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Sarah - thanks for that update and I think we may need to begin to take action. I'm going to look up the AM resort people and write them about this. If we start a campaign now (and trust me, I know lots of us have loads other things to do), when it comes to our weddings, you're going to hear loads of complaints from guests. Or at least, I will. I'm sure. Here is the home office information. I think if we all start dropping them emails (and getting people who've already visited to send off complaints would help too). This is also securing the idea of having my reception somewhere else. Am thrilled to hear it is as beautiful as the pictures though. That's a huge weight off the shoulders. Send email or proper posted letter to: AMResorts 7 Campus Boulevard Newtown Square, PA 19073 [email protected] Laurenann - welcome! Deciding is really, really hard. Unless you can go down and do a pre-visit, you're going to have to take a leap of faith. Go through all the different hotel forums here first, then look at the pictures on the ones that sound good to you. Then read some Travelocity reviews. Then pick a place and hope for the best. I'm getting married in Feb, so not sure about the prices in July which should be lower because it's the off season (and your prices are pretty close to mine which is the high season and during Americas winter break). Ask several TAs to check on the rates and then see offers the best and who'll price adjust depending on what the others find. Oh, and what are the incentives at the rate you were quoted? Something like - for every 5 rooms the 6th is free, kids stay free or $200 resort coupons - that sort of stuff. Any other questions just shout the out. We're a pretty helpful bunch! Valerie

It seems to take anywhere to a week or more to get a response. The last response I got wasn't from either of them, actually, it was from a planner at Secrets. If Claribel is out on leave then that means her assistant is handling things. And to be honest, I presume there are weddings always happening, so they may just be held up with other brides. I'd give it a week then call if you don't hear back.

My thought process is that it only reopened in May. There's always a sorting out period. By next year, it's got to be better. Just has to be. I'm hoping, anyway. The only place I researched that I never found one bad thing written about was Paradisus and that place is wicked expensive.

Good to know! Thanks Megs, I've emailed Mayte and am waiting to hear back about the dates available.

What I've surmised from this is it seems based on the amount of bridesmaids you have; those with two - seem keen. Those with more - less so. And if they're siblings or children then, of course! I've decided that I'm not going to (except for the one cash strapped BM). I've six in my bridal party - MOH (sister), four BM (BFs) and a jr BM (FI's daughter). We're covering Jr's (of course) but every one else (with the exception of one BM) can afford it. If I were getting married in Paris, like originally thought, then I would have but it's the most affordable destination. I will be getting them jewelry and another non-wedding keepsake plus the convertible dresses I'm looking at now will be no more than $80.

torilynn - wow, you had your trip booked before i was even engaged. me and the mr. got engaged on may 13th.

I totally agree! I'd go with the small business. She'll care a lot more about you and your party. Give the lil guy the shot! She's done good by you so far.

Thanks! Ever so helpful!!!

I think you're right JB, I must come to terms about having a buffet. I'm not a fan but it seems to be the only way. I've been going through the Jellyfish thread but it's a long one. Will continue to read though...

Sorry this happened to you. My advice is to post this on Yelp and any other review venues you can. It's the only way to make it heard and to be sure other brides don't suffer the same problems. May your wedding go smoothly!

Don't know if any of this info pertains to you ladies but WC from NOW Larimar answered a few of my questions and figured they may help some of you (the answers are in blue): 1) Can you please send pictures of the options for the reception? I'm trying to decide whether or not I'll have hanging lanterns at the reception. Lanterms look great at a reception party and it is possible if you choose the beach area by the Castaways Restaurant. Pictures attached. 2) I'd like to have a bonfire to welcome my guests - is that allowed somewhere on the NOW Larimar - preferably the beach?Bonfires are not allowed at our beach, but at the contact info from kukua Restaurant it is possible, so please ask them. Info below 3) I'm thinking of having an event at the Jellyfish restaurant. Do you have a contact person there or can you send me info and I will contact them on my own? We have a contac person there and also at www.kukuarestaurantpuntacana.com (They didn't send me the Jellyfish contact, if someone has it please pass it on. Big thanks!) 4) During the reception I was hoping to have a floating lantern (also known as sky lanterns) event, is that allowed? (I have found ones that will leave nothing behind because the paper is biodegradable and no metal is put into the frame.) it could be possible but if you want that is to do the flating even by the pool area and it would need to be a buffet dinner because it is outdoor. I'm not sure what the 'flating even by the pool' means but there you have it. The pics she sent for reception options are below. I'm bummed because I really wanted a reception by a pool, which they don't do. Still haven't decided where I want it. Hmmm...

I tried doing that but the whole 'leave a deposit' thing was getting out of hand, so I'm letting people book their own flights. My TA is purely for the resort booking. Can you forward me Mayte's email/phone number. Thanks!

Indeed it has! I sent my WC an email for contact info for this place. Has anyone planned using Jellyfish on their own? Or has it all been through TA's?

Thanks! And I see we're getting married around the same time. I'm Feb 20th but in DR, punta cana. We almost chose Ja too.

Not being in your shoes, I'd step back and decide who is going to offer the most help the closer you get to the big day. And that person seems to be you SIL. I'd have a heart to heart with your current MOH about it all. She may actually be relieved to be let of the hook. My sister is my MOH and she's been full steam ahead but my BM have been another matter. She's already complaining that they aren't seeming involved...I, too, may have some problems on my hands. Best of luck!

Wow, this had never occurred to me before. Being from the states, I have always paid for my dresses and never wore any of them ever again. All you ask as a bridesmaid is that it isn't expensive. Anything $150 or less is totally within the ballpark because, and lets be honest, women are going to buy a dress to wear to the wedding anyway. But when I see it from the point that they are flying to another country for this event, it seems a bit much to have them also pay for the dresses. I've had my eye on the convertible dress but at $130, I'm thinking a David's bridal dress may be far cheaper and just as good. Must think about this one. Because I simply don't have the cash to pay for the dresses.

My party won't have GMs at all. I live in the UK where my FI is from and we didn't want to make any of his friends feel that they had to come. And he really isn't that close to that many guys anyway. So I'm having a jr bridesmaid (his daughter) and four bridesmaids (all my close friends) and my MOH matched up with his BM (whom he still hasn't chosen. we're waiting till we know who of his friends are actually coming). I'm also having three flower boys because my nephews are triplets and I want them involved (one may be the ring bearer, just not sure which). It's our wedding and we're doing it our way.

Congrats!! I made the decision to not do Paradisus because of the cost. I'm a NOW Larimar bride instead. Best of luck with all your plans!!!!

I loved your sisters portfolio!! Is there anyway she'll be in DR a week and half earlier?

Here are two area maps: one is of the entire area but doesn't show where the Jellyfish is, the second shows you where the Jellyfish is but the Majestic isn't on that map. Hope these are helpful! http://puntacanatv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/PUNTA-CANA-AREAS-MAP.pdf http://puntacanatv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/PUNTA-CANA-MAP4.pdf

Hmm, Moni, went on there and only saw three pictures involving a bride or what looked like a wedding. Did Claribel say you had to use him or are they simply recommending him?

Thanks! I did not formal for me and the FI to send to our friends and more formal ones (our last names and it actually saying 'save the date') for our parents. It was super affordable and we got them in five days. I highly recommend using Moo.com.

Hi there, wondering if we should be on price release watch? My wedding is in Feb 2012 and, I too, am waiting for the prices to be released by Jetblue. i called them directly and they couldn't tell me when they'd be released. If you see it, please drop a line here! I will too!

Lol! Just resent it.

I've searched the archives of past threads and haven't seen one no this. Wondering if anyone having their wedding in Punta Cana had planned a whale watching excusion for their guests while at the resort? Whale watching can be done between November and March. I think guests would love it but I'm in need of contact info. If you've a TA that helped put it together (from the states) then please pass their name on too!