Dominican or Mexico for wedding?

Does anyone have some advice as to what the best place is for a wedding Punta Cana or Mexico? I have only been to Mexico, Playa del Carmen and really enjoyed the food and having 5th avenue to hang out at in the evenings. However the beaches were just alright and sort of crowded. We have never been to Punta Cana but hear that its got nicer beaches, however, the food and drinks aren't as great. Are there any ppl out there who have visited both areas and feel that one is better then the other? Any other recommendations for nicer beach ares in Mexico?

Marina

You have a MILLION brides on here getting married all over in tropical destinations.  To choose one place over another is just a matter of preference.  I think you need to set you expectations of what you want of your wedding and for your guests and define what is important to you!

For example

- budget: are wedding costs, free dinner, reception etc. important?

- Guest budget: do you need a resort under a certain price point?

- outside vendors

- weather

- time of year

These are just a few things I think you should look at, once you have decided this it will be easier to determine a location and then a resort.

I think it would be wrong for me to say Punta Cana is better than Mexico simply because that is where we are getting married.  There are BEAUTIFUL places in both locations, we defined our expectations, created a must have and would like to have list and decided affordability for guests was also important.  After doing so we looked at a few resorts in different countries even and ended up making out decision.  You will make the choice that is best for you and your group but I don't think anyone would say one place is better than another, you need to find a place that works for you!

Best of luck and happy planning!!!
 

Originally Posted by mhrushch 

Does anyone have some advice as to what the best place is for a wedding Punta Cana or Mexico? I have only been to Mexico, Playa del Carmen and really enjoyed the food and having 5th avenue to hang out at in the evenings. However the beaches were just alright and sort of crowded. We have never been to Punta Cana but hear that its got nicer beaches, however, the food and drinks aren't as great. Are there any ppl out there who have visited both areas and feel that one is better then the other? Any other recommendations for nicer beach ares in Mexico?

 

Marina

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! Of course... living in Playa del Carmen I will favor this area! I have also travelled to Punta Cana... and while the beaches are as beautiful there. The biggest difference is you won't find any "town life" in Punta Cana. The area is mainly made up of mega size resorts and day trips out. The part of the Dominican that does have small towns to visit is called Puerto Plata. The downside to that part of the Dominican are the beaches are not white like in Punta Cana or the Mayan Riviera. I do love Puerto Plata area, as that is where my parents live, but not the best place for a wedding.

To me, the Mayan Riviera has the best of all worlds. Especially being located in Playa del Carmen! Such a wonderful town and lots of entertainment for everybody. Beaches here are fantastic and you can venture out on your own and be safe. 

Best of luck with all your planning. Let me know if you have any questions about a particular resort here in town or down the coast. A lot of brides get married at The Royal Playa del Carmen, or Gran Porto, or RUI Playacar, or... haha You get the point.

Lincoln

Congratulations and welcome to the forum!!  I live in Playa del Carmen so I do favor this area.  You mentioned crowded beaches, maybe it was just were you were located.  There are lots of private beaches in the area.  Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mayan Riviera with very quiet areas.   However,  I am sure either location will be beautiful.  

Good luck and warmest wishes,

Lori

I originally wanted Mexico for my wedding but went with Jamaica due to the entire tap water situation in Mexico!!

Great advice!

We first wrote a list of what we wanted in a resort and that greatly helped us to elimiate certain locations and resorts.  It is personal preference but you will find your dream location for your wedding! It took us about 2 months to do this so dont get discouraged.  Also, we found it helpful to use a travel agent.  Good luck with your search!

 

Originally Posted by torilynnsmith 

You have a MILLION brides on here getting married all over in tropical destinations.  To choose one place over another is just a matter of preference.  I think you need to set you expectations of what you want of your wedding and for your guests and define what is important to you!

 

For example

 

- budget: are wedding costs, free dinner, reception etc. important?

- Guest budget: do you need a resort under a certain price point?

- outside vendors

- weather

- time of year

 

These are just a few things I think you should look at, once you have decided this it will be easier to determine a location and then a resort.

 

I think it would be wrong for me to say Punta Cana is better than Mexico simply because that is where we are getting married.  There are BEAUTIFUL places in both locations, we defined our expectations, created a must have and would like to have list and decided affordability for guests was also important.  After doing so we looked at a few resorts in different countries even and ended up making out decision.  You will make the choice that is best for you and your group but I don't think anyone would say one place is better than another, you need to find a place that works for you!

 

Best of luck and happy planning!!!
 

 

Welcome and Congratulatios! Mexico is great options

Good luck with your dilema

Best

Diego

I've been to both and you will be happy with either! Also keep in mind travel times from your home town. Which is closer? Which has more airline options? Do they both have direct flights?

We chose Mexico (Riviera Maya), as there are so many excursions you can do in this area also.

Hello mhrushch!

I agree with many of the responses listed here and that you'll need to outline your expectations. I'm had my wedding in the Puerto Morelos last year but this year we're headed down to Playa del Carmen for my Trash the Dress session. An idea would be to select a more boutique hotel if you're into that, such as Le Reve which is where we'll be spending the second half of the week. The part of the week we'll be staying at El Taj Oceanfront Condos to have the amenities of a high-end condo and be right near 5th Ave. I have heard that the beaches are a bit crowded at times, but with Le Reve being in a more secluded area, that could be another option for you (still flying into Cancun). 

I've included a few Del Sol shots of Le Reve below and there are plenty of threads on the hotel as well. I'm not sure if you've booked a photographer yet but they're running a great promotion for brides booking at Le Reve - http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/73510/del-sol-photography-la-luna-photography-hotel-lereve-bdwf-promotion

Best of luck!

Chelsea

www.redibychelsea.com

A few Del Sol photos of Le Reve!

Originally Posted by mhrushch 

Does anyone have some advice as to what the best place is for a wedding Punta Cana or Mexico? I have only been to Mexico, Playa del Carmen and really enjoyed the food and having 5th avenue to hang out at in the evenings. However the beaches were just alright and sort of crowded. We have never been to Punta Cana but hear that its got nicer beaches, however, the food and drinks aren't as great. Are there any ppl out there who have visited both areas and feel that one is better then the other? Any other recommendations for nicer beach ares in Mexico?

 

Marina

Hi, The best beaches of the Mexico are the Caribbean, Hol Box, Tulum and the Riviera Maya

Good luck in your choice

Diego