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Hi! I am officially booked for July 17, 2010 at Grand Palladium Bavaro. Is there a reason why others are choosing the Punta Cana? I visited the resort in Aug 09 and it is lovely. Nothing super fancy, but very nice. We are having our wedding at the gazebo followed by a champagne toast then a private ($1000) reception at La Uva. Carolina is sending me the menu options in her next email to me. She is a one woman show. Very busy when we met her in August, but when we were there, treated us like she had nothing else happening, even though we knew she did! I loved that and did not take any extra time from her other than seeing a few rooms, the gazebo and restaurant and I was convinced we'd have a great day. We expect approximately 80 people so the $1000 extra for private reception is a bargaaaaaain. The floral bouquets were nice, but I'm not crazy about them and may send some pictures to see if upgrading is possible. We are using HDC for photo, video and ttd. I read great reviews and the packages offered are awesome. TA Dina is helping with the travel and hotel arrangements for our guests. She has been great. Good luck GP Brides!!

If you look at tripadvisor, #7 is Grand Palladium Bavaro which is where we are getting married. They have great packages and it's a lovely resort. We expect 80 guests and are having a gazebo wedding, champagne toast, private reception (only $1000 extra) and dancing for 5.5 hours after the ceremony. Carolina is the WC and she is great. Just like the other WC she tries to respond asap, you just have to stay on top of them, if no response. We did a tour of the rooms and the spaces and it is going to be great! Other reviews of the resort and weddings were also very good. Good luck!

I just hired HDC. I've only read good things about them on this site. Great prices. Arnauld is very quick to respond to emails. They accept paypal for deposit, which is great. He will also customize the package to fit your needs. I am happy with my choice! Oh and he accepts paypal for the 20% deposit and gives a nice discount of 10% if you book photo and video with him.

You look fantabulous in #2! Perfect for your petite frame.

I have heard that the Paradisus is very nice and they do a Beach BBQ including liquor for 3 hours for about $50pp. They also do a private reception for $9500 with everything included and it's suppose to be very nice. Good Luck.

Quote: Originally Posted by Caribe I had a lot of weddings in the Riu Palace Punta Cana !! two different Gazebos(Gazebo in the Riu Bambu and one Gazebo in the Riu Palace Punta Cana ) and is not as expensive !!The steakhaus in the Riu Palace Punta Cana is very beautiful and you have Private Place.Very clean Hotel.(Wedding Cordinator Magnolia ,Juliana ,Joana ) Or the Fiesta Hotel Group: Fiesta Palladium,Fiesta Bavaro i ts very nice because you have a big Gazebo and good food !!Horse carriage is also available . And many different ways your most important day so spetziel as possible to make ! (Wedding Cordinator Carolina ) Whom you have questions about another hotel just ask my! Thanks! I actually booked for July 11, 2010 (although I need to change it to July 17) at the Grand Palladium Bavaro...I think that is the same resort you are referring to. It seems like a great deal because stay at one hotel play at all 3 and they have nice wedding packages. They also include dinner at a choice of 2 different restaurants. Basically seems like they will be able to offer what I am hoping for at a reasonable cost.

I am sorry you had such a tough time. Sounds horrible. The Riu Palace looks fantastic and is actually one of my top choices...just depends on rates for my guests. I have too many top choices though. lol. Can I ask what made you decide on Riu. Oh and take a deep breath. Seems to me based on all my readings that everything works out beautifully for nearly everyone. Isn't that why we are all planning the DW?! It will be wonderful, I'm sure! Once again, I am so glad that this site exists. We are heading to DR in August and were thinking of just going to check out a few places...my FI speaks spanish and a friend is Dominican, but to pay for taxis and then sit outside on our vacation, no thanks. Thanks for this thread!

Beautiful pictures. Congratulations!

I've also been in contact with Melani at DPB. I was really excited to book my wedding there, and expect 50-80 guests, but was told that more than 45 people must have a buffet style dinner which costs a minimum of $40pp plus tax. This is really disappointing to me and I don't know where they would have the buffet. I really am at such a loss of where to go when I don't have a tremendous budget and nearly 80 guests. My FI says we don't have to have dinner...another option is a 3 hour cocktail reception...but I just don't know.

When I look a this now...it's not so bad... DINNER PACKAGES Silver Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$500.00 Extra person SilverUS$25.00 Gold Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$620.00 Extra person GoldUS$31.00 Platinum Dinner Package (up to 20 people)US$820.00 Extra person PlatinumUS$41.00

How will you feel in the dress? That's all that matters! No one in their right mind will look at that dress and say "she wore THAT for a destination wedding?!" More like..."that is the most beautiful dress!" All that matters is how will you feel in it?! Be happy. Be comfortable.

Dreams Punta Cana My experience with the WC here is much different than above. However, because of previous posts that I have read, I have learned that they are quite busy and remain patient when awaiting responses...which may take a week+. This has me favoring the previous 2 resorts. But the Dreams looks awesome. That being said, I also learned much about Dreams Palm Beach and sent a request for information there as well. So many good posts about Palm Beach, I'm looking forward to the info. WC: Deyanira Aristy a lovely young lady. She did not get my online request and my FI left a message on the WC voicemail without response. I called again a week later and Deyanira answered, she stated that she did not get the request and gave me her email address. [email protected] The packages do not include dinner for all guests, there is an additional pp charge. I'll list next. Here is the package information: DREAMS WEDDING IN PARADISE PACKAGE Selling Price $769 USD This package is complimentary when booking a Honeymoon Suite category or higher for a minimum of 7 nights or if 5 rooms are reserved for a minimum of 4 nights in any room category, this package also applies for renewal of vows ceremony. Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator Preferential location of the room in the category reserved Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) Bride’s bouquet Boutonniere for the groom Use of the wedding gazebo located in a romantic setting Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 10 guests Special turn down service at night 15% discount on all Spa treatments (product purchases not included) Honeymoon Package Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability) Silver framed photo of choice from stay* Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary** DREAMS OF LOVE WEDDING PACKAGE Selling Price $1,980 USD This package includes: Wedding organization and personalization by our Wedding Coordinator Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) Personal dressing assistant Use of the wedding gazebo or beach front arbor Bride’s Bouquet Two boutonnieres & two corsages for parents or witnesses Special Silver Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel) 1 natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests One hour Silver Cocktail Party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel) Special turn down service Bride’s hair styling for ceremony Make-up application for bride 15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included) 36 full color professional photos and wedding album Honeymoon Package Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability) Silver framed photo of choice from stay* Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary** DREAMS ULTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE Selling Price $2,650 USD This package includes: Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) Personal dressing assistant Use of the wedding gazebo or beach front arbor. Bride’s Bouquet Two boutonnieres and two corsages for parents or witnesses Special Gold Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel.) One natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests One hour Gold cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel) Special turn down service Bride’s hair styling for ceremony Make-up application for bride 15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included) 50 full color photos and wedding album Honeymoon Package Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability) Gazebo décor - chairs with white covers, ceremonial table, and carpeted walkway Live Caribbean music trio (1 set) Video of the ceremony (30 min. DVD edited) One Spa treatment to choose from: One Swedish massage for two or one European facial for two or one Salt Glow Body Scrub for two Silver framed photo of choice from stay* Earn free nights towards a stay over your first anniversary**

PS The RIU website allows you to place a request...which they do respond to a few days after submission. NOTE: Only submit for one hotel, they will delete the others. If you need information on the others, they will provide this. (I learned the hard way, lol)

Next: Riu Palace Punta Cana I do not have rooms rates as of yet. Still waiting to here from the groups department. This is a very professionally and efficiently run destination wedding dept. I sent a request and they followed up immediately and have answered each question that I have had...The sales coordinator is Gabriela Iturralde. She is the first person you work with and handles booking the date, the type of ceremony, the package, upgrades and adjusting # of guests. She also handles the other RIU resorts. I chose the Palace because the Bachata max capacity is 60. Palace is 300. (I may have more than 60) Once you chose a package, they confirm it and then send you to the WC for all the details. Packages: FREE -WC -Decoration of ceremony site -Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere -CD music for ceremony -Semi private dinner for all the guests (no limit) -Wedding cake (states serves 10, so must add more for $50) -Champagne (same as cake add $40 i think) Minister/Judge fees are not included and range from $270-$560 Royal Package $1360(symbolic) $1495(Civil/Religious) All the above for 40 guests or less, including cake, sparkling wine Massage for Bride and Groom Complimentary room upgrade for couple Riu tshirts "Bride and Groom" Judge/Minister fees Caprice package $227/$2450 all the above for 60 guests Late Check out Breakfast in Bed Strawberries and chocolate and sparkling wine

Thanks for the responses...here is the research that I have on a few resorts...hopefully this will also help others. First up: Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana, I believe they only do one wedding a day. They have a special right now if you contract with them. Zoraida Castaneda is the sales rep [email protected] $156 pp/single occupancy $111 pp/double $79 3rd person over 12 $47 children 2-12 If you contract with them they hold these rates for all your guests until the wedding. She is very flexible with signing of the contract. Ie. She will hold the rates to August when we get to see the hotel before signing and leaving a deposit. The deposit is $1500 and is applied to our room or returned to us when we check-out. "good faith deposit" to hold the rooms for the guests...it's ok if not all the rooms are booked or vice versa. She really spells it all out. Laura Genao followeda CC: message from Zoraida and sent me the follwoing information. I do not know the pp rates beyond the package inclusions because I just got the info. This is the wedding package information: I'LL STAND BY YOU Package 2010 Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental This package includes: * Judge arrangement and fees + marriage certification * Bridal bouquet * Groom boutonniere * Celebratory champagne toast for 20 people. * Delicate wedding cake enough for 20 people * Fresh, elegant floral arrangements or displays * Grand Ceremony décor & crisp, classic tables setting. * Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay. * On- site Wedding consultant Package Price $2,550.00US (Taxes included) Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses will be provided by the hotel if is required. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009 until December 21, 2010 JUST YOU & I Package 2010 Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental This package includes: * Judge arrangement and fees + marriage certification * Bridal bouquet * Groom boutonniere * Celebratory champagne toast for 20 people * Delicate Wedding cake enough for 20 people * Semi-private reception. * Celebratory welcome fruit basket * Witnesses if required can be afforded by the hotel * Dinner for just the two of you. * Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay. * Arrangement of fresh, local flowers. * Nightly turn down service. * His & Hers manicure & pedicure * His & hers massage therapy * Surprise wedding gift * Matching Occidental Grand shirts * On- site Wedding consultant Package Price $3,175.00US (Taxes included) Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses will be provided by the hotel if is required. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009 until December 21, 2010 LET'S STAY TOGETHER (VOW RENEWAL) Package 2010 Grand Flamenco Punta Cana by Occidental This package includes: * Officiant services * Bridal bouquet * Groom boutonniere * Celebratory champagne toast for 10 people * Delicate wedding cake enough for 10 people * Grand ceremony décor & crisp, classic table setting * Romantic breakfast in bed, once per stay. * Dinner just for the two of you. * On- site Wedding consultant Package Price $1,270.00US (Taxes included) Special added values: Photographer + 14 pictures, Music Trio or CD, Witnesses will be provided by the hotel if is required. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Valid from Dec. 21, 2009 until December 21, 2010 Laura Genao Weddings Coordinator Phone: 1 809 221 8787, Ext. 5036 Fax #: 1 809 221 8797 E-mail: [email protected]

Hi all. I have no idea where we should have our July 2010 DR wedding. I have researched a handful of resorts and now I am ever more confused. I started off with Dreams Punta Cana, but they don't include a dinner, you have to pay per head to eat in the all inclusive restaurant. I looked at Paradisus, Occidental, Melia, Riu Palace... I've reserved Riu Palace but may switch to Occidental. I would like to have a Gazebo ceremony, followed by cocktail reception, followed by dinner, then a reception for cake and dancing. For my guests i would like reasonably priced accomodations. Also a great play area/activities for the dozen+ kids that will be there. Researching the resorts, so many positives and soo many negatives...that I am now confused. I would appreciate any input on which venue to go with... Thanks!!!

Welcome! This is the BEST site ever! Congrats!

I bought my dress after 2 weeks engagement! I must stop looking so I don't change my mind! lol. But I got it for a tremendous bargain at Used wedding dresses. Buy & sell new, sample and used designer wedding gowns Brand New with Tags! It's a great website.

I hit the gym after my long hiatus. 1 hour, respectable. lol. I also have dance class tonight, which is pretty intense (salsa)! I'm a MOH July 4 and marrying July 17, 2010! I need to get in shape!! and stay away from the sweets!!

Very cute idea! You have a lot of BMs!! lol.

I really like your ring. I think it's great on it's own and totally works as both!

Thanks everyone!! This is the most amazing website. I have learned soo much! Maybe too much? lol. I cannot come to a decision on where to have it. For our wedding we'd like to have: Ceremony, dinner reception, dancing/cake reception. The dancing part is the most important. I was set on Dreams, but they charge extra for a dinner reception. $25-$41 pp at an all-inclusive resort that just seems silly... I started checking out a couple of other resorts...if anyone has input please let me know. NOTE: I have a ten year old son and about 12 kids ages 3-15 will be joining us as well, so it's super important for me to find a great mini club for them so parents can relax! 1. Riu Palace Punta Cana 2. Riu Bachata Puerto Plata 3. Paradisus Punta Cana The Riu resorts offer everything needed and they respond super quick. They have a sales department and THEN they give you a wedding coordinator. Which is kind of nice, because the WCs are very busy from what I've read here (which by the way is the only reason I am calm about the long wait for responses! thanks again!) I emailed Paradisus about a week ago, no response yet, so not sure about their packages. The plus is I've read great reviews and know someone who went there with their children and said if you do the Reserve or Royal packages, that's the best way to go. They loved it. I don't know what to do anymore well I do know...I better get to work! lol.

Beautiful! You look gorgeous now, imagine how amazing you will look on your wedding day!!

Congratulations and Welcome! First, I tried using DW.com and paid the $50 and felt the same way you do. I requested the deposit back and after a couple of weeks it did come through. I wasn't really "feeling" the TA either. My suggestion is to try cheapcarribean.com they have great deals and are able to assign a TA to handle your group bookings so there is no confusion. Everyone can just contact them directly. This is my new plan. I've used them for a few trips without any problems and the rates are great!! Good Luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by BLJM Sap, Thank you soooo much. You have no idea how important your reply was to me. It's also wonderful to know that they will give me a direct contact which definitely makes things a lot easier.. thank you thank you thank you!!!! My wedding coordinator also commented on how she has never heard of anyone having a problem with Dreams reservations thru Cheap caribbean. This is great because they are definitely pricing a few hundred dollars cheaper....EXCELLENT! BLJM, I am very happy to hear that I was of help to you. Many BDW brides have already helped me with posting of information, I am happy to do the same! I hope it works out well for you.