richarsd

Thanks for that tip Chicago! However...my MOHs and best men will DEFINITELY be taking their bracelets off and if I have to pay for replacements, then fine, I can take that. I consider myself very easy going about mostly everything about this wedding and will basically do what they tell me but this is ONE issue, I'm not compromising on, lol. I guess all brides have their quirks and this is mine!

Ladies, I totally just thought of something and am wondering what you all plan to do or have done for those of you already married. On your wedding day, especially for photos and stuff, what do you do with the tacky little wrist band that all the resorts make you wear around your wrist. Frankly, I'm leaning towards just cutting mine off (and asking the groom, and BMs to do the same!) because there is NO way I want that showing up in my wedding photos (yes, I am particular about some things, lol), however I don't know how much trouble it will be getting another one from the resort or from Carolina. Any thoughts?? Thanks

To answer your questions, not much...the "trash the dress" title is a little misleading I think. there's another thread (actually it's been made a sticky) somewhere all about TTD and pretty well everyone who's done it has said that there dress was fine after and often they come out better looking than before (because the salt water will take out a lot of the stains from around the bottom of the dress and whatnot). Fabulous photos, everybody! You're making me SO excited for mine in April!!!

I am really perplexed with what to do with my eyes, too. I think I have the rest figured out don't really know what sort of eye "look" I wanna go for. I can't seem to find pictures of nice eye make-up. I think I will go to Sephora and pay for a trial so I can see a few things for myself. I refuse to get my make-up done at the resort salon!! I'm sure all resorts are diferent but I've heard that at mine they're not really used to applying make-up on fairer skinned ladies (and I am pale!) so it ends up being a bit harsh.

Chicago - congrats on your wedding!!! I'm glad the ceremony and reception went smoothly for you. Sorry to hear about the problems with the rooms and front desk staff...although it makes me relieved that me and my guests are all booked on the Bavaro side! I've heard that that the front desk staff at all the resorts can be a little rude though. Jerzshortstuff - I booked HDC for the TTD too...you just made me realize that I did not even think to ask what time it starts. Will send Arnaud an email right now! However, I assumed it would be way earlier than 8:30 am actually....I was assuming more like 6:30 am as the sun is still rising a bit and there'd be basically no one on the beach. By 8:30, there's definitely people. I know it's a busy beach but I was kinda hoping to have the experience as intimate as possible. And congrats on finding your dress! Did you post pictures in the dress thread??

Chicago - congrats on your wedding!!! I'm glad the ceremony and reception went smoothly for you. Sorry to hear about the problems with the rooms and front desk staff...although it makes me relieved that me and my guests are all booked on the Bavaro side! I've heard that that the front desk staff at all the resorts can be a little rude though. Jerzshortstuff - I booked HDC for the TTD too...you just made me realize that I did not even think to ask what time it starts. Will send Arnaud an email right now! However, I assumed it would be way earlier than 8:30 am actually....I was assuming more like 6:30 am as the sun is still rising a bit and there'd be basically no one on the beach. By 8:30, there's definitely people. I know it's a busy beach but I was kinda hoping to have the experience as intimate as possible. And congrats on finding your dress! Did you post pictures in the dress thread??

I am in the same boat (for the make-up...will have resort salon do my hair because I'm hopeless at that sorta thing). I was originally considering MAC and stopped by, got some info and samples...I find MAC make-up really, really heavy. I have oily skin so I just couldn't stand it after 5 minutes, I wanted to wash my face again. For lipstick and eye make-up it may be ok though. I've done A LOT more research, read some reviews, scoured the Sephora forums and am now considering "Make-up Forever" (MUFE for short). They sell it at Sephora and I haven't yet gone into try it but I know a girl from work who uses it and she says it's amazing (and she looks amazing) and is especially great for photos. So there's something maybe to consider. Would appreciate anyone elses input

Dawn, I'd also love to some pictures or a review if you have one to give Jerzshortstuff, I've been to Punta Cana twice before in April (one the end of the month and once the beginning of the month) and it was dream weather...sunny and hot basically all the time. I think it rained hard for like 15 minutes one afternoon but within a minute of the rain stopping it was sunny again...actually was kinda nice! One reason we chose April is because it's typically one of the most consistent months weatherwise *knock on wood*!

I am doing turquoise (wedding colours are white and turquoise) on my toes and then a classic French manicure on my hands because I think it will not retract from the rings for all of those close up hand and bouquet photos the photographers always take, lol.

TLGnhci - I think a "healthy recipes" forum would be a great idea! I actually came into this section looking for one...do you mind if I start one? I have a yummy receipe I made lastnight that I could start it off with.

Ladies this is all great information since this is one of my (many) "trouble" areas that need some imrpovement before stepping on a beach in April. I am definitely going to look into that Jillian Michaels video!

Ladies this is all great information since this is one of my (many) "trouble" areas that need some imrpovement before stepping on a beach in April. I am definitely going to look into that Jillian Michaels video!

Sheila2011 - I hope you have an amazing time (and I'm sure you will)!!! Take lots of pics and can't wait to read a review after you come back! Jerzshortstuff - you've probably said, but when is your wedding date again?? I'm an April bride too (April 12)!

Manda, Majestic Colonial was originally our first choice when we began looking into resorts...it looks beautiful and they also are quite experienced with weddings. It was the price that turned us off of it most ($500 more per person than the GP and we just couldn't ask people to pay that). However, now that I have my guest list and everything's arranged, I am quite happy we chose to go with the GP instead...the Majestic, while probably a good place is you're looking for a romantic wedding and vacation, does have a bit of "boring" or maybe I should "low-key" reputation...although that would totally translate to boring for my fiance's family and some of my friends. GP is livelier so I'm happy we went with it. That aspect is important to us. I definitely plan to have FUN on and after my wedding!!!

Manda, Majestic Colonial was originally our first choice when we began looking into resorts...it looks beautiful and they also are quite experienced with weddings. It was the price that turned us off of it most ($500 more per person than the GP and we just couldn't ask people to pay that). However, now that I have my guest list and everything's arranged, I am quite happy we chose to go with the GP instead...the Majestic, while probably a good place is you're looking for a romantic wedding and vacation, does have a bit of "boring" or maybe I should "low-key" reputation...although that would totally translate to boring for my fiance's family and some of my friends. GP is livelier so I'm happy we went with it. That aspect is important to us. I definitely plan to have FUN on and after my wedding!!!

We compared several travel sites (selloffvacations, itravel, expedia) for resorts in our price range (initially under $1750) then compared those to reviews on tripadvisor. We had several criteria we wanted filled (swim up bar, experienced weddings and positive reviews, lots of shows and activities, good food reviews, etc.). We narrowed it down to three then went to see our Travel Agent who specializes in destination weddings to give us group rate. We went with the cheapest, which for us was the Grand Palladium Bavaro. Making this decision is definitely the hardest part but after you do, it's easy! Goodluck!

Tomato01 - You will need TWO passes for your photographer based on the times you've given. Anything before 6 pm is $60 and anything after is another $60. Natalie1987 - The Royal Suites has a swim-up bar...all the pools at all four resorts have pool bars. Also, the Royal Suites pool is adults only!

You don't need malaria pills...you only need malaria pills if you expect to be inland for a prolonged period of time (a day excursion does not count). Along the coast, at resorts you are fine. We've been to Punta Cana twice and never had any problems as have many others I've known. Been to a travel clinic twice myself before going and they never told me we needed anything for malaria. Hep A and B vaccines are a good idea though but again, up to you - they're not mandatory.

Some people simply do not like taking vacations without their kids. And although babysitting services are available, this isn't always going to be a comfortable option for a lot parents...it's a lot different trusting total strangers in a different country to care for your kids, then a regulated childcare professional in your home state/province or the babysitter down the street you know quite well. Therefore, unless you specified in the invite, "adult only" ceremony/reception, I think you just need to accept that people will bring their kids. And I wouldn't worry about entertaining the kids at the reception...that's their parents problem, not yours!

Ladies, for those of you who have already had your wedding, how was the make-up application at the spa (if you got it done there)? I am pretty sure I'll be doing my own but in case I change my mind last minute, thought I'd ask. From the pics, everyone's make-up has looked beautiful...my concern is more the products they use. I have rather sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts if the appropriate make-up isn't used so that would be a concern for me. Any advice?

For me the number one thing was price...I wanted a 4.5-5 star resort that was under $1500. And for all of my guests departure cities, that was really the only resort in Punta Cana in April that met that criteria. Also, they have a good reputation for beautiful weddings and they also are known as kind of a "fun" resort...I have a lively bunch of 40 people coming and they are NOT the sit around and be relaxed/quiet for 7 straight days type of people. What other resorts are you considering?

Wow, that's so awful that your sister (and kinda your Mom too) are putting all of this stress and everything on you. I totally think it's awesome that you stuck to your guns!!! This woman, sister or not, certainly has not earned a spot in your wedding party let along being MOH!! It's unfortunate, but just because we have siblings doesn't always mean we're going to like them. And I'm sure this is hard on your Mom but she needs to realize that it's not your responsibility to "bite the bullet" all the time and just be accepting of your sister's crap...it's up to your sister to get her head straight and act like an adult! Goodluck with the wedding from here on out

If you're changing your name because of marriage than yes, you definitely need the marriage certificate first. People can change their last names without getting married but you need a court order to make it official (ie: you need to go before a judge/JP and give a valid reason first and it needs to be approved). The process varies by country/state/province.

You said your wedding is a Tuesday? Are you arriving Saturday?? If so, then don't worry at all! Mine is arranged the same way...we'll be meeting with our WC on the Monday to go over everything and give her the gown to get steamed. I'm totally confident it'll be fine...they do this all the time

Ahhhh gotcha! When is your wedding?? Flight will go down a bit closer to the date...If your wedding is April or after, then I'd say they will definitely come down! And if lots of people are leaving from different places, the fact that the seats are more limited shouldn't be too much an issue.