MBBride

Renee- I'm not sure why that is. I guess it might depend on how far in advance you booked? You might want to clarify with him. I would assume the prices should be the same since our weddings are only a month apart? JR14- it depends on how many brides are booked during the time he's there. It's probably best to contact him for exact prices. But if you want, you can PM me and I can give you a rough estimate. Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by mila0101 Hi Ladies, So, I booked the jellyfish for the 14th of January, but I haven't heard anything since. She did email me the potential menu and "open bar" options but I am kind of getting the idea that we can customize the menu? Also, did she email you with different pics of the decorations she offers? I am curious to see how much and what they consist of. If I could ask... what is the approx price of just renting the downstairs versus the whole restaurant? I originally was going to rent the whole place, but I don't really feel that is necessary anymore. Should I be concerned that I don't have a written agreement confirming our date there? Wow.... I might sound a little nerotic here! Just looking for a little advice from some more experienced DWB's here! Laura, Yes, you can customize the menu- just email her the options you want and she will send you a quote. I think the decorations package is $500- includes silk flowers only and if you want real flowers, you will need to send her pictures of what you want and she will need to get a quote from the supplier. If you ask, she will send you a bunch of pictures of sample decorated tables. To rent the downstairs only, there is no fee...it's $1000 if you want the entire restaurant. From what I hear, it's not really necessary to rent the entire restaurant- outside guests will only dine upstairs and they usually are respectful. Once you have things finalized, you will need to put a 10% deposit down, but there is no contract really until then. I hope that makes sense. Good luck with your planning! Lisa

Hello everyone! Pam- that's pretty funny...always seems to work out that way. You'll be surprised who will come! I've also been looking at an Alfred Angelo BM dress...the lipstick color is a nice pick! Will you be replacing the BM that aren't able to make it? Katie- that's a great idea on the boarding passes for STD! Working out is definitely a must for me as well. There always seems so much pressure for brides to look their best. Pictures last a long time! Do you have a workout plan? Keight- we also just sent emails/facebook messages to get the info out. I think we had 2 weeks for people to secure their deposits. I find this way is the most effective to lock in the quote at such a short notice. Looks like things are coming along for everyone! Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by meli Hi Lisa, Our dinner lasted 3 and a half hours (including toasts, performances by family members, and speeches etc.). Then we had our first dance which started the dancing portion and open bar. I think it was one complimentary drink per guest. I'm not sure because I was in the back hiding and waiting to make my grand entrance I did select the decoration package but we went with "sea side" theme (can't remember the exact name) so we didn't have silk flowers but seashells and star fish etc. I'll post pics in my review. Will try to get it up this weekend. Cheers, Meli Hi Meli, I'm so looking forward to your review/pictures Thanks for answering all my questions...the sea side theme sounds great too! Lisa

Hi Jenn, It's $850 for 4 hours ($150 additional hour after that)- includes sound, lights, mic, equipment... Let me know if you have any other questions! Lisa

Hello ladies, It's been awhile since we got caught up. I'm just wondering where everyone's planning stages are at? So far we booked Pastor Rick for our symbolic ceremony, Dj Mannia, Phil Steingard, and booked our reception at Jellyfish restaurant. I bought my wedding dress last month- it's an Allure special edition dress that is strapless with layered organza and beaded/lace top with a dropped waist. We have our Jack & Jill wedding shower next week! It'll be very informal- evening bbq with no stiff games. It'll just be a great way for everyone to meet each other and get more acquainted before the trip. We never sent out STD cards, but instead had a link from our travel agent with an e-invite (including online booking form). We're only sending actual invitations to his side of the family (as they are expecting it for the formality). Next on my to do list is to find bridesmaid dresses. I'm still debating on a color- was thinking teal/turquise or purple. It'll most likely be strapless, short, and flowy to compliment my dress. Anyone else having difficulty trying to please all their bridesmaids? How are you all doing? Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by meli Thanks MBBRide. I did go with the open bar. I did a "Dinner Open Bar" it's not on the menu online but they offer it. It cost $8 per person as long as dinner last (it's not per hour so we tried to do as much as possible during dinner like the toasts, and cake cutting etc. to take advantage of it). THe dinner open bar includes red and white wine, beer, water, soft drinks and juice. I also orded 6 bottles of champagne at $30 a bottle for the toast and cake cutting (looking back not sure how necessary that was). I then did two hours of the local open bar at $10 per hour per person. That was for after dinner during the dancing portion. After that I asked that it become a cash bar. I told JellyFish to let me know 30 min before the open bar was finished and I then I made an announcement to my guests. It worked out well. Also, when you arrive, JellyFish has complimentary cocktails ready for all the guests. During the pre-meeting you get to taste different drinks and choose which ones you want offered. We went with Mojitos and a fruity cocktail (can't remember the name now). You also get to the taste the menu and make sure you like what you selected. Thanks for sharing the "Dinner Open Bar" option- I had no idea but that will definitely save on costs. I figured people will be drinking after the ceremony on the resort so even if we slowed things down during dinner, it shouldn't be an issue. How long did dinner last? Was it 1 complimentary drink per guest? Really glad there is a pre-meeting to try to the food...I am customizing my menu. One last question, did you go with the decorations package? If so, did the silk flowers look real? Lisa

Katie- We also debated the Dj issue as well and in the end we decided to book Dj Mannia b/c of all the great reviews, plus I heard some stories on how the ipod/docking system wasn't working properly. Another great reason for booking Dj Mannia is that he will also act as an MC (which is great so we don't have to ask someone from the wedding party or friends to do it and have them be nervous all night). It really depends on your budget, but from what I hear from other brides, it's definitely a cost worth paying for. If it makes you feel any better about the price- from what TA have told me, it's typically cheaper in early January so hopefully you'll be able to get a good rate. Hopefully you're able to book Phil...I love his work so hopefully he's able to get down a day sooner for your wedding...good luck! Jenn- That's great to know about the luggage restriction- I'm also flying with Air Canada. Also nice to see another Winnipeg bride! I think the price does shock people b/c they're so used to seeing the last minute seat sales. Despite how far in advance you tell people, some will still complain about the price. But in the end, like you said, it's your wedding and you don't want to stay in a dump! Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by meli I just got married (last week) and had my reception at JellyFish. I will post a more detailed review shortly. It worked out slightly cheaper for me to do the reception at JF compared to the resort and I am SO HAPPY I did. It was amazing. We were able to stay as long as we wanted compared to the resort reception which would only have been for three hours. The food was delicious, the setting and decor magnificent, and the service incredible. I couldn't be happier with my experience with them. One of the best decisions I made. Congrats Meli! I'm so glad everything went well for you. I look forward to your review and pictures. Did you go with the open bar? If so, how long did you have it for? I haven't decided when I want the reception to end.

Quote: Originally Posted by jkgirl83 Cristina I'm not sure about rates for Spring, but I have been getting group rates coming back around $1,600 per person for early January my travel agent suggested to wait a little bit but that normally the sale/last minute rates aren't that much cheaper and sometimes aren't available for the Colonial. Not sure if this is true...but it's what I was told. Congrats on your engagement!! Good luck with everything! Lisa and Pam - glad to hear from some January brides!! What location and times did you go with for your ceremonies? Are you doing a private dinner or reception? Hi jkgirl83, I'm having a symbolic ceremony at 3pm at the gazebo and then the reception at Jellyfish restaurant. What about yourself? As for rates, my guests flying out of Toronto are paying $1575 incl tax. I booked in Feb/10 so about a little under a yr in advance. I wanted to make sure there were enough spots of the plane for all of my guests and to ensure the date at the resort. I wouldn't suggest waiting too last minute, unless you are having a very small group going. So far we have about 35 people booked and expecting about 10 more for last minute booking. The only thing I would suggest about booking is that you need to shop around for TA's. I have found that certain companies were more expensive to book with. For example, I went with itravel2000 and am flying with Air Canada Vacations, however when getting a quote from Air Canada directly, it was much more expensive. Definitely get quotes from a few places before deciding on the TA. Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by natalie1987 is it much more expensive to gett married at jellyfish compared to your resort? Natalie, it really depends on your resort. I priced both out and Jellyfish will work out to be a bit cheaper and include much more. I love the costumer service I have been receiving from them. One of the main reasons why I decided to go with Jellyfish. Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by jkgirl83 Hello ladies! I just wanted to thank everyone for all of your posts on here, reading through everything helped me FINALLY make a decision on a resort....and I just got confirmation for our wedding on January 10, 2011 at the Majestic Colonial! Now everything seems real, and I can't wait to get all of the details worked out! Congrats! I'll be getting married 3 days after you...maybe I will see you there! Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by anneuga2 Hi, Anyone have suggestions on photographers in Punta Cana, DR? Have spoke with photo souvenier. I really love their work but still would like to see what other photographers you ladies have used and love. For those who have used photo souvenier, how was your experience with them? My husband and I are renewing our vows and looking to have a photo session on the beach. Photo Souvenier suggested to go off the resort to avoid resort fees. We are staying at the Majestic Colonial. What would the fee be to have an outside photographer come onto the resort? Secondly, how safe is it to go off the resort. Have read up on the filed complaints of past tourists in DR and some are pretty disturbing (ex. police were involved etc) If the Police are involved, who can you really trust? I just want to be secure and would love to hear more about reputation of photo souvenier. Any advice would be appreciated. Will be in DR next week!!!! AHHH! If you are at Majestic, the vendor fee is $300 for an outside photographer. I'm going with Phil Steingard and his work is amazing. If you decide to go with him, if you are still able to, there is no vendor fee as he stays at the resort. Hope this helps! Have a great time!

Quote: Originally Posted by jaykat2011 I will be getting married at the Majestic Colonial on the 20th of January, 2011. Is your photographer able to work that date? What would the prices range from if you get multiple weddings to book? Congrats! Phil Steingard will be there during that time and it will be a lot cheaper if there are at least 3-4 couples that book. PM me if you have any further questions. Happy planning!

Sometimes Sandra will respond within a few days, other times it has taken over a week. I think it really depends on how busy they are. Has anyone else been frustrated with the pricing/stipulations frequently being changed? She emailed me an updated list in March, but then I found out (through Facebook and these forums) re: other options/pricing a month later. Ex: Reception decoration packages. The original one she sent me said minimum 20 people, but now it's only MAXIMUM 20 people with additional charges per person after that (which for me would work out to $750 just for 45 guests). I think it's ridiculous, especially since they are only including 3 centre pieces for that price. Also, did you know that the flat rate of $500 per hour for rental of space, set up, and open bar (national) is only up to 40 people? Apparently that has changed as well! Be careful ladies...make sure you ask lots of questions and don't assume anything. It sounds like pricing will still change too. You definitely don't want to be surprised when you get there and end up paying much more than you anticipate. Due to my frustration with the poor communication between myself and Sandra, I am not considering having my reception at Jellyfish Restaurant instead. They seem to be far more flexible and accommodating (even a little cheaper too). Has anyone else experienced this with Sandra? Sorry for my venting...this has been extremely frustrating.

Quote: Originally Posted by MexicoBeachBride2010 Hey everyone, I leave in 2 days for my wedding and I will definitely post a review when I come home. I am having my wedding on the colonial side and doing a 2nd week at the elegance club. Let me know if you have any questions and I can try to get them answered for you too. I can't believe a year has come and gone. Time flies! Congrats and good luck planning, your day will be here before you know it. As for times, we are doing ours at 4pm. We are having a symbolic ceremony with Pastor York and doing a first look moment and pictures before with Phil Steingard. I can't wait to meet both of them! We also booked Diego from Brightlights for our video. Congrats and I hope everything goes smoothly for you! You must be so excited!!! Enjoy every moment of it...I'm sure the day will just fly by. If you wouldn't mind, can you see how far the nearest bar is to either the Parrot or Wet Bar? Can't wait to see your pictures!

Quote: Originally Posted by fisheraa Does anyone know the times that Majestic Elegance offers for weddings? From what I know they have 3pm and 5pm, but I wasn't sure if that is every day of the week or only certain days. I at first had wanted a 5pm wedding, but I think I would be too excited throughout the day. So not sure what time I should do now! I'm having mine at 3 pm...it doesn't seem like they offer 4 pm. 3 pm is better for taking pictures if you aren't planning on meeting up beforehand to do it. It'll give you more time before the sun sets. Hope this helps!

MAY 2010 lara&mike - May 3 2010 JessicaANDJermaine - May 11 2010 Nicoleswrld - May 13, 2010 CnC - May 14, 2010 Littleone77 - May 17, 2010 MexicoBeachBride2010 - May 18, 2010 Crystal&Matt2010 - May 19, 2010 mayasun (Claudia&Jon) - May 19, 2010 Eslush- May 19, 2010 ali0284- May 26, 2010 JUNE 2010 Vallarta_2009 - June 2, 2010 Sciencegrl10 Majestic Elegance- June 11, 2010 Kim & Alex (Kimba) - June 29, 2010 JULY 2010 Jenny K-W (Jenn and Dave) July 20, 2010 Jefiner - Majestic Colonial, July 21, 2010 Maigan & Brad - Majestic Elegance, July 26, 2010 Mel4983 - Majestic Colonial, July 27, 2010 Bronz & Brian-Majestic Elegance, July 24, 2010 OCTOBER 2010 Regine - Majestic Elegance, Oct 9th, 2010 Michele L - Majestic Colonial, Oct 19th, 2010 NOVEMBER 2010 Rhiannonbs - Majestic elegance, November 27th, 2010 JANUARY 2011 MBBride- Majestic Colonial - January 13th, 2011 jaykay2011- Majestic Colonial - January 20th, 2011 LilRebel - Majestic Elegance - January 25th, 2011 pamphilia - Majestic Colonial - January 27th, 2011 FEBRUARY 2011 YIweddings-Majestic Colonial, February 1, 2011 Oryx - Majestic Colonial, February 3, 2011 VBVB- Majestic Colonial, February 25, 2011 MARCH 2011 Fisheraa - Majestic Elegance, March 3, 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by aella hey ladies! We've decided to go with the Majestic Colonial, our TA is in the process of booking our dates now so fingers crossed everything works out! Thanks again for posting all of the fantastic info! Good luck Aella! Where in Canada are you from? Maybe I will see you at Majestic next year! Happy planning!

Congrats Mare and jhart! I found that picking the resort and finding a good deal was the most stressful part of planning.

Congrats girls...time will fly by! I think the latest you can have it is 11 pm but then you can always head over to the Disco and continue your dancing there.

Quote: Originally Posted by BeachBrideSoon Hi MBBride, I see that you are looking to share a photographer during Jan 11-24. How much would it cost? How many days or hours would each bride have him for? Have you already found a few other people to go in with you?? Thanks! -E Hi E, Feel free to PM for details...unfortunately I don't think I'm able to PM because I'm new? So far, there's one other couple booked for sure and there have been a few others expressing interest. I don't think it'll be hard to get at least 3 couples on board. Lisa

Quote: Originally Posted by sciencegrl10 I remember reading somewhere on this thread that there is an extra fee to bring in outside vendors, is this just the day pass fee or is there an additional charge? If you're using an outside photographer it's $300 and if you're bringing an outside Dj for example, it's $90 per person. Not sure what other fees there are, but I think these are the main ones.

Our guests are paying between $1500-1900 depending on which part of Canada they are departing from. Avg cost is $1700 for 1 week (flight & resort) for Majestic Colonial. Guests have to remember they will be paying more than the last minute seat sales b/c you do need to book in advance to ensure there is enough space for all the guests. My TA gave me this analogy: When you buy a dress in the spring, you love and pay full price. In the fall, it goes on clearance, but the number of dresses/sizes are small. You may get a better price, but not necessarily the right size and some maybe be sold out. I hope that makes sense when explaining to guests why the prices are higher than what they're used to seeing? If you take the time to explain to guests how pricing works, they usually are more understanding and are more willing to pay more. Good luck! Lisa

Does anyone find it odd that you can't use your ceremony decorations for the reception even though you're paying for it? Were any of you successful in trying to get a deal? It really seems ridiculous how much extra stuff you have to pay for. I'm starting to consider Jellyfish restaurant...the decorations definitely are much nicer. Thoughts?