixx. There are reviews about Doremixx on this site. From what I hear, a lot of people like him. Â

 Hi Carmresu -  I don't believe that there are pictures of the Albatros Terrace on the website. The terrace is private. To get to it you have to walk up some stairs. The stairs aren't grungy or anything...it's really nice. The flooring of the Terrace is green. It reminds me of putting green and it's a pretty big terrace. It's kinda like in two sections. When you get up there from the stairs, there's a big open space that overlooks the ocean, then right next to the open space, there's a step or two up and it's the other section that overlooks the lagoon side. It's a big enough space also and one side is the bar area. It's hard to explain but hopefully you get the idea  When we went for a site visit, I did take pictures. Let me know if you'd like to see them. I'll have to figure out how to post the pictures on here. They do have another terrace that's in front of the Gazebo but it is pretty small. It looks like it would be best for a cocktail party not so much for a reception if you are thinking about dancing.  -Norma

 Hi Cassie323 - You'll love the Catholic Chapel and the Terrace. The Chapel is beautiful in person and the terrace, you have a great view of the ocean and the lagoon side. The only thing is you have the background of some of the rooms that can look onto your wedding. I personally don't think it's a big deal. I think you'll love it! It has it's own bar too Â

Very cute! I like your idea about having the two blue stripes and filling in the middle with another text.

These are so cute! Love them

Wow! Ok, this is a tough situation because you would think that your parents would maybe want to contribute more because you have been there for them and are closer to them. I think this budget thing can break your relationship with your parents if it gets out of hand. I know it may be hard but if it were me, I would just accept what they're willing to contribute and leave it at that. It's no good to be upset over money. Yes, the pricipal of the situation sucks but really, is it worth ruining your relationship with your parents? I would say just accept the money and do what you can with it and leave it at that. If your mom wants to comment about how your FH hasn't booked the wedding site yet, then I would tell her nicely to butt out. It really isn't any of her business if she is not paying for your wedding. Yes, she's contributing but it's up to you to decide how you spend that money. If you do see her on Sunday, try to be the bigger person and let it go. Don't let this affect you. This should be a happy time for you! Â I hope that things work out! Good luck!

 Hi Sam -  I'm sorry I'm responding so late but I just saw that you posted this and I didn't set this thread to send my instant messages. I just changed it so I'll respond faster next time  Anyway! I'm so super excited about planning too and it feels like 2012 is so far away but I think it's best so we have enough time to plan!! For me, I think the planning is going to start rolling later this year. We have already booked our date with our resort and have signed our contract, which was the most important to us! I've started on our invites and save the dates and have played around with a few monograms. We finished our wedding website back in May and that was a huge task. We wanted to be sure we had it done and sent out to everyone on May 5th, which was two years from our actual wedding date. Our wedding colors are, black and green (more of an olive/lime green) with earthy tones. As for save the dates, I think we are going to send those out about 8-10 months out. Most of the people we're inviting already know about the wedding, so it's not such a big deal that we have to send these out. For us, I think it's just a formality. Then in October, I'm going to go dress shopping. So excited about that! It's still early for it but we're planning on taking our engagements next year and I want to take my bridals around the same time. I just want to be sure that if I have to order a dress, that it will get here in time. We have also started looking for a travel agent but for us, it's been kinda hard. They can't give us an accurate rate because the 2012 rates do not come out until 330 days from our departure date -- BUT we are still doing our research to try and figure out what would be the best deal. For the most part, it's been a lot of researching and getting ideas, making notes of everything we need to be aware of, etc. I think once I get my dress, it's going to become more real!! Slowly but surely it's coming along  How is your planning coming along?

Hi Erin -  Congrats on your engagement!  This site is so helpful! Yes, it is a little overwheming with all the options but it's better than not having any, right? You will find so much information that will hopefully make things easier for you. If you search Cabo on this site, I'm sure you'll find tons of information. Really there's tons of information on any topic on here.  Anyway, I hope you have fun planning and don't stress  -Norma

I vote #2! Both dresses look great on you but number 2 is my fave.

These turned out great! You did a wonderful job. We just got back from staying at the Gran Porto. It's a really nice resort. There is lots to do and 5th Avenue is less than a block away!