Hi Everyone! This is my very first post, I just got engaged on April fools, two weeks ago. I am planning on having our wedding at Grand Palladium Punta Cana which is where we had our first vacation together. I am doing a little research right now as our wedding probably won't be until 2015 ( I need to Save up!). My wedding will probably have somewhere around 50 guests more or less. So far I am finding the Palladium wedding website very confusing, and slim on information. There is no info regarding having cocktail hour, or a reception party with dancing and not much about the dinner itself. I have written an email to the wedding coordinator but I've received no response yet, which is understandable, I imagine she is very busy. Hopefully someone here can give me some inside info. 1. How far in advance should you reserve your date? 2. What is a reasonable budget for 50 people? ( I realise that price/packages will probably increase/change by 2015) 3. I notice most people seem to be doing a symbolic ceremony, why is that? Is that an easier/cheaper way to go? 4. Can you only have a beach party with the Karen Bussen Packages? I have tons of questions but these are my top 4 right now...Thanks in advance!