EVKnowsitall

It isn't even raining or anything. No indication of a storm- but American Airlines won't fly their planes. Some of our guests are on Delta and their flights are a green light as of now. Strange. I mean- I am suppossed to work on Thursday and Friday and now I won't make it. And our dog is at a pet hotel and we will have to board her two more days : ( I kinda wanted to go home. Well..... I guess tomorrow I can write my detailed review lol if it rains like its projected and I am just stuck in the hotel I will have nothing else to do. Oy vey!!!! Cest la vie. Weather is not in my control.

I don't know about Royal service as I did not stay there but I did stay at The Reserve. Its quieter and more private and has an awwwwwwesome swim up pool and an additional 3 restaurants no one else can access.There are kids here but honestly- we rarely bumped into them and they werent annoying and bratty. We barely noticed them. The service is way better at The Reserve. the workers are more accommodating and try harder to please you. The main resort is only 2 minutes away and there are shuttles. So to party and chill- you go to the main resort, but you come back to the reserve for your private space. If I had to do it again, I would have everyone stay at Palma Real for the wedding and escape- just my hubby and I to the reserve for some privacy. That being said- all of our guests remarked they enjoyed the reserve more. They liked that there were more restaurant options and it was quieter here and that they could go to the main resort and chill but come back to the reserve for peace and quiet. The most fun we had our entire stay was in our swim up pool behind our room (an upgrade we received as bride and groom) All our guests joined us, the waiters brought us drinks and food to the section we were in and it was like our own private party. We are considering coming back for our one year anniversary and I already asked my husband (that feels weird) if he wants to stay in Palma Real or The Reserve and he said "No contest- we are staying in the reserve"

Well peeps...Tropical Storm Chantal was nice enough not to rain on my wedding...but she messed up our flights. We are stuck here an extra day, as our flights for tomorrow are cancelled. I said I didn't want to leave but this wasn't quite what I had in mind. Before anyone panicks- its just a tropical storm bringing high winds and rain and it should pass by Thursday- when our new flights are scheduled. I was hysterical crying because I feel bad all my guests have to pay for an extra night. Thank god they are all like "don't cry, we like it here, we didnt want to leave anyway" and this is something we will all laugh about later. LOL This truly is a wedding none of our guests will forget...for sure.

Brides don't flip out lol that's why I said I would post a detailed review later. And if you read some of my other comments you will see I said I would choose this resort again and again for my wedding. The minor issues you deal with guess what? They happen everywhere. In your hometowns, in other hotels, in other countries. It is nothing that to me, would break my experience. Kel- don't worry. I have been reliving my wedding over and over in my head. Everything turned out wonderful. That's why I refrained from posting on the boards until I could think through my entire experience. A few times I wanted to write bad reviews but I said let me wait and weigh the whole experience.And now sitting back- the things that upset me at first seem silly or seem like issues that everyone encounters during a wedding. It just happens. Accept that something will go wrong on your wedding day. Thats what all my married friends told me. Something will go wrong but you will not notice or you will not care because you are so wrapped in the moment. And it was true. A few minor things went wrong and I was like "fuck it" excuse my french- because I didn't care, I just kept staring at my husband. We have never been happier. It's a great feeling. Like I said- I've been to 4 resorts since I've been here for various functions. Nothing compares to PPR. Any bride booking here has picked the right place, trust me. Whatever issues I speak of I just hope to share so other brides avoid them. I actually checked this thread while I was here and saw a few complaints on Mariela but only after. Had I seen them before I would have better handled my interactions with her. So any negatives here are just to help each other out. I have two friends getting married at PPR next year and they are both itching to sit with me and talk. And I will tell them all the good and the bad- but not to discourage them- to improve their experience when they are here. I'm sorry if anyone was offended by my candor. I felt like everyone on this thread has been honest and forthcoming and I am a frequent poster who was super hyped to come so I don't want to take that away from anyone else here. Be super hyped! Your weddings will be amazing because the coordinator, a misplayed song, a missing flower- heck even seeing the other bride didn't- matter to me at all in the end. My wedding was fantastic. NONE OF YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to post pics!

I disagree...entirely. I can't wait to post my detailed review because honestly there are some ammmmmmmazing things about this place. And there are some things that can be improved. But every guest from our wedding (37) wants to return on their own. And our guests that stood elsewhere commented that they wish they stood here. I also went to another resort to do my trash the dress (which shall remain nameless for what I am about to say to not offend others married there) but it was disgusting. There was trash all over the beach, the workers were unkempt, the crowd of people staying there were rowdy, the beach was eroded. My fiance who is Dominican commented that it looked like the capital and not a resort. It was a resort we considered when choosing and we thanked our lucky stars we didn't. We saw 4 different popular resorts while here and we did not like any of them. PPR is clean, the food is great, MOST of the service is amenable, and we had a great experience save for a few blips with wedding mixups. I highly recommend this place to any bride. You have to pick and choose your battles. And you have to fight for what you want and put your foot down. The bridezilla needs to emerge! LOL I sure as hell know the wedding coordinators don't like me but I don't care. I had the wedding of my dreams. Do things the right way- don't hear my wrath! LOL I also didn't tip my coordinator. She didn't deserve it. I tipped the DJ and the photographer, but she got nothing from me. Luza- every wedding gets different coordinators. Demetrice's experience sounds a lot like mine. My coordinator was Mariela and she needs an attitude adjustment. I think she is new to this because she does not know how to cater to a bride. Massiel is the manager- she is more pleasant to work with and a few times Mariela sought her to talk to me because she could not deal with me. After speaking with her after the wedding I realize its just her persona. I don't think she means to be bitchy but she comes across that way- she came across that way to EVERY guest at our wedding. So you had a pleasant experience because you probably had a coordinator who did her job in a more pleasant manner. Here's an example. I got married in the church. The church has windows that are open with just bars on them (not like a prison lol) anyway- people can see you walking in. I tried to hide but people sort of saw me slightly. We let the wedding party in. I asked my coordinator to close the doors. She told me "why everyone already saw you" WTF do you mean why? Because I said so! Even my godfather walking me down the aisle said "she wants to make an entrance close the doors. And she rolled her eyes. Is it that difficult of a request to honor? Besides, I wanted my videographer to catch that moment with the doors being opened. I did a first look but I was not wearing my veil and I wanted to make a statement. As a wedding coordinator- you just do as you're asked. She seems to have her own groove and thinks people should do what she wants and thats why she comes off abrasive.

I woke up this morning and I'm married!!!! I will post a review and some pics when I'm back home on the tenth. I almost took to this board a few times to write a few scathing reviews but decided to wait until I'm level headed enough to weigh the pros and cons because there are both. Whoever said Mariela was rude- that would be absolutely correct. My entire group found her to be very rude. And that's putting it lightly because that is not what they called her. I pitched a fit bc I was told I wouldn't bump into the other wedding and we were right on top of each other. The other bride had her cocktail hour on the beach and mine was on the plaza. To take pics we had to walk through her cocktail party and to go to Olympus terrace for her reception she walked through mine. The Olympus terrace and beach are literally across that bridge and white dome you see in pictures. So I saw her set up and she saw mine. I was a total bridezilla about it and started yelling and my photographer and videographer had to calm me down. The truth is once we were both at our reception sites we didn't see each other at all but I was peeved because I was "assured" I would not see the other bride at all. Even our salon appointments were almost at the same time. I spoke with her and her bridal party at my appointment.

Her name is Eudice. She is wonderful. She's from the Yhi spa and she executed my makeup perfectly without my telling her what I wanted or showing her a pic.

Omg ladie we finally leave tomorrow! Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I haven't been on the thread because as you can imagine its been crunch time. My bachelorette party was this past weekend- I just got back this past Monday and I lost my phone the day we got there so I haven't been able to get on. I probably won't be able to post anything anyway but I'll definitely hit the thread back up upon my return. So excited! Thanks ladies for all your great advice, compliments, and convos. Off to DR in a few hours, married on Friday!

Summer wedding is not cheaper! LOL We have some similar things- We booked the Dominican Trio and are having cocktail hour at the Plaza Colonial and Reception on the Beach- wedding in the church offsite. Your budget is pretty high- and you should be able to accomplish a lot with that if you are willing to spend that much. We kept trying to keep DR costs down because I was hellbent on having an AHR. I kind of regret it but not entirely. We have 37 people going to DR and 100 going to our AHR. I shared my budget in another thread called "how much is your wedding costing you?" Which you should visit. It's brides breaking down their budgets for their DW's. anyway- I'm well past planning a budget- this is the nitty gritty of what I have booked and paid, since we are less than two weeks away: $5,000- Aqua Resort Package for 24 guests- Cocktail hour, open bar, buffet dinner, minimal decor elements (aka tablecloths chairs, and napkin rings, a "ceremony arch" which we asked to use at our reception since we are getting married at the beach) $3,190- wedding extras- guests over the 24 included (37 total, $100 each), 6 centerpieces, chinese lanterns for lighting, outside vendor fees, corsages for moms, bridesmaids tiny ass crap bouquet (they charged $10 a rose! we are creating the rest, Dominican Guitar Trio) $1,300- Church ceremony in DR plus pre cana classes and mailing over necessary paperwork $55- NYS marriage license and ceremony $1000- Flights including RT airport transfers $3,200- Bride and Grooms Room in The Reserve $350- Flower girl and ring bearer attire (I paid bc they are my niece and nephew) $2,800- Photography full coverage including trash the dress session- Phil Steingard $570- room for photographer as an outside vendor so we do not pay the $1,200 resort outside vendor fee $1,000- full video coverage by in house videographer Arrecife $400- Save The Dates and Invitations $330- brides wedding shoes and flip flops and grooms shoes ($2200 my dress- but mom bought it so sweet gift! His mom also bought his $900 Custom made suit) $1200 DJ Mannia + LED Dance Floor + Cold Fireworks $200- 2 12 passenger vans rented to take guests to the church from the hotel $99 E-Session photo shoot Destination Total: $20,694 AT HOME RECEPTION $5,700- open bar, cocktail hour, carving station, salad, pasta station only- not full sit down for 100 guests $3,200 DJ and percussionist for AHR (This was not intentional lol this was for when we booked our DJ for a stateside wedding, they would not refund the money. Otherwise I would have used an ipod at my AHR because we have a sound system included.) $225 invitations to AHR $0- Photography for AHR- a gift from my Godparents. $250- Kissing bells and souvenir photo books for 100 guests at AHR $1000 misc. expenses including postage and various decor items that I most likely am not even using. Ridiculous. And Bridal Party Gifts $3,000 Decor for AHR- OK this sounds a little nuts buuuuut its a cousin of a friend doing the decor and for all the elements we are getting, its worth it- We are getting a leather couch for us on a stage with a coffee table and a wall unit behind us (I really can't explain it lol I will show you pics later) draping, 10 centerpieces (2 different types), cake table, place card table, overlays for the tables, fresh flowers and candles used in all the elements. $300 Candy bar for AHR AHR total: $13,675

I love this dress. SImply gorgeous and perfect for the beach.

So I just got the email introducing Massiel as my onsite coordinator. Oddly enough, her and I have verbally sparred a few times over the whole DJ fiasco so this should be interesting lol. Hope she does not take it out on me. I am so excited we leave in 12 days and will be married in 14...and i woofed down two slices of pizza today lol BAD IDEA. Anywho- I am so nervous and excited at the same time. It's going to be crazy!!!!!

My shower is at the Pine this saturday haha- the price is really great. It was $1800 with tax and gratuity for 50 people- wine, screwdrivers, mimosas, champagne, breakfast/ lunch buffet, cake. Of course my mom made cake pop and cupcakes and brought bottles of my favorite wine (don't know why, I'll drink anything free hahahahahaha) Showers DO NOT have to be in catering halls, your sister is nuts lol. No offense of course. It's just catering halls tend to have mediocre food and cost too much. Restaurants have better quality food and cost less and some of them have private rooms that are comparably nice to catering halls. My shower is a tea party theme. I didn't want one bc I too live with my fiance but my mom insisted and I feel bad because only my MOH helped her out by giving her $650 towards the cost but my mom did alllll the baking and souvenir making and centerpieces. My mom is nuts lol but I'd be lying if I said I was not pumped. I will post pics or inbox them to you so you can see how nice it will be and show your sister haha. I say forget the Tailor made. I don't think its worth it but thats my humble opinion. We did Aqua and even that I do not think panned out as being worth it. $5,000 for 24 people, $800 for our overages, and we still needed decor elements. Chill out Chic package is probably the best and then you can use the leftover money you save to do the catamaran or La Barcaza or other cool excursions.

Brutally honest but as I suspected. Communication has been a huge stressor- I think it really just depends on the bride. Some brides have better experiences because they are laid back. If you are worried over details, as I tend to be, then it could be a different experience. I heard about candles haha. I already regret several choices we have made but whatever! We did the cake upgrade anyway- my mom really wanted it. My fiance wanted the fire dancers but we didn't add them. I'm wondering if I can do it there? who knows. I'm pretty amped now because we are just under two weeks away and I cannot believe its here. I'm a creeper and clicked on your altos de chavon pic and saw your profile pic. So cute! I'm glad you focused on what truly mattered which was your marriage and glad you looked past all the flaws. Can't wait to see the rest of your pics, you were a gorgeous bride! Congrats!

I'm on the fence about the passport invitations. We spent $300 on ours for 50 invites. They are absolutely gorgeous, unique, and they really set the tone for the wedding, but there are many cheaper alternatives and if you can cut corners, invitations may be a good place because people kind of dismiss them and toss them aside. However, you aren't going to save a significant amount- maybe just $50-$100 so it really depends on whether you are that strapped or not. I wanted to book my mothers room for her but we just couldn't slice it with our budget. What's the issue with the bridal shower? We managed to find an inexpensive venue but of course, my mother managed to somehow make it expensive for herself with decor and gifts and games etc. LOL We booked a group air and then two people on it decided to stay in DR longer and put is in a predicament, luckily our travel agent did all the wheeling and dealing for us and got them off without penalty to us. I say have a clear conversation with your parents and be frank- we want to book your trip so we can book ours but I need to know what your plan will be. Are you staying to visit family or are you just there for festivities. It would help if your fiance is there too so this way everyone is on the same page and if they change their mind you can remind them of the choice they made. Maybe even sit with them when you book it kind of like "are you sure, I'm going to book it right now" and do it on the spot. Good luck with everything! It's hard not to let people take away your joy but try not to. It's your moment!

So now that my wedding is 17 days away, I have a more accurate depiction of how much we have spent. It still isn't entirely correct but it's a pretty decent "big picture" and holy hell. LOL $5,000- Resort Package for 24 guests- Cocktail hour, open bar, buffet dinner, minimal decor elements $3,190- wedding extras- guests over the 24 included, centerpieces, chinese lanterns, outside vendor fees, corsages for moms, bridesmaids tiny ass crap bouquet (they charged $10 a rose!) $1,300- Church ceremony in DR plus pre cana classes and mailing over necessary paperwork $55- NYS marriage license and ceremony $1000- Flights including RT airport transfers $3,200- Bride and Grooms Room- suite $350- Flower girl and ring bearer attire (I paid bc they are my niece and nephew) $2,800- Photography full coverage including trash the dress session $570- room for photographer as an outside vendor so we do not pay the $1,200 resort outside vendor fee $1,000- full video coverage $400- Save The Dates and Invitations $330- brides wedding shoes and flip flops and grooms shoes ($2200 my dress- but mom bought it so sweet gift! His mom also bought his $900 Custom made suit) $1200 DJ, LED Dance Floor $200- 2 12 passenger vans rented to take guests to the church from the hotel $99 E-Session photo shoot Destination Total: $20,694 AT HOME RECEPTION $5,700- open bar, cocktail hour, carving station, salad, pasta station only- not full sit down for 100 guests $3,200 DJ and percussionist for AHR (This was not intentional lol this was for when we booked our DJ for a stateside wedding, they would not refund the money. Otherwise I would have used an ipod at my AHR because we have a sound system included.) $225 invitations to AHR $0- Photography for AHR- a gift from my Godparents. $250- Kissing bells and souvenir photo books for 100 guests at AHR $1000 misc. expenses including postage and various decor items that I most likely am not even using. Ridiculous. And Bridal Party Gifts $? Decor for AHR (just went in yesterday) $300 Candy bar for AHR AHR total: $10,675 Grand Total: $31,369 FMeverlovingLIFE I can't believe we have spent that much. I took a second job to pay for it all. No loans, no credit card purchases. I'm kind of proud, but I'm kind of pissed for spending so much.

Well put- so true. I was surprised also with the people who were the most generous. I expected my family to be the most supportive and its been some of our friends or my co-workers. Crazy!

I gave up on trying to make them and cart them over to DR. I just purchased them from the resort- 5 tables plus our sweetheart so 6 pieces, $85 each- $510. Ouch, but I don't have time to assemble or be creative and my mother insisted on fresh flowers. We are having blue hydrangeas in a clear glass vase with blue ribbons and blue crystals atop a mirror and tealight on the sides. Sounds like something I could have made myself, plus tea-lights will not hold on the beach but whatever. I am thinking about getting those miniature white lanterns to protect the tealights, I've seen them in the craft stores and would only need 12- two for each table. I'm told it will look something like this but with hydrangeas and we went with a larger size. I'm thinking of combining the hyrangeas and white roses. My mom made my bouquet for my civil courthouse wedding day- I bought hydrangeas and roses from a supermarket, fabric tape and a handle cover. It came out gorgeous! The Bouquet my mom made for me: I like the blend, I hope they can accommodate.

YAY TEAM BEACHBODY! I'm a coach too but I only use it for the Shakeology discount, and for video discounts.

HAHA no those are our E-session photos. We paid a Living Social Photographer- Angelica Criscuolo- $99 for a 1 hr shoot with 5 pictures and the option to purchase more. Because we never got around to our E-session, I asked her if she would follow us to City Hall as we did our legal civil ceremony in our home state. She agreed and voila. My friend snapped that pic with his phone though, I'll receive hers in about a week. She was awesome. They said they could loosen the boning but it might change the structure of the dress so they are reluctant to do it. The seamstress said "you look beautiful how do you feel" I said "like I can't breathe" and she said "you look beautiful" lol she completely ignored me. I even asked if I should lose a few pounds and she said no because it wouldn't change my ribs lol. She's a trip.

Haha seriously! Everything is confusing. Centerpieces, flowers, invitations, favors- its nuts! My friend planned her wedding in 5 months and that seems to be the way to go. She didn't think twice about anything, just picked and that was it. I've been engaged since November 2011 and second guessed and/or changed everything. We had everything set for a stateside wedding before we went destination! LOL My two older sisters have seen my frustration and craziness and one has decided to do a cruiseship wedding- only immediate family and the other asked for my help and I told her to not tell a single soul she is getting married, to book a modest venue, get her dress and everything else she needs without telling anyone, to invite everyone to the venue under the premise that it is a surprise engagement party- to have me or her husband to be send out the invites, and then surprise! She comes out in her white dress and its like "you're all here for my wedding." NO DRAMA, no bridal party, no second guessing. She isn't engaged yet so this plan could work lol, but they have been talking about it.

I went in for a fitting yesterday- after crying about my job all day and I almost passed out in my dress. the room was hot, the boning was super tight on my ribcage, and I had cried the entire car ride there to my MOH about all my stress. I almost fell off my pedestal lol, they had to take me out of the room for air, but I was fine after that. Definitely a "crunchtime we're almost there moment" Anyway, I had my straps altered because they were too long, and I had my bustle done yesterday. I didn't need a hem!!!! So my final fitting is Monday, June 24th and I pick up my dress Monday, July 1st. I'll post pics of the final complete. So excited. I looooooove my dress. I don't know why the ribcage is so tight though. It's not even tight on my tummy, just at the ribs. It restricts my breathing a little, not exactly the most comfortable thing I have ever worn in my life lol.