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

[MilitaryMrs.s-to be]

Wow!!! Awesome review!!! Very detailed, I love it!!! I hope you enjoyed your "weddingmoon"!!!!

 

Did you use the spa at all?

[Nonnie]

We stood for the sand ceremony, pics to come.

 

the sand ceremony happened very quickly that I did not notice any trouble "herding" people back to their seats

 

I used the spa for my hair, that was all. The prices are quite high in my opinion, but I managed to have them just style my hair (no cut, no wash) and that cost me $80. That is with the 20% discount that brides get the day of the wedding.

[caribbeanLover]

thank you for the info!!

 

Whoa!! thats a lot. I saw a price list for the spa, can't remember where. But the price was like it'd cost me 150$ for style and make-up. Nothing else. no wash no cut.

I really hope it's the same. But from what your saying I think the prices went up!!!

I may re-consider bring/ doing my own make-up but I will not be able to do my hair.. not that talented lol

[sungoddess_08]

I love checking in on this!! I am so excited for all of us! We went to pick out wedding bands today!!

 

I am in the process of deciding between 2 dresses, one straight, long with beading around the top (simple), and the other is short with a beaded top. I am unsure, the short one is SO me, but it's my wedding and I'm not sure if I should skip it and go more wedding-like.

 

We are waiting to hear back from the WC about confirming our date of June 28. I am disspointed to have to do it the day before everyone leaves - but the FI mom is not coming until the 26th (the rest of us arrive the 22nd). So that's the only day we could do it.

 

Has anyone had the renewal of the vows? We want our guests to think it is the real deal, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to pull it off.

 

ALSO - lol sorry...did anyone stay/or going to stay an extra week for their honeymoon? Our TA recommended moving over to the Royal Suites Turquesa? My FI mom will be at the punta cana part for the majority of our honeymoon, but the TA mentioned that she would not be able to come over to that part...but we could go over to her part. Any info on this?

[Nonnie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 Has anyone had the renewal of the vows? We want our guests to think it is the real deal, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to pull it off. ALSO - lol sorry...did anyone stay/or going to stay an extra week for their honeymoon? Our TA recommended moving over to the Royal Suites Turquesa? My FI mom will be at the punta cana part for the majority of our honeymoon, but the TA mentioned that she would not be able to come over to that part...but we could go over to her part. Any info on this?

a realistic renewal of vows was very important to Mark and I, and Carolina really pulled it off! I wouldn't worry about it, it will be so realistic, even you'll be convinced

I ended up staying a 2nd week and spent the last 3 nights in the royal suites. Apparently couples who do stay the 2nd week usually get upgraded for free to the royal suites, but it is sort of "surprise, you're upgraded" rather then something you know in advance. I WOULD NOT recommend paying for the upgrade unless you go for something better then a standard royal suites room. The Romance suite in the Bavaro section were we were for the first week was much better then what we paid $360 for. Yeah, not happy...

As for come and go privileges for your family, I never saw anyone check bands, but the royal suites section is for gold bands only (or silver, the bands turn silver over time from the ocean water, kind of weird).

[beachbum]

Nonnie, thanks for the great review!!! Congrats! do you know if you have a large group, how many people they seat to a table? i am trying to avoid the one large table because i think we;ll have too many guests...I;m trying to encourage the "mingling" within our group.

[Nonnie]

ok, double post sorry But...

 

I have some pictures up on Flickr now. I am going to put more up, for some reason it seems to only let me do a certain number a day or something like that

 

Flickr: Nonnie31's Photostream

 

[Nonnie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbum Nonnie, thanks for the great review!!! Congrats! do you know if you have a large group, how many people they seat to a table? i am trying to avoid the one large table because i think we;ll have too many guests...I;m trying to encourage the "mingling" within our group.

I had 18 people total and Carolina set us up in one long table, which worked perfectly. People mingled at the party after and mingled a lot the week leading up. I don't think she would hold a dinner with over 20 people the same place we had ours, the thatched roof area on the ocean side of La Arrecife was just the perfect size for us.

how many people do you have?

[caribbeanLover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 I love checking in on this!! I am so excited for all of us! We went to pick out wedding bands today!! I am in the process of deciding between 2 dresses, one straight, long with beading around the top (simple), and the other is short with a beaded top. I am unsure, the short one is SO me, but it's my wedding and I'm not sure if I should skip it and go more wedding-like. We are waiting to hear back from the WC about confirming our date of June 28. I am disspointed to have to do it the day before everyone leaves - but the FI mom is not coming until the 26th (the rest of us arrive the 22nd). So that's the only day we could do it. Has anyone had the renewal of the vows? We want our guests to think it is the real deal, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to pull it off. ALSO - lol sorry...did anyone stay/or going to stay an extra week for their honeymoon? Our TA recommended moving over to the Royal Suites Turquesa? My FI mom will be at the punta cana part for the majority of our honeymoon, but the TA mentioned that she would not be able to come over to that part...but we could go over to her part. Any info on this?

I say go for the dress that feels like you. If not you may regret it. It's your wedding and I think you should feel comfortable. Not feel like you had to buy a dress because it was 'wedding' what is 'wedding' anyway! After all we all clearly feel the same about traditional weddings since we're having a DW.
So go for the one that is you!
Can't wait to see the one you picked, better post pics lol

I am sorry you didn't get the date you really wanted. At least your getting married and everyone will be there!! That's most important.

We booked 1 week at the royal suites (Deluxe suite) But I am going back and forth (not even sure if it is possible) but I'd really like to do another week. Even if that meant to go on one of the other sides (since it's cheaper) I don't know yet, I will call the tour operator and see if even possible first.
But like noonie said maybe you'll get the free upgrade for the second week.
No other guest staying at any other palladium resort is allowed on the royal section. I am a member of the Palladium addicts and I am positive they are not allowed.
I made sure my mother and MOH and BM's would be allowed to enter my room the wedding day to help me get ready, I was told it'd be ok but they would not be served at any of the royal bars or restaurants. I'll order room service for a snack before the wedding. I know I'll be hungry lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbum Nonnie, thanks for the great review!!! Congrats! do you know if you have a large group, how many people they seat to a table? i am trying to avoid the one large table because i think we;ll have too many guests...I;m trying to encourage the "mingling" within our group.

I am like you I want different tables for the guest, not 1 big table. Carolina will ask you would you prefer in your meeting before the wedding, and just let her know what you like/want. I will do the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nonnie ok, double post sorry But... I have some pictures up on Flickr now. I am going to put more up, for some reason it seems to only let me do a certain number a day or something like that Flickr: Nonnie31's Photostream

I love your pictures. You guys look so happy, and the ocean as the backround is just amazing. Good job for the photographer.
Your dress is very nice. You looked very pretty on your wedding day!!
Congrates again!!!

[beachbum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nonnie I had 18 people total and Carolina set us up in one long table, which worked perfectly. People mingled at the party after and mingled a lot the week leading up. I don't think she would hold a dinner with over 20 people the same place we had ours, the thatched roof area on the ocean side of La Arrecife was just the perfect size for us. how many people do you have?

I have 34 total. The reason I'm asking is I'm trying to figure out how many tables I'm buying centerpieces for, since I don't want the long table. I wanted to confirm that it's 8 to a table and the tables are long, not round. How are the buffet restaurants set up? ours will be held at El Bohio.