GreekFood

Well done! The bags are gorgeous! I'm thinking about going with the OT bags too. They just look so cute!

I'd be really impressed to get a bag like that! Good job!

Does anyone know if you can get free travel books for the Domican Republic? What a great idea!

Wow, thanks for all of the links! I just ordered some BBW hand sanitizers! I got the island "flavors" as well as some tropical drink scents.

Adorable! This is really an amazing idea.

I agree with Clgriffi also! I think that you shouldn't have to invite people that you don't know well, even if they are family. If your parents insist, they should pay. This is the beauty of destination weddings. You get to invite who you want, and throw a lot of custom to the wind.

Liz and Dave- January 16th 2012 at Iberostar Dominicana

Here is what we have on our website: Info about the DR Q & A: Q: Can I drink the water in Punta Cana? A: The hotels filter their water, so you can safely brush your teeth with it and shower. This water may still have a high concentration of minerals and calcium deposits that will upset your stomach if you drink it. If you'd like a drink of water, drink bottled. The hotel offers bottled water in the mini bar in your room, and at all of their restaurants and bars. Q: Where can I go to shop for souvenirs? A: There is a little market a short walk down the beach from the resort. However, if you go, be prepared to barter! It's recommended that you start with 1/3 of the price... My mom is a supreme barterer, so maybe you can take her with you. If you want to avoid that kind of excitement, the hotel shop offers a wide range of souvenirs at low prices. Q: Do I need to wear sunscreen? A: Yes! The sun is much hotter in the DR than at home. I suggest using a higher number SPF than what you normally wear until you get used to the sun. Q: Can I bring my kids? A: Yes, please do! We'd love to have children at our wedding. The resort is also very kid-friendly. There is even a kid's club and babysitting services (for an additional fee). Q: What language is spoken in the DR? A: The main language is Spanish, but most of the resort workers also speak English. You won't have any problem communicating. Q: What should I wear? A: The weather is typically warm and sunny with slightly cooler nights. I usually end up wearing my bathing suit and cover-up all day and a sundress with a light sweater at night. For men, long pants (not jeans) are required in the a la carte restaurants. Men will definitely need long pants for our wedding reception. Q: Where can I eat? A: Depending on the time of day, you can eat at a buffet, beach grill, or in a restaurant. The a la carte restaurants require reservations. There is also an amazing ice cream stand by the beach. Q: What kind of food will be at the resort? A: The resort caters to a wide range of visitors from around the world, and they try to provide a little something to make everyone happy. I've seen everything from prosciutto and cheeses to hamburgers and pizza for lunch. There is always fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken, fish, a salad bar, etc. Dave and I thought that the food was delicious! Q: What's a fun drink in the DR? A: All of the bartenders make Coco Loco's (a creamy drink with coconut milk, milk, rum, and sugar), Pina Colada's, Mai Tai's, etc. The resort also stocks a local beer called Brahma. I'm sure you'll find something you like. Tip: the bartenders will use rail liquor unless you specify. Q: Do I need to tip? A: Tipping is not required, but the workers do appreciate it! Dave and I tip a dollar or so at meals, at the bar, and we also left small tips for our maid and the person who stocked the mini bar. Q: What's up with all of those foreigners? A: You'll surely come into contact with people from Canada, England, France, Spain, Germany, Russia, etc. With different cultures comes cultural differences: we saw a lot of smoking around the resort, and there is also topless sunbathing on the beach. Q: What else can I do in the DR? A: There is a group of employees at the resort that dress in bright yellow and blue outfits. They are called "Star Friends", and they are responsible for keeping the party going! Every day, a list of activities will be posted. You can also leave the resort for excursions such as zip-lining, swimming with dolphins, visiting a sugar cane plantation and cigar factory, etc. Dave and I recommend that you book your excursion through a tour operator for safety's sake. The following websites have more information about Punta Cana: www.puntacana-information-guide.com dr1.com/travel/puntacana/ www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147293-Punta_Cana_Dominican_Republic-Vacations.html

What it comes down to is what makes you happy. My feeling about my destination wedding is if you don't want to come, that's ok! I understand that your situation is different, but honestly, you can't make everyone happy all of the time. Best wishes to you for a beautiful wedding!

Gorgeous ideas ladies! Thanks for sharing!

Whippet, I'm sorry to hear that you are so upset. I truly hope for you that over time, you and your future husband will be able to find humor in this setback. Best wishes to you for a beautiful wedding! I'm sure whatever you do will be amazing.

$30 per pound? That's funny! Good luck with your wedding, how exciting that you have so many guests!

There's a company that makes GORGEOUS welcome brochures and Who's who charts. A bit pricey for my budget, but I love the idea! Here's a link to their Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/27015186/chandelier-genealogy-chart?ref=pr_shop

This is interesting! I'm also getting married at the Iberostar, and they told me that the judge would keep originals at the beginning of the process. We decided to get married in the states instead and have the ceremony only in the DR due to a number of other complications. It sounds like their go-to judge is a scammer!

I've also been working with Santa. I ended up switching to a renewal of vows ceremony because the judge could only accommodate us at noon. Thank you to the bride that posted her pictures on YouTube! You all are making me feel so much calmer about my own planning!

For Nura-there really are all kinds of animals freely ranging the property! We saw turtles, frogs, fish, cockatiels, flamingos, ducks, roosters, etc. It's an awesome place and that's why we're going back! My fiance and I loved the food and found the service to be excellent. I met with a wedding planner there the last time I was down. Her name is Santa and she couldn't be nicer.

Hi Ladies! I've stayed at the Iberostar's resorts in Punta Cana twice--once at the Dominicana, and last year at the Grand Bavaro. The other poster was not kidding, the Grand Bavaro is gorgeous but a ghost town. I think it probably has something to do with the price! The Domincana and Punta Cana are really quite fun. I found myself walking down the beach from the Grand Bavaro to the Punta Cana just to see what was going on! Also, the Punta Cana and Dominicana are getting face lifts this fall... hopefully it will be done in time for my January wedding!