natalieblev

Oct bride I am so sorry to hear about all those troubles!! Hope you aren't stressing too much! Just wanted to follow up with some of you who are still waiting on the wire transfer and contract deposit form...I finally got mine yesterday, which was exactly three weeks after my date and time were confirmed. So they are coming, but just know you may have to wait a few weeks.

Ncordero- I also have not received the contract that requires the money wire deposit, but was able to confirm my date and time. I have been waiting for over two weeks now and I still have not made any progress with that. Let me know if you finally get through to them! I know they are busy, but you would think they would want our money!

CoCo are you sure Marlene wasnt suggesting that you have the wedding package buffet that is part of the other packages? It wouldn't be the actual buffet that is used by the whole resort, but a buffet style dinner rather than an alacarte. Like in part of my package there is options for buffet light, premium and one other option....but it would only be set up in my reception area which is private and just for my guests. I would double check with her, because that sounds so crazy if she would want you all to use the resort buffet. I mean you are not paying for nothing! Also, I was also able to get my time scheduled for 4pm. As well as my cocktail hour and reception. The only thing I can think of is one- I am doing a symbolic ceremony and actually getting married in the states so not to deal with the paperwork...and so I dont require a judge....or two- if you are doing a catholic wedding that might be something as well. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much Sunny for all your awesome information!! Really helps for planning and also makes me feel A LOT better about stuff! Thanks again!!

JG- If you go through the forum you will see pictures of all three reception locations...on page 12 I think there is the ballroom that is set up...then the beach with and without the lights, and then Bar Higuey which is an indoor/outdoor (and I think the best location). Im not sure about anywhere else. I know they dont just offer it, but maybe since you have a smaller party you could use the terrace that many brides use as a welcome cocktail hour...but I know you cannot rent out a restaurant there...but Jellyfish is also another spot many people seem to rent out if Bar Higuey is not available. That is no good about the gazebo being not private. I was thinking both the garden areas would be more private than the beach or the beach gazebo. I know someone who is going down in July and am hoping she will be able to scout out a spot that is more private and they will okay it. But for my reception I got the Bar H.

Does anyone know that has been to the resort if there is enough room in front of this gazebo to sit the wedding party...of maybe 50? I am not a fan of smashing in 50 people into this small space and would prefer to do like Sunny did with the cocktail area inside the gazebo. Sunny was it really easy to talk the resort into allowing your ceremony to be held somewhere it is not usually held? Thanks!

JG Corona- I have pictures of all five locations outside, but cannot upload pics on here yet...if you want to email me I can send you the images the wc sent me.

Is anyone planning a bachelorette party at the resort or in Punta Cana? My bridesmaids are on me for ideas, but as I have never been there I am not sure what to do.

trivera - For tropical pictures they have a facebook page with pictures from past weddings...I have had no luck finding a video either. And the webpage Goodness it is SLOW!

Hi Nrbc- I have been able to get some of your questions answered recently- I believe it is $10-12/person for a cocktail hour, but with the tangerine package you may be able to get it included through communicating with her. It is against the law in DR to have a Catholic wedding anywhere where there could be "unchurchlike" images (such as girls in swimsuits, alcohol, etc.) so they will ONLY do Catholic weddings in the chapel, no getting around it. They also wont let you use the chapel unless it is a Catholic wedding. Not sure about the day passes, but I would assume as long as it is Barcelo it is fine because as guests at BBPD we are also able to roam over to the adults only resort. Hope that helps! It is expensive for the extras, and with what they are offering in the basic packages (pinecone centerpieces!) I have been looking elsewhere for flowers and centerpieces. If I find a good wholesaler there I will let you know.

ncordero- It is my understanding that at this resort they will need to finish payment within 60-90 days before travel...so that is basically what I am sticking with. Although I feel like if someone hasnt bought a plane ticket within five months of the trip, they most likely aren't coming. I would love to use my website as an RSVP, but I would be getting lots of "maybes" I am sure. So just not worrying too much about it. No matter what, if you have over 35 people you will have to pay overage, and I do believe already we do. But also just talking to the people I have invited gives me a clearer picture and shortens the "maybe" list. JG Corona- Look back through the thread...many brides have provided pictures of all the reception locations and also ceremony things. It is so helpful as yes, they do not respond very timely! The Bar Higuey seems to be the best location for a reception, and I do believe every package includes a reception for up to the number of guests included in that package, if that makes sense. Once you go over, you pay $50 extra/person. Does anyone know if children are allowed in Bar Higuey for the reception? I see where the convention center is "adults only" but was that just the case previously before BBPD became all one large resort instead of three separate? I have about 8 kids in my wedding group and do not want them left out of any of it. I am getting ready to make my deposit for the wedding/reception so hoping to know before then!

Ncordero- Hi! For invitations I won't be sending those out until about three months before the wedding. But so that guests have a big heads up in order to plan I would send Save the Dates about 9-12 months in advance...a fun idea that alot of brides do is use the save the dates to lead people to a website which you will have set up that outlines the resort, things to do, travel information and your travel agents info if you are using one. Many use that site to highlight things like where you met, when he proposed, etc. For my save the dates I am using special designed luggage tags that can be used if they want. Atleast in my case, most guests appreciate the heads up so they can make payments rather than just paying for the whole thing right away. Hope this helps!

Hi Ladies! I am new to this site but so thankful for all the information I have found here. I am getting married next June at BBPD but have yet to finalize the plan. Does anyone know if the chapel can be used as a location if you are NOT catholic? I really want the chapel and would like a religious ceremony, but I am Methodist! Not even close to Catholic. I could have my own minister who is my uncle perform it, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if it could be used as a location without the Catholic ceremony?