Welcome to the forum. I am also relatively new, but most of your questions can be answered in the Dreams Punta Cana Brides site. I know that a lot of people had great things to say about site. The reception depends on how many people you are expecting for your wedding. Bordeaux looks great but if you are having over 40 ppl then it would be too small. They also have a disco at the resort, which is our "after party" once the reception is over. We are planning on getting married in the US before so that we can just have a symbolic ceremony. It's less hassle than to have a translator and it's cheaper. We do not intend to tell our family about getting married before. A couple of brides used a DJ or an Ipod. DJ mannia, who i am booking for my wedding, has RAVE reviews. He is all over this site. Just look around in the Dreams Punta Cana Brides. That is where i found a LOT of my questions answered. You will find it helpful also. I hope this helps.