richarsd

I would add in the civil wedding at home first. I understand your dilemma because my FI and I debated for months on whether we wanted to do a symbolic or civil wedding in the DR (eventually "we decided" (I really gave in, lol) to do a civil one) and I'm sure the decision is harder when you need to factor in important family members who won't be there with you in the DR. From what you've said so far, it kinda seems like you guys are looking at the symbolic one as it "taking away" from your wedding day because you'd be doing the civil one first. Remeber though that having his parents participate is probably going "to add" something very special to your entire experience of getting married. I think that's really important and based on you FI's previous reaction, I think it sounds like it would mean a lot to him (and probably his parents...most parents really dream of this day for their kids). best of like deciding and planning

I am definitely going to the resort salon to get my hair done. There isn't anyone coming to my wedding that is good with doing hair and I include myself in that category, lol. I'm pretty confident they will do a good job...I read reviews and saw pictures of other brides at my resort (Grand Palladium in Punta Cana) and they all looked amazing. As for make-up, this I will do on my own - I have sensitive skin and I break out easily so I don't want them using their make-up as most make-up artists do. I plan to go to MAC here in my hometown a couple weeks before, have someone give me a lesson on wedding make-up and then I'll duplicate it down there (and probably practice a few times before I go too ).

Aww Kitty don't stress yourself too much. It will all work itself out. Remember that flight prices are going to be cheaper in July as it is off season...prices get hiked in the winter because demand goes up - the weather gets colder (although it probably isn't too bad in Alabama...at least not compared to up hear in Canada and people want to escape and the airlines know it! Why is it though that people have put down deposits but they don't have flights?? Are you booking flights and rooms seperately instead of as a package?? Packages are usually cheaper unless you wait until the last minute to book flights (because flight prices will drop a couple weeks before but remember that these are usually discount seats so they're limited). Maybe I'm misunderstanding the whole deposit thing for your guests? Regarding the whole cholera outbreak, there was another forum about this in the DR thread. Personally, this is the last thing on my mind but there are other brides concerned about it. You may wanna check out that thread. Keep in mind, Cholera is generally transmitted through water and the water is filtered. Technically, it could still be transmitted from someone infected but the chances of getting cholera on a resort in Punta Cana are about the same as getting Hepatitis from a waiter or chef here in North America...always possible but unlikely. The hygiene and healthcare is MUCH better in the DR than in Haiti.

This is all great info Msredbird...thanks so much!

Wnmrtn8 - Fabulous dress! Mikaella gowns are amazing. i tried that one on too and almost got it (it was a very close second pick) but ended up going with something very similar but not a sweetheart neckline. I can definitely see why you chose it!

Ashly87 - love your dress!! It's a perfect cross between "traditional bridal" and "destination contemporary".

Msredbird - welcome back!!! Sounds from what you have written already that you had a wodnerful time and it was all you hoped. Looking forward to reading more! And congrats on being a MRS!!! Chell44 + Chicago - We're doing the same thing as you Chicago regarding music. I hate to have to spend $300 just to have the DJ stand there and basically just listen to the CDs play (as I will have all the songs in order and them numbered). And we have a a family member as MC so the DJ will probably have a pretty easy job that night, lol. We thought about renting the stereo equipment but you're correct - it's only $50 or $100 more for the DJ so I figured it was better him that having a guest have to be attuned to switiching over the occasional CD. And for the ceremony we're going with the Trio band so don't need to worry about anything there.

Welcome jacobderosenoir, You ask some good questions. 1) Not sure about this one. The "rule" is 20 people miniumum for the reception-dinner on the beach...but since most people who seem to have picked this option use it as the reception venue, not just dinner, I'm not sure if it makes a difference. Just so you know, the two restaurants used for the receptions, La Uva and Arrecife is the other name I think, are located at the beach and are open are concept. Something to consider maybe if you can't have it directly on the beach. 2) When you say last minute, how last minute do you mean? Day of - probably not. Keep in mind there may be other weddings going on that day too and if they have chosen the restaurants, then you would need to stick to the beach plan. Also, since these restaurants are used by guests as well as a la carte restaurnts, I would presume that the resort needs a days notice. 3) Most brides go with La Uva but I've heard the other one they use for reception (Like I said, think it's Arrecife) is nice too. You need minimum 20 people to privatize a restaurant, however. Otherwise, they give you a small section for you and your guests. Keep in mind, it might not necessarily be "quiet" that way. 4) You'd definitely hear it, might not be loud though but you can definitely hear it as well as any noise from people on the beach, lol. You could always bring some music just as a back-up (ipod or CDs) and decide when you get there (most planning for things like that can be done a couple days before the wedding when you meet with the wedding coordinator). Have fun with the planning and welcome again to the forum!

Oops, just saw this now...so much happens when you miss a day or so! lol But yes, it only applies to legal ceremonies, not symbolic, as it is a government law leading to the increase...however, the resorts may decide to raise the symbolic prices, as well - but so far they haven't.

Hi ladies, not sure if anyone else has heard yet, so sorry for me to be the first to say it - civil wedding rates are going up as of Dec. 1. That means, after this date, those of getting married by a judge have to pay $150 more than previously quoted. So for the GP, this means the regular package goes from $1350 to $1500 and the diamond package is not $1750. I can send you the price list from my TA if you want it...it's the same as the old package other than the price increase. Also, this increase applies to ALL resorts in the DR, not just the GP. It is a policy passed by the Dominican Government. I'm not totally sure if those of us who booked before this news came into effect will be able to pay the old or if we are subject to the new price (my guess is we will have to pay the increase by law...I'll let ya know when my TA gets back to me on that one).

Hi ladies, Just thought I would spread the joy (not!) and let you all know that as of Dec. 1, 2010, the Government of the Dominican Republic has decided to increase their fees for CIVIL service weddings (so for those of you doing symbolic weddings, this shouldn't impact you). My TA broke the news to me today. For those getting married by a judge, expect to pay $150 more! Ex: previous civil wedding package at Grand Palladium in Punta Cana was $1300, now $1450 as of Dec. 1. And just because you booked before this news came into effect does not mean we get the previous rate...although check with your TA and maybe some resorts will make an exception but likely most will not. Sorry to have to be the first to post this...this SUCKS!!

Does white really look that bad? I would think the combination of a tan suit, oyster dress, and a white short on him would blend together fine as they're all neutral colours. Maybe I just can't picture it right in my head. If you're set on the tan suit (which I think would look nice), why not a coloured shirt to match your wedding colour?? My FI is going a little untraditional and his shirt is matching the same colour as our BM dresses, which is turqouise. Our groomsmen will wear white shirts and my dress is white.

Great choice with dress #2! Both are gorgeous but I think you'll find the lightness of the second a godsend! Goodluck! You'll look beautiful.

I am definitely having shower, co-organized by my MOH and my Mom and I am really happy about it. I'm not doing it for gifts although I imagine there will be some. Even though I'm having a kind of untraditional wedding by having a DW, I really wanted the traditional bridal experience of having a shower (the games, the food, the getting together, etc.). And some of the guests at my shower aren't coming to the wedding so this will be the only part of my wedding they'll have as we're not doing an AHR. Also, I'm an only child so my Mom wanted a shower as much as I did. Also, I don't live in the same city as most of my family and friends so I'm paying to fly home often for others weddings, plus giving them a shower gift, so really, my wedding is not that different. If you want a shower, HAVE ONE. Anyone who has an issue with it, doesn't need to come.

Pretty sure we ALL experience this to some degree. People are just inconsiderate. I'm not too stressed...if they don't RSVP in time and then still end up coming, no OOT bags or goodies for them. Their problem, not mine.

Yes - between the thought of the ocean breeze making me swat at my face throughout the ceremony and the thought of having my long hair sticking to my back from heat and humidity, I am definitely getting an updo!

Oops, my link didn't post before...here ya go! Punta Cana resort area map http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbiescrr/4553559621/in/set-72157623322400259/

Hi Guke30, If for some reason the other Palladium resorts are full too and guests have to book outside of the complex, here is a map to see what which other resorts are closest. Remember though that to gain access to the Palladium the day of your wedding each guest would need a guest pass, which is $60 for the day and another $60 for the evening (each person). But like Mellibelli said, as long as guests are on the Palladium/Royal Suites complex (not necessarily the Palace), they would not need to do this as they still have access to the Palace section regardless of whether their room is in the Bavaro, Punta Cana or Royal Suites section.

Like Isa, we are leaving the second week in April and have 25 people booked. We are paying $1450 tax in, as well. That's for the GP Bavaro Imperial Club. We also have guests out of Toronto as part of our group rate and they're paying #1430. The Royal Suites is typical higher and I think $1700 is actually a good price for it...I wouldn't wait longer to book.

If you do a private reception in a the restaurant, you can pay for an open bar which includes some hard liquor (I assume that's probably rum and vodka) for $12/person for 3 hours (if you want longer you have to pay more). It's the dinner that only includes wine/champagne and beer plus soft drinks. The private reception goes to midnight at the latest...not sure if there is even an option to have it later. You could always just carry on to the disco afterwards.

Sorry for the heart attack everyone! Thanks for clarifying this Roxy. My TA told me the dinner was mandatory for 20+ but I guess she meant the beach reception...it gets overwhelming sometimes with all the info! Thanks for someone double-checking!

Yes, when we realized this too we decided there wasn't much point of spending MORE money on top of the private dinner for the beach party/reception afterwards (for the size of our group, it woulda been $2000 cheaper to just keep our reception in the restaurant and not move to the beach). When you privatize a restaurant you get it for the evening (for example, we begin our dinner at 6:30 pm and are having the restaurant until 11 pm). You can set up a DJ or sound system in there too to do speeches, dancing, party, etc. It will cost extra to have a bar service though and if my memory serves me is $12/person (after the dinner...beer, wine, champagne is included in the dinner portion). DJ is $300 I think.

They have chair sashes and some organza "streamers" for the gazebo/chuppa in various colours for the ceremony...turquoise, hot pink, chocolate brown, yellow, etc...someone posted a pic a few days back. You can basically, as Chell said, pick everything when you're down there a day or two before the wedding...you will meet with Carolina (the wedding coordinator) then. I know 1-2 days does not seem like much time for her to organize everything for your wedding but it is...she does it all the time. You may want to decide, however, on what sort of reception you'd like because that part may require a bit of advanced planning...do you want a semi-private dinner (included) or private dinner ($1000 extra) which is mandatory I think for groups of 20 or more, a beach reception ($60 per person), etc.? A lot of us end up bring a few extra decorations down for the tables at the reception (ex: candles, coloured napkins, lanterns, etc.)...not necessary but an added touch if you're into that sort of thing.

Can you give him an estimate of the number of people, just so they have an idea? Maybe they need to know that to plan stereo equipment? I can't see them charging more for a large group versus a small group...not sure why the number would matter at this point..a confirmed wedding booking should be enough, you'd think. I'm definitely going for real flowers...I do think the silk ones, even though beautiful, look fake to me but I'm a huge gardener and love flowers so real ones are a must for me. Lots of brides do get the Real Touch flowers before they go down there though! At least with silk you can probably get exactly what you want a lot easier.

A sweetheart neckline would be beautiful, so go for it! I think the cost depends on the seamstress and maybe where you live as the pirces are usually regional. Where I live, the quotes were $200-$300 extra for adding a sweetheart.