Hi ladies! I just returned from the Esmeralda to visit the resort for my wedding in summer 2013... the resort is gorgeous. i'm quite picky... The terrace on the beach (there is 2, one a la carte bbq with the papayas that don't cover everywhere so if the rain, disaster) is a buffet style get your own food. 3000$ to rent privately, free if you don't mind sharing with the guests and serving yourselves. The other one, pisces, seats up to 60 on one side (1500$) or 120 if you get both sides (3000$). The menu you can choose from is mediterrenian - el pescador, garden grill (our experience wasn't great there though) and the mexican (awesome but a wedding type meal? not sure...). We have allergies as well and was told a special menu would be provided for these people and vegetarians. I know that the mediterrenian also has a steak...There are both located near the beach and main pool witch is very beautiful at night (pisce right next to it) and that pool closes at 6 or 6:30, so does the bar... this mean you are far far away from a bar. the Esmeralda lobby. witch serve international drink (punta cana and bavaro sides you need to pay for them) has a nice rectangular shape. If you come in there with a group, you can pretty much rule over and have a party there with the bartender. Maximo is an awesome one by the way!!! You'll have to plan for an ipod and speakers for a little music cause its very low there but i think it's your best bet if you don't wanna pay for an open bar. They charge 10$ per hour per person for national and 18$ per hour per person for internationnal drinks! ouch.... be careful though, if you have guest that stay at the punta cana or bavaro, they can attend ceremony and reception but not enter the Esmeralda lobby bar! Also the disco is quite big for a resort one and jams from 12 to 2 am at the other end of the resort, national drinks are included Hope this helps! If you have any questions, i will be happy to help, i took a lot of pictures of the wedding areas and the resort! Claudine