MilitaryMrs.s-to be

Wow!! I just found this thread!! Its fab!!! I'm just newish, to the Military life and its been hard..My FI went to basic training in Oct 08, its the first time we've ever been away from each other (other then the one week I went to the Dominican with my Fam) And he's been gone sence. So in the last 10 months I've seen him for 2 weeks at Xmas, 2 weeks in May and 1 week in July. Its been really tough, But its what's best for us and what he really enjoys doing. And we have a new found appreciation for each other Nice to see I'm not the only one out there who more than likely just crys no reason and feels better afterward

Hi Ladies, I just found this thread!! Where have I been!! lol I'm Courtney, I'm from little tiny place about 1 hr east of Halifax, NS..Where I was born and raised and am in love with, However, my Mr to be is just finishing training in the Military so I'm thinking we won't be here much longer, Which isn't always a bad thing Its nice to see so many Canadian brides on here Happy Planning all

For the Majestic, a year in advance, those rates are very good. The rates I had for the Majestic were $2200 for April 2010. I feel thats too much so were going elsewhere, but thats pretty good I think Good Luck!!

Quote: Originally Posted by nsbride2010 That makes the most sense! Any Canadian brides know the cost for extra weight/baggage on their planes? We are most likely booking with ir Canada Vacations since we have transfers to make from Halifax to Toronto and then Toronto to Punta Cana! The first year I went to the DR, we flew air canada vacations, there were alot of people who were charged for being over weight. Have you considered flying first class? They allow you more weight!

Quote: Originally Posted by Amarillis I have heard of this, and would say that it is the norm. I would definately question the bride by asking "why can't we choose a different resort", if the response was "so I (as the bride) can save $ per plate", my honest answer would be ok, then we'll kindly decline the invite. If you cannot afford to cover the cost of your guests -- whether at an at home wedding or a destination, then you should rethink your choice, or drum down the guest list. It really is simple. In a sense this relates back to 'at home non-DW brides' having an expectation that if each plate costs $x, then the gifts from guests should at least cover the per plate cost, this simply is not the case. Weddings are about having the celebration you want, with the people you want, in a capacity that the bride and groom can afford. With no expectation of 'coming out ahead'. Sorry if this is harsh, but I truly believe it is a reality. I don't think anybody is trying to "come out ahead" Its all just keeping everything within budget...With us, the place we originally wanted to go was an extra $85 per person above 14 people, we have 24 confrimed and we had no problem paying the extra for the ten over that, however we had another 10 people that wanted to wait until the week before we leave and get a vacation at around $800 bucks for the week, so that would be another $850 for their meal and $600 for their day passes all on top of what we already paid for our wedding. I just don't feel like its fair to us or to my guests who paid top dollar to come down to the wedding, for those guys to pay next to nothing and still get to come to the wedding for free. Like I said, if they were booked with us I would have no problem paying for the extra to the resort. Thats just how I feel. Sorry.

August 2009 Tasha & Jamil: August 1, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Shannon & Rich: August 5, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Hayley & Nick: August 10, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Ana & Adam: August 15, 2009 - Iberostar Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Lori & Keith: September 9, 2009 - Excellence, Punta Cana Kenya & Eddie Sept. 12, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Jason September 18, 2009 - Dreams Palm Beach Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Carmen & Tiny: October 09, 2009 - Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Darcy & Dave: October 11, 2009- Melia Caribe Tropical- Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Kelly & Pablo: October 22, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical c & d: October 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana November 2009 Tanya & Joe: November 4, 2009 - Palladium Palace, Punta Cana Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Lisa & Jim: November 5, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana Sandra & Rob: Novemeber 7, 2009- Ocean Blue/ Sand Golf & Beach Resort Erin & Trent: November, 9, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Rosa & Eddie: November 10, 2009 - Barcelo Bavaro Palace Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial Andrea & Chris: November 24, 2009, Majestic Elegance Krista & Dave: November 25, 2009 - Sirenis Tropical Annida & Sante: November 27th, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Amber and Dan: December 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Tara and Philip: December 7, 2009- Majestic Elegance Nonnie and Marj: December 10,2009-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Beth and Ian: December 12, 2009- Excellence Punta Cana Lindsay and Tracy: December 31, 2009 - Majestic Colonial January 2010 Jacqueline & Craig: January 5, 2010 - Sirenis Tropical Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Shelby & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Jocelyn & Michael: January 25, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Lisa & Adam: January 2010, Dreams Punta Cana Nicole & Chad: January 12, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2010 Anne & Tim: February 20, 2010 - Jellyfish Restaurant (Staying at Melia) Amber & John: February 27, 2010, Paradisus Palma Real March 2010 Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana Kim & Ron March 17, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Diane & Devin March 25 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real Anna & Lawrence March 26 - Majestic Colonial Erin & Pat March 27 2010 - Dreams Palm Beach Lindsay & Seth March 28 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real April 2010 Courtney & Michael April 13, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Vanessa & Eddie April 16, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Steph & Jason April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium Palace Punta Cana Alli & Darren April 19, 2010- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Crystal & Tyler April 20, 2010-Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Helen & Scott April 21, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Dianne & Adam April 21, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Jess & Aaron April 22, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Stacey & Eric April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Erin & Jeremy April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Amanda & Craig April 28*, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana May 2010 Jennnifer & Trevor May 11th 2010 - Majestic Colonial Rosa & Larry May 15th, 2010 - Excellence Punta Cana Heather & George May 15th 2010 - Dreams La Romana mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana Lauren & Nate May 18, 2010- Majestic Colonial Sara & Adam May 22nd, 2010 - Indecided, Punta Cana (Palladium, Dreams, Iberostar or Excellence) Iris and Mike May 27, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Rebecca and Hector May 27, 2010-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Valerie & Jake May 29, 2010- Dreams La Romana Shanelle & Michael ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Paradisus Punta Cana June 2010 Bobbi And Tyler: June 4th 2010 Majestic Colonial Jen & Joe: June 5, 2010, Dreams Palm Beach LaToya & Micah: June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana July 2010 Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Liz & Miguel - July 26, 2010 - Undecided location {Santiago, Puerto Plata, or Punta Cana James and Jessica- July 17, 2010 -Paradisus Punta Cana August 2010 Jeanette & Julio - undecided Punta Cana, (PPC or PPR) Aug 2010 Linda & Robin: August 3, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana July 2011/ 2012 Yvonne and Andrew- last week of july 2011/ 2012 (money dependant), dreams la romana

We had this problem as well, We have alot of family that go south every year but do a last minute sell off, so when we told them the cost, they freaked out and said they would come but they would be waiting until the last minute to get the vacation dirt cheap, however, we would be charged for ppl not booked with our wedding group for the supper, so I told them, if you don't book with us and stay at another resort, you will have to pay for your day pass into our resort and whatever the resort charges us for your meal, Because that is not fair to us to have to pay extra on top of everything we already paid....A few people were ticked off at me, buttttt, They'll get over it

It was simple for us, We got engaged in Puerto Plata in 2008 We LOVEEE the DR

Beautiful

Your pics turned out beautiful!! Congrats

Quote: Originally Posted by rgonzalez_83 The WC just e-mailed me back and said a private reception would cost approximately $60 per person. It's more than I had expected and had I known that the dinner/reception included in the package did not allow for dancing for guests, I may have not booked this resort...But save the dates have gone out and guests have started booking so it's too late to change and I am trying to make the best of it. The idea about waiting for the disco would appeal to me if it wasn't that so many older realtives will be attending who I can't picture partying at the disco. lol. We have a few older people going, But were still going to the disco, if they don't want to go, thats fine, I understand. The disco doesn't open until 11 I think, so some of my guests will be asleep by then anyways I'm sure lol

We are having a AHR so were just going to have a dinner, and I think the hubby to be and I are going to have our dance, then were just going to party at the disco!! woot And its on the expensive side to have the reception there :S

Quote: Originally Posted by jessi4d Hi there, We are getting married at the GP Palace on Feb 20th, 2010. It was tough to decide on a resort or a date, so it was great to hear feedback from all the brides here. Caroline has been great emailing back to confirm a date (though I haven't asked any more questions yet, one step at a time) unlike other resorts (I'm talking to you, Paradisus! :-p) I'm glad she has been emailing you back, cause she NEVER emails me back :S.....maybe next time I will just get you to ask for me!! lol jj

You should just search the hotel names. and see what ppl hvae to say, or go to the wedding review fourm and read reviews of each resort, they usually have pictures as well good luck

caribbeanlover, I am doing a sand ceremony as well, I don't know who says it, I'm just going to ask my cousin to read a peice I found online Ps - I can't find the menu on palladium addict ethier I did email Carolina and asked for menus, but again, she hasn't emailed me back :S

Hi there, I see your from Halifax, I am as well. You get your marriage licence in spanish, and the when you get home you have to get it translated back into english, I called NS vital certificates, and they said you have to have it translated by a certifted translator, I found one in the yellowpages....but I didn't ask how much it costs. It has to be done, so I didn't bother.

How did you guys decide on the resturants?? Did she send you a menu?? Or are yas just picking one

We are staying in the Punta Cana side as well Carolina wouldn't confirm a time for me :S urghhh..... She doesn't really confrim anything for me!! Its annoying, but I know she is really really busy. I think we are going with the gazebo, its more private and it overlooks the ocean, but Mr. really has his heart set on the beach though, so that could change.

Tracey, I am getting married on April 13 2010 as well Were twins!! Which section are you staying at?

Good idea!! That would be easier, just have all the music in order and someone to press play!! However, I came on here to vent because my travel agent just called me to say that they pushed our trip back by a day!!! So were going Sunday to Sunday now, if this screws up the wedding date, I will lose my mind!!!! She called Carolina this morning to tell her and she said it wouldn't be a problem, and that we shouldn't reschedule because the Judge has no more dates in April. URGHHHHHHHHH.............. OK, I think I'm done now!! Boy, you guys are good listeners!! lol

Hey Ladies, What is everybody doing for music? I'm thinking about bringing a IPOD dock?? but do we know if we can hook speakers up to it for ceremony music??

I've never been to the DR in the fall...I'm a winter/spring vacationer!! I like breaking up the terrible Nova Scotia winter However, I know that hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30th. As long as your happy, it doesn't matter what the weather is like!! And will you be posting pictures of the new site?? Even if you don't get married there, you should creep it and get some pics for us lol

Quote: Originally Posted by ashey063009 Having our AHR this weekend, my dress was SUPER sandy and pretty dirty from TTD sesh-- looks IMMACULATE after cleaning. I say do it! If you don't you may regret it-- many of the girls actually say their dresses are cleaner after the TTD than they were after the ceremony. Your dress looks like taffeta, is it? Thats what mine is, it seems like sand would come off pretty easy. We really want to do it, but I can't ruin my dress, only cause of the reception, and his parents arn't coming down to the wedding, so I feel like I need to look just they way I did at the wedding :S

I think its a great question! Its totally a personal choice. For us, we have a big family and not all can attend. Including the In laws, which are still upset were going So when we get back, were going to have a big party! Nothing expensive, just some finger foods on the tables, a dj for some dancing, and of course a slide show of our trip and big day!

WOW!!!!! I was thinking about not doing one(even thought I really want to) Only becuase were having a reception when we get home, Now I really really really want to!! To the Ladies who have already done it, Would my dress be completely ruined if I did it and had it cleaned when I got home? :S