Married or going to be married at Grand Palladium Punta Cana?

[kitty25967]

FYI  - Different subject - If any of you are looking for the "Daily Spanish for Dummies" book for your OOT bag...I have been on another thread where I found out that Office Depot has them marked down to $1.  My mom went to 3 different ones today (Birmingham, AL area) and found the amount I needed.

[jerzshortstuff]

 

Originally Posted by richarsd 

@ Kitty - Are you doing a private dinner or not? If it's private, they use either La Uva or Arrecife and from what I've heard/seen they both offer the same atmosphere.

 

 

@ Natalie - Yes, I am bringing CDs and I would highly recommend this! The quality/selection of music at most resorts in the DR is pretty subpar. Now if the DJ has done lots of weddings and has CDs left over from past brides, it may not be problem...but you're still not guaranteed to like that music then. I will be bringing several CDs with me for our reception (3 hours worth). I hate paying for a DJ at all frankly but the sound system is just as expensive and I don't want any guests/myself being responsible for chaging out CDs, etc. You could also use an iPod if you prefer because the DJ jas a docking station, too...I'm bring both just incase , lol.

 

As for the prices of add-ons, I do have the price list at home (I'm currently at work...sshh! lol) so I can post that later unless someone else does before I get to it!

 

@ Jerzshortstuff - don't worry, I don't think she'll forget about any of us. Bring copies of any emails you sent to her though!!

 

They can definitely put 10 people in one table...I was told that we can basically pick any configuration (number of people per table) that we want, head table/no head table, etc. basically everything, including upgrades, can get planned once you're down there. However, if you're more particular about somethings (like time of dinner perhaps), you may wanna send her off an email confirming the time. I was also told that Carolina will print out place settings for the guests. For timing of the dinner and party, for my group, it was a bit easier because we privatized the restaurant and when you do this, you get the restaurant for the whole evening up until 11 pm so dinner just slides right into the reception. If you end up having a gap in between, maybe go to Hemmingways bar for some cocktails, first?

 

Thanks for the info! My wedding time was set for 2pm but she said its subject to change. Hoping dinner will be closer to 5-6pm. I guess we can always go to one of the bars for drinks before dinner. I figure the beach party (the public one) will be close to the time we finish dinner. I will definitely bring copies of my emails! Do we pay for our ceremony and upgrades by cash or credit card? And if we have a TTD the next day, do we need to let Carolina know before they arrive?

[kitty25967]

You bring up a question I have really been meaning to ask, and I'm sure there's a thread out there but I haven't searched yet.....How do we pay for all of this?  I have to pay my photog, the DJ, the pastor, and of course, the resort...not too mention all of the "tipping" and the cash I am carrying to purhcase little Mamajuanas for the OOT bags and cigars for the beach party....  Past brides, what was your method of payment and who did you tip (and the amount if you don't mind sharing)

[jerzshortstuff]

 

 

Originally Posted by kitty25967 

 

You bring up a question I have really been meaning to ask, and I'm sure there's a thread out there but I haven't searched yet.....How do we pay for all of this?  I have to pay my photog, the DJ, the pastor, and of course, the resort...not too mention all of the "tipping" and the cash I am carrying to purhcase little Mamajuanas for the OOT bags and cigars for the beach party....  Past brides, what was your method of payment and who did you tip (and the amount if you don't mind sharing)

 

 

I know! I didn't think of it until now lol! When is your wedding?

[richarsd]

We can pay by credit card or cash for everything other than flowers, which need to be paid in cash (I assume because an outside vendor actually does the flowers).
 

Originally Posted by kitty25967 

You bring up a question I have really been meaning to ask, and I'm sure there's a thread out there but I haven't searched yet.....How do we pay for all of this?  I have to pay my photog, the DJ, the pastor, and of course, the resort...not too mention all of the "tipping" and the cash I am carrying to purhcase little Mamajuanas for the OOT bags and cigars for the beach party....  Past brides, what was your method of payment and who did you tip (and the amount if you don't mind sharing)

[richarsd]

My wedding ceremony time is set for 2 pm, as well...originally I wasn't happy about this time (wanted more like 4 pm) as our dinner is set for 6:30 pm but I think it works out nicely in some ways. There'll be loads of time to take pictures and I'd rather not be rushing around in the heat (with my make-up sweating off my face, lol) for that. We're telling gueststhat the time between the ceremony and dinner is their time although we plan to serve our cake at the gazebo immediately after the ceremony with the included champagne...this will eat up a bit of time. We figure most guests will just relax at a bar until the dinner although I can see a lot of the men changing and hitting up the pool. After we're done our pics, we'll either meet people at the bar or just go back to our room to freshen up and have some couple time before dinner and I really like the thought of having some time to ourselves in between!
 

Originally Posted by jerzshortstuff 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by richarsd 

@ Kitty - Are you doing a private dinner or not? If it's private, they use either La Uva or Arrecife and from what I've heard/seen they both offer the same atmosphere.

 

 

@ Natalie - Yes, I am bringing CDs and I would highly recommend this! The quality/selection of music at most resorts in the DR is pretty subpar. Now if the DJ has done lots of weddings and has CDs left over from past brides, it may not be problem...but you're still not guaranteed to like that music then. I will be bringing several CDs with me for our reception (3 hours worth). I hate paying for a DJ at all frankly but the sound system is just as expensive and I don't want any guests/myself being responsible for chaging out CDs, etc. You could also use an iPod if you prefer because the DJ jas a docking station, too...I'm bring both just incase , lol.

 

As for the prices of add-ons, I do have the price list at home (I'm currently at work...sshh! lol) so I can post that later unless someone else does before I get to it!

 

@ Jerzshortstuff - don't worry, I don't think she'll forget about any of us. Bring copies of any emails you sent to her though!!

 

They can definitely put 10 people in one table...I was told that we can basically pick any configuration (number of people per table) that we want, head table/no head table, etc. basically everything, including upgrades, can get planned once you're down there. However, if you're more particular about somethings (like time of dinner perhaps), you may wanna send her off an email confirming the time. I was also told that Carolina will print out place settings for the guests. For timing of the dinner and party, for my group, it was a bit easier because we privatized the restaurant and when you do this, you get the restaurant for the whole evening up until 11 pm so dinner just slides right into the reception. If you end up having a gap in between, maybe go to Hemmingways bar for some cocktails, first?

 

Thanks for the info! My wedding time was set for 2pm but she said its subject to change. Hoping dinner will be closer to 5-6pm. I guess we can always go to one of the bars for drinks before dinner. I figure the beach party (the public one) will be close to the time we finish dinner. I will definitely bring copies of my emails! Do we pay for our ceremony and upgrades by cash or credit card? And if we have a TTD the next day, do we need to let Carolina know before they arrive?

[richarsd]

Oh yeah, almost forgot! Kitty or anyone who wants the price list of "extras" PM me with your email address and I will email it to you!! But to answer the flower centre piece questions, it is $70 USD for each extra centre peice!

[kitty25967]

I just realized that I have the "extras" for 2011 document, but it still isn't very detailed.  It just states "extra" on somethings without pricing.  For example, I would like to upgrade the beach set up for the ceremony but there aren't prices for those "upgrades"...guess I have an email going out to Carolina soon...  For the private reception, I am thinking of just serving wine and then having the open bar at the beach party...I wonder what the extra charge is for serving just wine at dinner....

I wonder if they will work with you at all on the day/night passes for your photographer.  I am going to have to buy 2 passes for the photographer, the videographer, and the DJ, plus one for the pastor and an additional one for the photographer for the next day when we do TTD unless we go off site which I think my photog does that...but that may be an extra charge with the photog...soooo much to think about

 

WEDDING DAY:

· Extra flower decoration at wedding site

· Musical trio: US$ 150. (45 min.)

· Horse & carriage US$ 150

· Bride`s and Groom wedding clothes steamed (with 1 day notice)

· Strawberries covered with chocolate

· We prepare your Jacuzzi with flowers, candles and the type of aroma you prefer. Imagine

you and your beloved watching the sunset... An unforgetable moment! US$ 45.

PRIVATE RECEPTION:

- Rent of the restaurant - exclusivity/apply only for el Bohio restaurant or La Uva, based on

availability, will be reconfirm upon arrival, places and prices subject to change. : US$ 1.000

(from 6:30pm until 12:00 midnight)

- Open bar: US$ 12 per person during 3 hours,

- DJ: US$ 300 during 3 hours

- Live Music US$ 700 during 3 Hours)

- Apply for groups with more than 20 guests.

PRIVATE BEACH PARTY EXTRA SERVICES

- Open bar: US$ 12 per person during 3 hours,

- DJ: US$ 300 during 3 hours

- Live Music US$ 700 during 3 Hours)

- ** Based on availability, prices subject to change.

PRIVATE DINNER ON THE BEACH EXTRA SERVICES

- Dinner on the beach: includes open bar until 12:00 midnight)

- Price per person: US$ 60

- DJ: US$ 300 during 3 hours

- Live Music US$ 700 during 3 Hours)

- Apply for groups with more than 20 guests.

- ** Based on availability, prices subject to change - will be reconfirm upon arrival

- About the menu, please contact your wedding coordinator for more information.

FLOWERS

Bridesmaids Bouquet –US$ 40

Centerpiece flower --- US$ 70

Extra boutonniere --- US$ 10

Corsages – US$ 35

Flower for your Hair --- US$10

AMENITIES

Strawberries with chocolate --- 25 US$ (12 pzs).

Fruit Basket --- 25 US$

Moët Chandon 750 ml --- 10,700.00 RD$

Moët Chandon 375 ml --- 3000.00 RD$

Freixenet, Carta Nevada--- 750 RD$

DAY OR NIGHT PASS FOR GUESTS STAYING IN OTHER RESORT

From 9.00 to 6.00 pm (Day pass) --- 60 US$ Adults / 30 US$ Child (between 5 and 12 years

old)

From 6.00 pm to 2:00 am (Night pass) --- 60 US$ Adults / 30 US$ Child (between 5 and 12

years old)

 

Originally Posted by richarsd 

Oh yeah, almost forgot! Kitty or anyone who wants the price list of "extras" PM me with your email address and I will email it to you!! But to answer the flower centre piece questions, it is $70 USD for each extra centre peice!

[richarsd]

Kitty, are you using the DJ the resort supplies?? If so, there's no pass you need to pay - it's part of the fee. Otherwise, you would have to...just thought I'd clarify just in case.

 

It all adds up quick, eh? Oh one other thing I figured I'd mention as it's not mentioned in the list but although the bridal bouquet is included, if you want orchids in it, you have to pay extra...I have no idea how much. I really like orchids!

[mellibelli]

Caribbeanlover: Our wedding day is April 11, 2011. We are keeping everything low key for the wedding, one of the reasons we decided on the destination wedding. I'm not doing dinner menus, seating cards or even arranging where people sit. I'm confident that Carolina and her crew will make it beautiful so I'm not planning anything ahead and will wait to talk to her when we get there. I do have wedding favors and we have an idea of what we want for a reception. I would stress myself out to much if I was to plan anything ahead of time. I'm just looking forward to have our family and some friends all together to share this time with us.

What kind of reception did you do? I too thought the gazebo looked the nicest. how many guests did you have? Did you get your hair and makeup done there at the resort? Also was your wedding a legal one or renewal of vows? We got legally married Jan 15 but only 6 people know that. 3 of which will be in the dominican, we couldn't tell the my hubby's family b/c his mom would freak but saving $1000, which we can use towards other reception and such. Did you do any centerpieces or table decorations? I just dont think we will have room to bring all that with us and I don't want to stress about it. Both my hubby and I work full time 12hr shifts and wont have time to organize all that plus the hubby isn't much help.

What day do you get to the dominican? We are there from April 7-14(palladium palace) and 14-21(RST). I really can't wait!!

Would love to hear any recommendations or advice regarding the process.

Melissa
 

Originally Posted by caribbeanLover 

Quote:

Originally Posted by richarsd 

Tracy - I know I already told you that you are of course welcome to come see mine. And we really should try and get together for a drink and meet in person while there...I know for sure that the Sunday night (April 10) my entire group basically plans to take over Hemmingways (it`ll be our first night there as a whole group AND our MOH/BMs/GMs plan to do a little bachelor/bachelorette thing for us so sure to be rowdy one!) so if you're looking for something to do that night, there's where you'll likely find me
 

 

Yes we should try but I know it can get very busy trying to meet with most of your guest and try to spend time with each. Are you sure it'd be ok to come hang out on Sunday with you guys?!?! I do not want to intrude!! But that'd be so amazing and fun!!!


 

Originally Posted by mellibelli 

ACarribeanlover: our reception is suppose to be at 4pm and we are thinking the ceremony will be at the gazebo by the beach. Is that where you had you ceremony? I'm getting so excited but still so much to do!

Yes we had our ceremony at the gazebo over looking the ocean. It was perfect with lots of privacy vs the beach ceremony. IMOP it's prettier too.

Sorry when is your big day again!?!?!? What is left to do?!?! you may not need to do it, I realized a lot of the things I did was for nothing cause Carolina already does it!!!

 

Originally Posted by kitty25967 

I'm REALLY confused about the rooms now   Should I have not had guest book in the RST?  We have a Romance Suite booked.  I wish I could do a site visit, but I just don't think it's going to be possible.  I'm extremely stressed about this now.  We have 40 guests coming so I know that we probably end up with some in 'older" rooms, but I just wish I could do the room assignments based on the people I know are easy going and the ones who are picky!  Ugh!   Type A coming out...

 

@Chicago ...were those real touch flowers?  You looked beautiful!

What room catagory did you guest book I can tell you if it's the new section or old 1. I think it's amazing all your guest booked the RST because mine did, so the whole first week we never used the RST which sucked... the royal gourtmet is so good I was sad we missed it the whole first week (our guest booked on the Punta Cana so that is where we would meet at the lobby bar, spend time on the beach, pool, ect..)