avong1228

I'm starting to second guess my decision on bringing my own ipod. Can anyone share what the cost is for a dj?

I've never been to the Excellence (but hope to!) but I have been to Iberostar Grand and that collection of hotels is really amazing. We've been to the one in Mexico and Jamaica and the service, food, pool and drinks are top notch. I don't think you can go wrong either way!

How exciting!! I think once people get the invitation they'll start booking ... at least that's the hope!!

Oh I had never heard that before. Good to know!

Thanks ladies! The process of trying to decide a location is so stressful but I found once I picked the place, you'll feel better. Is anyone planning a site visit? I would really love to but not sure if it's in the budget! We are not honeymooning in MX. We decided to fly to Miami and take a cruise from there! I have a great TA in Greensboro that I love if anyone is looking.

No mariachi band for me either. I just could not justify the cost. I really wanted fire dancers but PRC doesn't allow them

I've just emailed her ... we'll see what she says!

Ladies that are doing a site visit - did the resort comp you the room or give you any special deals since you are getting married there?

I second Iberostar Grand. I went there 2 years ago and fell in love. It is beautiful, food is great, service is wonderful. We will also have kids at our wedding so we couldn't get married there.

So glad to find other Carolina brides!! I am from Charlotte.

Yeaaahhh! That's so exciting!!

I've thought about them but really can't do much until you know how many people are coming. I don't want to buy 40 and then 50 people come and have to buy it all over again or buy 50 and only 40 show up and I spent more than I needed. I am bookmarking all the sites with stuff I like and that way when all the RSVps come in, I can order it then. I'm thinking koozies as well, small hangover kit, first aid kit and maybe playing cards and a key/tip holder. Nothing crazy as most people will bring everything they need and you don't want to waste space.

Kelie, 5 months to go!! How exciting. I couldn't even wait until tomorrow to post.

i have a bunch in the states that I could recommend. I just went through this process and it was so hard to pick. Ball n' Chain Photography in Raleigh, NC Gwendolyn Tundermann in Jacksonville (who we picked) Ivan Luckie in Mx (on this board) Studio B Photography in Atlanta Melissa Green in Salt Lake City (on this board) There are so many on the board. Just depends what style you are looking for, budget and package. Good luck!

Lily, there are tons of webites out there to help you with questions. Just google it. For me, what is included in the package, what is their style, how long will it take to get your pictures, will they be retouched, how many photos will they take, how long have they been doing this, have they done destination weddings before, what type of lighting will they use, do they have certain types of lens, backup camera, etc.

Quote: Originally Posted by ronsoliman We are doing a wedding in the Riviera in 2011, can't wait...anyone knows where to get cheap tickets? Depeding on where you are flying from, I've typically found usairwaysvacations.com the cheapest from where I am.

Lily, if you need some recommendations on photographers let me know as I just went through the process and spoke to several that I really liked. Depending on your budget you can find someone really great. I am doing a dinner. I am leaning towards the International Buffet. We think we will have around 50 ppl. We have 30 already booked. I really wanted to do the chill out chic but it's 2500 to have the furniture on the beach! No can do!

Lily, I think I'll either do the wish or custom as those seem to be the least expensive when I add up everything I want. The $300 for your photographer is only if they are not guests at the hotel. I found it to be cheaper to fly someone in and pay for them to stay at the resort vs getting someone locally and pay the vendor fee.

Lauren, I have not been there (freaks me out a bit) but have been to another Paradisus in Punta Cana. I really want to know about the hair and make up costs at the spa. I asked her about bringing a make up artist on site thinking I could just pay the day pass but she told me $300 vendor fee!! They probably wouldn't know if I just got the day pass, right?? I may not chance it though and just go with the spa for my hair and have my sister or someone do my make up.

I got another email from Cecila today!! She said she'll be out of the office for the next day or so due to several weddings this coming week. She did also tell me that they only do 2 weddings a day and as of right now I'm the only one on Oct 15!! Does anyone have the spa pricing list they can email me? She keeps saying she'll send it but its never attached. She also said that they need a deposit in July and the remainder a 10 days before. Has she told anyone else that? For some reason I thought it was the remainder when you got there.

Lauren, I only spoke to Melissa over email and she was such a sweetheart but we ended up booking Gwendolyn Tundermann from Jacksonville. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and a die hard Steelers fan and so is she so that put me over the edge! Plus she gave me an amazing deal and has great pics. Boo to PwC! hahaha Lily, I am getting married here first and then doing the symbolic in MX. Like you said, too much hassle. Ginger, congratulations!! We are glad to have another PRC bride! I've bought my dress!! Dress shopping for me was so much fun but as soon as I put on the dress I bought, I knew. I tried on others after and just kept going back to it. Its different than what I envisioned and may not have bought if I was having a traditional church wedding and although the beachy dresses are beautiful, its not really my style so I got something right in the middle I think! Any ideas what your guy is going to wear? Mine does not want to wear a jacket, so right now we are thinking linen pants and some kind of button down.

Depends on the resort. My resort also has a hefty vendor fee but since our photographer is staying at the resort there is no fee. Check with your WC and see if there is a minimum # of nights they need to stay.

Thanks!! My FH worked so hard on that website! There was no doubt about doing the honeymoon registry. We already live together so we have all of the things you would normally register for. Plus the extra money is definitely needed!! Picking a resort is so hard but you need to weigh what you want. For me, i needed a place that could have kids and I wanted a nice pool and beach area with good food.

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Quote: Originally Posted by MayanLily Jac - Sorry to hear that! I really hope you stick it out with the rest of us PR brides but can totally understand wher you're coming from. To be honest, I'm finding this resort very very pricey compared to others we've looked at also... Jewels- $4 a bag is INSANE! I didn't know that! I will definately be handing mine out personally at that price. Avong- You are sooo organized! I'm getting married like a week after you and I haven't started planning anything yet. This is making be panicky actually. Have you already looked into your welcome reception because I know I want one but don't even know where to start?? I am just a planner that it kills me to not know!! I am going to chill out though until June when we'll send out invitations and then the real fun starts with the OOT bags and everything else. Is everyone definitely doing OOT bags? I am starting to debate them. Seems to be a lot of money and trouble for things most people will bring with them or not want/need. I am actually not doing the dj as it is so ridiculously expensive. We are buying a nice Bose speaker and loading our own ipod. A few other brides have done this as well. I am also getting married here in the states and just doing the symbolic ceremony there. It seems like too much of a hassle and money to do it in Mexico. I was planning on bringing my own chair bows that I found on ebay for less than a dollar a piece but in the email Cecila sent me, they charge $1 bow to put them on and I went back to an earlier email and she quoted me $3 bow so at that rate, do I just let them provide them so I don't have to buy them and then lug them down there with me? I'm going to try and not stress about centerpieces either as the beach and ocean is the best decoration we could ask for and do you remember the centerpieces at the last few weddings you've been to? Not me!