DwBride2Be

Hey ladies!!! I am a December bride too, 12/7/12 in Varadero Cuba. Only 9 months to go! How far are you all in your wedding planning?

Well, less than 10 months to go for me! So far I've made quite a bit of leeway on the planning! I have already hired my photographer (s), I'm bringing 2 from Canada. This is a splurge, but we want it to be amazing, and we're going to do a Trash the dress day in Havana or Varadero so we're getting alot from him. I've bought my dress, waiting for it to come in...Love it!! I've picked the bridesmaid dresses, but we're going to make them, so that is something I'll have to practice and then perfect! They are going to be those Multi-wrap dresses - this is my inspiration - www.twobirdsbridesmaid.ca I'm ordering my flowers from bloom bridal because I've heard too many things about the flowers in Cuba not being guaranteed and I don't want to sacrifice, so I'm getting Real Touch ones. www.bloombridal.ca We have 39 guests and counting for the wedding, Josh and I are very surprised about that, considering we still have 10 months to get more ppl. We are almost thinking that's enough, lets cut it off now!!! I'm trying to figure out the decor, because I really wanted the Chinese lantern look for our outdoor reception, but I've been advised they have nowhere to hang that, so now I'm thinking helium filled balloons. I told this to me FI but he said how are you going to fill them, and I said I would bring a helium tank.....apparently that's a no-no on an airplane! So I'm back at square one! I want something compact but definitely my own..so I have to find out if the resort has helium, they might since they have the kids club, so I'll wait and see! How are you guys doing with planning, anything new, any idea's?? Are you having private outdoor receptions or going with the A La Carte reception dinner? Can't wait to hear from some fellow Paradisus Varadero Brides

OK girls, you got me. I'm starting my 30 day shred right now! I have had the DVD forever and never really got into it. I find Jillian slightly annoying, but I think this time I'll mute it and just follow along. Wish me luck!

Hi Alex, I have arranged meetings for my clients at the resorts prior to booking their wedding. The best way to set it up is get in touch with the wedding coordinators at each resort you want to see and book an appointment with them. They will tour you around the resort free of charge (usually) but if you want to spend the day there and eat/drink you probably have to buy day passes at each resort. These can cost anywhere from 85 - 120 per person depending on the resort. You can pay at the front desk. Good luck!

Hey All, I am a Travel agent, and I specialize in DW. In fact I only book group travel, the vast majority is for weddings. Honestly, this year has been the craziest year for DW groups. Out of Alberta (where I live and work) the flights to the major gateways are already sold out for April and May. I don't know why any travel agent would suggest waiting until now to book for a wedding, but I'm afraid you might have gotten some bad advice. In canada we always book our all inclusives as charter packages, with the tour operators that might only offer 1 flight direct/week. I know out of the US you will go for shorter durations which means you fly scheduled airlines, because of that it might be the reason they said to wait. Since it's not packages you're booking, it's the airline ticket only. I always recommend booking the group 8-12 months prior to the wedding, and yes you're right, online the rates may not be in the system. The way it works is the tour operators give us an estimate based on the time of year, and what it cost the year prior. This is called Pre-registration AKA waitlist. So basically if you got a group quote 12 months prior and put your deposits down, and got your group in place, you are guaranteeing that your group can all travel on the same flight, to the same hotel, at the rate contracted. If when they do put prices out online they are selling it for less, the tour operator will match your group's rates with the accurate selling price for whomever within your group have paid their deposits. If it comes out and the accurate selling price is higher than your group quote, anyone within your group who has paid deposit will get to keep your pre-registered rate, but people booking later have to pay the new pricing. Then there are some tour operators that do offer the 1 time price downgrade, but only up to 60 days prior to departure. So if the rates are reduced after they are starting to sell online, so say 3 or 4 months prior to the wedding, then you can use your one time price reduction for anyone who paid deposit within your group, and everyone's rates come down. They will not do this for every sale and promo that comes out over the next year, and you have to remember that it's not just a holiday, it's your wedding. You're going to have to send rooming lists to the resort about 1 month prior, you need to organize your dinner, and set up your budget, so if all of a sudden within a few weeks of the wedding people start booknig because it's cheap, then it can kind of screw over your plans. Especially if you've been making OOT bags, and didn't factor in those last minute additions. As for the rooms not being available at the hotel, and they are availabel with a tour operator - it's because tour operators buy a bunch of rooms so the hotel sells out, but the tour operators have the rooms in their allotment to sell in conjunction with the airline tickets. Buying in bulk is why the rates are usually better through a Tour operator than through a hotel directly. Sorry for the long winded response, but I felt like I should explain how we can get rates prior to them being for sale online!! I have been getting requests for wedding groups for April and May 2012 and I haven't had any luck finding them anything, and honestly the rates now are higher than had they booked in April/May 2011 for 2012. So it's unfortunate, but you have to book early!!! TTFN! laurie

Eek! That's a terrible feeling Bmont, I am a destination wedding specialist, and with all my groups I make sure the B/G only put money down for those who are FORSURE going. So I hope you didn't put down for too many people. The worst that can happen is you lose deposits on unused seats, but I know that can be alot of money depending on how many you paid deposits for. Good luck! I think the only other thing you can tell your guests is that the reason they have book early is so you can plan your wedding! This isn't just a holiday, you need to book menu's and know how many people are going to be there. Hopefully they can understand that and forget about waiting for last minute deals.

Thanks ladies, We found one who we love, and he is charging $2000 for engagement, full day wedding, full day ttd, and pics at the rehearsal dinner. We also get all the digital files included. We have to pay for the travel for the two of them, they are husband and wife and both are photographers, so if we qualfy for freebies we'll use those, but if not it'll be about $3500 so $5500 total. So excited!! He is too because it's his first Destination wedding. I know I didn't get the best "deal", but I love his work, and he's a really nice guy so I know he'll fit in with our families! SOOOO EXCITING!

Don't worry about the time. I would do it sooner, if I thought all my family and friends could save up that fast, but I'm just trying to give them 1 year notice to make it easier. I did find better rates for Dec, $1700 taxes in, with a direct flight, so we are going with that. I never did get in touch with the resort photographer, thanks for reminding me! I had already resigned myself to bringing a photographer, and we have a fairly large budget for that because it's important to us, but you're right, if the resort photog is ok, then why spend the extra money. I am kinda glad you are going so soon because I can't wait to hear your feedback! (And hopefully see your photos!!) I'm going to email [email protected] and see what I get. I'll let you know. TTFN!

Hey all, I am just looking to bring a photographer to my wedding in Cuba. However, the prices they are quoting are all over the place!! Can you guys who have in the past, or are bringing photographers down, give me an idea of what it costs? Just approx. Also, do your quotes include or exclude the travel costs? Thanks! Laurie

We just confirmed ours - Dec 7, 2012 - Paradisus Varadero!

Hey Lily! How cool, we're both from Edmonton! Anyways, Paradisus Varadero is family friendly. It's the only one in Cuba that is, which is mainly why I picked it, because I have big plans for my nephew's at my wedding! In the time that's passed I've confirmed my wedding for Dec 7, 2012 at 4 pm! YAY!!! So exciting! Now my time has been spent trying to find a photographer, so Lily if you choose Paradisus, and are going around the same time, we could consider sharing photographer costs!!! Julianna how is your planning going? Have you made your decision yet? Laurie

Hey Ginger Petal, I am also a Travel Agent, based in Alberta, Canada. I specialize in groups and destination weddings, and I just read this, and wanted to commend you. This is a great post with alot of truth!! Good job! Laurie

Thanks JMastr05, I like the idea you had about having one at my house, catered, but casual, and then another on PEI when we're back. I might do both after though, so people can see the photo's and stuff. Charity Dawn, I think I would do the slideshow too...that's one of my favorite parts of weddings!! Still lots to think about!!

I'm also looking at MLD and find this forum lacks a bit, but the facebook page is awesome!! I am going DEC 2012, and already have the trip package prices from Edmonton at $1400 per person, so I'm going to jump on that! That's a great rate! For the weddings have you looked at www.weddingcubachannel.com?? That's where you find the package info for the Melia's in Cuba. Good luck!

Hey Juliana, Well, I do think that the hotel is a bit older, and therefore probably could use a little refurb, but still the standard rooms are acceptible. The Paradisus Chain are fantastic so I think the service will be fantastic. The reviews on trip advisor are really good, so I wouldn't worry about the rooms at all. I got my rates back today for Dec 2012, and unfortunately the paradisus is 2056 per person from Edmonton, so that's not gonna work for me! Looks like we'll go with the Melia Las Dunas which we can get to for $1400 per person from Edmonton. Even with a direct flight the Paradisus isn't worth $600 more per person, IMO. Best of luck, I'll check back for any more questions, and let you know if I change my mind again!!! My FI wants a 5 star, but I want my family to have an easy time joining us! This is definitely the hard part!

I am also looking at a wedding at the Melia Las Dunas. I have stayed at the Sirenis La Salina though, and I did like it too. It's very big, at the Sirenis, and much more basic resort. The Melia has a better beach, in my opinion, and some more options for weddings, whereas the sirenis is very basic. My first choce for my wedding is either the Paradisus Varadero, and second choice is the Melia Las Dunas. @oceanlove12 - that facebook page is the best!! I am on there too, great photo's and advice, that this forum is a bit lacking for that resort.

Hi Julianna, I am a travel agent, and I specialize in Destination Weddings, so I do know the contact info like you gave, but as my date is so far away, I don't want to rush my decision. I loved both resorts, the main thing holding me back right now is that I know the Paradisus Varadero will be offered with Direct flights, and the Melia Las Dunas wouldn't, we'de have to go through Toronto, so part of my hesitation is with that. I didn't stay at the Paradisus VRA, but I did a site inspection, and I loved it. Personally for my wedding trip I would upgrade my room to the oceanview or a suite, though I'm not sure it's necessary for everyone. The other thing is I know that the Paradisus will be more expensive than the Melia, so right now my FI and I are trying to decide between the two, and once we've done that I'll book the date at the resort and the trip too. Basically we don't want to put too much of a strain on our guests, while still picking something we can be happy with! I think this is the hardest part. BTW, I just got engaged yesterday, so now all my thinking and planning is official!!

Well I definitely want one of those two resorts, so I will be the trailblazer and document my journey here for future use!!

Hey!! I am a Canadian Newbie!! I am planning my wedding for Dec 2012, and hoping for either the Melia Las Dunas or the Paradisus Varadero. There isn't much feedback about those two resorts, do you guys know anything, or anyone who's had a wedding there? Thanks!! Super Excited, Laurie

Hi Julianna, I am also planning a wedding in Cuba for Dec 2012, and I'm trying to choose between the Melia Las Dunas or the Paradisus Varadero. I find it difficult to find any reviews regarding weddings at the Paradisus. I'm sure the rooms are all great, but i definitely think me and my Fi would upgrade to the Romance Suite for something special. I did find the resorts wedding packages quite easily www.weddingcubachannel.com which talks about the 3 packages offered as well as the extra services. The only thing missing is PHOTO'S! I want to see what I'm getting into before I can make up my mind. I have actually seen both of these resorts on previous trips, and I loved them both, so it's not the resort I'm worried about, I just can't decided where I'll get the best pics. Gahh.it's so frustrating!! Have you found any good links or sites of previous weddings there? The resorts photographer's email is: [email protected] So my next step will be emailing them directly asking for some samples. Thanks! Let me know if you have any info I don't have!!

My advice, sometimes Friends give bad advice!! Go with your gut

I need some help with this one,we are from opposite sides of the country, so we thought a DW would make it easier for our families to meet. If we had a wedding in one of these places we wouldn't have a chance to really allow our families to spend time and get to know one another. So we concluded we should go to Cuba for a DW, now, all of a sudden my FI has started talking about an AHR in my province and another one in his province! OMG! Personally I think this is a bit too much, and we should just go to Cuba, get married and forget about it! But my Fiance really wants all three things, has anyone else done this? If I do have an AHR... or two, it has to be backyard party, very casual, just to share our video with our guests. Another question I had is if anyone has had a Potluck style AHR?? That is what he suggested for his family, and I just can't wrap my head around people bringing their own food to our reception? Any feedback or advice? Thanks!!!!