LovelyGemini

Thank you MissJali...of course I don't mind! 1. ElizabethPerryCollections.com it's handmade do she takes 4-6 weeks to ship so I recommend ordering like 3 months before the wedding so that you don't freak out lol 2. Just the Ocean Front...you can still pay for club premium but it's not included in the upgrade. 3. I only did welcome bags for the bridal party and I included a personalized bathrobe and barefoot sandals and little travel kits and liquor for the guys. 4. I brought fans and bubbles for the ceremony and a personalized wedding card box box from perfectweddingbox.com and for favors/placecards I took leather luggage tags, I also brought personalized boxes with Jordan almonds inside among other things like starfish and yellow stones for the tables, oh and I also did my guest book on shutterfly using my engagement photos. 5. Yes my cousin literally decided to go two days before the wedding lol. Glad I could be of help!

Omg I am way behind from you all! Lol.  We've done our rough draft of our Formal wedding invites and hoping to have them sent out mid-september.  I start wedding dress shopping next saturday.  I have 2 appoinments booked.  I have an idea of what I want, just hoping it looks good on!  What are you plans for your centrepieces?  I sent Marlene pictures of what I want my reception to look like.  I really want to use the Tiffany's chair for my reception... but I cant believe they are $12 a piece to rent!! thats ridiclous if you ask me!  

Originally Posted by SoonMrsD 

 

 

My wedding is next Sept, and we are planning on sending pre- RSVP next month to get a number more or less of who wants to come and who definitely isn't - do you think its a good idea?

 

What did you do?

The pre-RSVP is definitely a great idea! Especially since I think I remember you saying you have a pretty big guest list as well. 

I could've sworn I posted a thank you to all you ladies on your feedback about RSVPs... looks like it just disappeared! 

Anyway, thanks again ladies. I decided to make my RSVP date January 15th which gives me a little over 2 1/2 months before my wedding. I sent out my STD's back in March and while I got a couple of family members assuring me they will go, no one has officially booked their packages yet. This is pretty terrifying considering I invited about 200 guests! (We both have very large families)

I decided to go with the later date since it looks like our family members will be taking their sweet time in booking their packages and I'd rather get a more reliable number rather than having people say yes and then back out. 

I am using Delta Vacations which doesn't have a deadline for bookings and the final balance for guests isn't due until a month before. I'm sure this is going to lead to some last minute stragglers, ugh

Originally Posted by lalalal1z 

 

So, I'm getting married in almost 2 months! EEEE! We just got all of our invitations for the destination wedding and AHR out yesterday, so now we wait. I feel like I should be doing more right now than just waiting. 

 

I have a few questions about some things... So the DJ, what are people doing? We were thinking of using the Ipod dock and just setting up the music in order on that. Can anyone send me an updated list of what the DJ options are?

 

Also, pictures and video, I'm so indecisive on what to do for those. I know I'm going to use TP because I have no one else who's a professional that I can bring or hire down there. I always watch people's videos on youtube and I love love loveee videos of people getting ready and the extra stuff people do with their video, but I don't know if they'll get what I want. That's why we were also going to have a girl video tape all of the girls getting ready and a guy for all of the guys getting ready.

 

How about the food... can we do buffet? I was thinking that might be the best option for people, but that also depends on how much that'll cost.

 

I just have no idea what I should be deciding or thinking about right now. Any help would be greatttt! Thanks and good luck to all the BBPD brides!!!

I agree with Bjeantil, it really depends on the size of your party as far as the DJ/MC goes. I've read of many people setting up their ipods for small parties and having family members go up and use the mic whenever they want. My personal preference is to have one because MC can really liven up the party and you don't have to rely on someone going up to change the ipod in case something goes wrong. 

I'm hoping for a buffet as well but am still waiting for a quote from my WC for it. It was actually her suggestion since the distributing of individual meals can be very time-consuming, especially if you have a large party. I think it is an additional cost though, but they have a variety of different themes for it. Let me know if you get a price quote on the buffet!

Originally Posted by Bjeantil 

 

So my Wedding is next weekend and I'm so freaking nervous with tropical storm Dorian... I'm actually having a panick attack and haven't been able to sleep!!! Lol For Aug 3rd it says 30% chance raining but no sunshine....extremely pissed. I am hoping for a miracle that Dorian changes path because I really want an outside wedding and don't want it to rain the entire weekend!! 😢

Question for you ladies...

Currently having my invites custom made and I haven't been able to decide how much time I should give to my guests to RSVP. I know the average time for regular weddings is usually 3 weeks to a month before, but our situations are definitely unique considering we've having a DW. 

I would love to know ASAP, I would say about 3 months before, just so I can get my numbers in order to prepare OOT bags and favors (as well as preparing for paying for all the extra guests!). But I'm worried about people accepting and then backing out a month before. 

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by llewald 

 

 

 

 

Hey LovelyGemini-

I am feeling the same way about centerpieces and am currently working on creating my own, that are airplane friendly. If you get a chance, could you email me the samples of what Aris send you on centerpieces? I have not been able to get a copy yet!

[email protected]

 

Thanks so much!!

Just sent it! My email is [email protected]

I had hinted at possibly bringing my own materials for the centerpiece during my meeting with Aris a couple weeks ago. I'm just terrified of trying to transport vases or any other glassware. Aris suggested wrapping it all in bubble wrap, but knowing the way luggage is handled at the airport, I'm not sure how comfortable I feel with that idea. I might just do it though, might be worth the risk.

Originally Posted by MissJali 

 

Girls who are using the Bar Higuey, are you buying paper lanterns to decorate? Do you think it's necessary or will the basic draping included in the Tangerine package be enough? I'm wondering if I should even waste my money. 

 

What are you girls doing/have done?

 

 

Lovely Gemini,

 

I'm ahead of the game b/c I go back to school in August and will be focused on school (well at least i should) until after the holidays. Leaving me only 3 months to deal with everything plus hopefully we'll find a place to live by Jan lol. I'll be a very busy bee!

aww, I love how ahead of the game you are! It's really pushing me to get as much stuff done this summer as possible. I'm taking a summer class now but I'm taking full time classes at grad school again in the fall as well so I really should get a move on it, especially with the size of my wedding. I'm just such a procrastinator! 

Not to mention, it's gonna be impossible to get any summery stuff, like for the OOT bags once its over, so it's definitely smart to do it now.

Originally Posted by Slaughter2be 

 

Trying to do research on photographers and videographers.nany suggestions?

I understand there is a vendors fee, anyway to work around it?

Considering everyone else's experience on this board that I've read about, they're pretty adamant. I have read of at least two brides taking the photographers from their area or friends or flying them out there and including them as guests. If I'm not mistaken, my WC might've mentioned that is a possible loophole. This is the one thing that's really irked me about the whole thing, I hate that Tropical Pictures are the "official photographers". Their style is not bad, but their prices give me a headache every time I think about it. LOL But I suppose they have to cash in somewhere.

Originally Posted by Sagesma 

 

@LovelyGemini Our wedding is just a few days apart!!!! How is your wedding planning coming along? 

haha I just noticed that! Compared to MissJali, who's a month before us, I'm definitely a little behind I think! Waiting on the completion of my invites that I am having custom made, hoping to have them sent out in August. I found my gown a couple of weeks ago and now working on the rest of the bridal party. Right now I'm also focusing on figuring out what I can use to make my own centerpieces. Aris sent me samples of what they have as far as centerpieces go, and I was NOT impressed, way over priced. Also hoping to start buying stuff for my OOT bags while all the summery stuff is still available!

How about you?

I bought mine from the Dollar Tree and just got waterproof labels. 48 tumblers $1 each plus $4 for labels...a total of $52 for tumblers!

Well save the dates and invites have gone out. I'm having my ceremony on the pier and my reception at Bar Higuey. I've finished my tumblers for the OOT bags and working on the raffia fans now. 8 months left!!!

Hi girls! does anyone know if colored napkins are included in the tangerine package or is it just white napkins?

MissJali,

I can't believe you're 8 months away already! You're only a month ahead of me and you've gotten so much done already. I need to pick up the pace LOL

Originally Posted by SoonMrsD 

 

 

So after careful though and surveys, We are doing our wedding at Barcelo! MissJali your input helped too and I will be bugging you hahahah

Welcome!!! I think I remember reading a while back that you're also doing a large wedding like me?? 

Originally Posted by Mary123 

 

Thank you all for posting! It has been so helpful to read the reviews? Does anyone know if WiFi is available on the beach? My grandmother will not be able to come to DR because of her health issues and I would love to connect to Skype so she could see the ceremony live.

Hey Mary,

My fiance and I couldn't live without wifi while on our site visit last week so we paid for 5 days. It was VERY spotty outside of the room and lobby/common areas. It's also not the fastest speed even in the room on my Iphone web browser. My fiance tried to facetime his sister while we were in our room and the connection was lost at least twice. 

Natalie, Good to know, I was thinking of doing the same! thanks a million and congrats again!!

Thanks Natalie! I read your review right before I left so I was doing a happy dance inside once I learned who I'd be working with! Did you choose any of the video packages or just photos?

Originally Posted by Reign14 

 

LovelyGemini,

 

Glad you had a great visit! Thanks for sharing how it went! Wow, 150....that is a big wedding. Sounds like you're in good hands with Arise though. I hadn't heard of her, so good to know that they have another great person on staff. Happy planning!

AHHH I know. And that's the maximum number of guests we're hoping will go. Anymore than that I might just lose my mind. Haha

I'm back from my site visit!!! 6 days really just flew by! I'm going to try to keep this as brief as possible but I have to say, I think I need another vacation just to deal with the numbers for this wedding. The resort is just as beautiful as I remember from 2 years ago...

I met with my WC on the 1st at 10 AM, the day before we were leaving. I was excited to find out Arise is going to be our WC, especially after all the great things I've read about her on here. (Her name is actually Arisqueylme, but she insists her name is way too long and prefers to be called Arise). She is such a sweetheart and so organized! Our meeting lasted a little over an hour, not because of lack of knowledge, believe me, all of you have been incredibly helpful and detailed, but because Arise was very thorough and suggested deciding on as much as possible (settings, chairs, menu, etc.) to minimize the number decisions when we return for the wedding in April. I think she also wanted to tackle as much as possible considering our wedding is very large (about 100-150 expected) !!! Sadly, Bar Higuey is not an option for us because of this. 

So we decided to keep the ceremony on the beach and the reception in the larger ballrooms they have. Once Arise showed them to me, however, I fell in love. The ballroom is absolutely gorgeous with incredibly tasteful lighting. And I'm sure my guests will appreciate the AC. Arise managed to convince my fiance to have the cocktail hour on the roof ($500/hour!!) simply because he saw one that took place on the beach during our stay and didn't like the setup. 

We are also considering changing the meal to a buffet style, at the suggestion of Arise. She is still working on getting me the pricing for it, but she explained that with such a large number of guests, the personal plate option could end up sucking up a lot of our party time because the waitstaff will be waiting for everyone to finish each course before distributing the next. Let's see what happens when she sends me the pricing for it!

During the meeting, Arise also had us meet with Michaela from TP. While she was adorable and a complete sweetheart, the pricing for the video and photography packages left me so traumatized, I stopped at the first bar I found after the meeting! LOL. For a group like ours, she said the Bronze photography package (of course the cheapest one!) was not an option and we must choose from the Silver and Gold package. This was fine by me, because the Bronze package doesn't even include the negatives. But the video packages really disappointed me. $600 just to record the ceremony, which btw, according to Arise, is only about 15-20 minutes long! I'm not really sure it will be worth it.

My last note as this ended up being longer than I thought... Extra hours for the reception, according to Arise, is charged per PERSON in addition to the cost of the DJ. The extra hour for the DJ, we were quoted $433 and then $15 per person for each additional hour. So for us to extend the party to at least 4 hours instead of 3, it will cost over $2000 

We covered a whole lot of other stuff during our meeting so if anyone has any questions about anything, I will do my best to answer them!

I am so excited... time is really just flying by!

E

I am leaving tomorrow for my site visit. I'm a little nervous since the last time I visited the resort was 2 years ago. My meeting with my WC will be on Monday, July 1st and I only have a handful of questions, thanks to all of the detailed information you ladies have shared on this forum!

So beautiful and tastefully done Natalie! I assume you took the jars over there yourself? I'm terrified of taking anything breakable in my luggage. 

Originally Posted by Reign14 

 

LovelyGemini... my wedding is the weekend after yours 

Hehe SPRING BRIDES!!!