Excellence Punta Cana Brides Thread

[Diva]

We are selecting the Gold package but it seems our guestlist is growing over to over the 20 people that are allowed. I notice that it is $45 per person for over 20 people. Has anyone had this issue? I want to make sure the food/service is worth the extra expense. If not, we will step down to a lower package and maybe just plan to eat together at one of the restaurants since everyone will be already paid for. Is that tacky?

[Boston Bride 2009]

It's $45 for the silver package as well for each person over the 20 included. The reason they charge you is that you have a private event with your own waitstaff and set menu. It is absolutely worth having a private reception in my opinion. Just an FYI you can't have a dj or music in any of the restaraunts.

[nbulldog19]

BB-

 

A couple more questions How many people did you have and did you go with a package or just made your own? I would be very curious to see the breakdown of your costs including Pastor york, DJ Mannia and Videographer. Also did you do any excursions or hear of anyone who did anything you would recommend. I am really trying to figure out if doing a package is worth it for us, we originally was going to do the gold package but now I am not too sure. Also what was the timeline for your wedding day? Thanks again-

Nicole

 

I am getting so excited and your pictures are amazing!

__________________

[Boston Bride 2009]

We had 26 ppl

We had the silver package (which I would recommend the package if you do the math it's worth it)

Rick York (I don't think he's a pastor he is a christian missionary) $300

DJ-$750 (2009 rate not sure 2010)

Videographer-$350 (this will probably be more now) plus $20/video plus $80 day pass

We did not do excursions so not sure

My timeline was probably very different than most brides because we had a photographer all day verses what the resort provides.

[nbulldog19]

thank you sooo much Debbie! It really helps me to figure things out

[Diva]

Hello Boston, I emailed you from tripadvisor, once again great advice! So you recommend the silver and not the gold package? Don't you have to pay an additional fee to the resort for an outside photographer?

[Boston Bride 2009]

Well the silver verses gold is really up to you...the gold includes upgraded food and cake. I think it includes a few other things as well (don't remember). I just suggest a package in general. No, there is not a fee for an outside photographer. You do have to buy an $80 day pass if they are not staying at the resort. If you are feeding any of your vendors it counts as a guest just an FYI. We just paid for our two photographers to eat. If the vendor is there for less than an hour you will not need a day pass (i.e. Rick York).

[Boston Bride 2009]

Diva, so glad you joinded this forum. It's very very helpful.

[FutureMrsBeatty]

Hello All - I have been scanning through this thread and it has been so helpful! I am 99.9% sure I am about to be an Excellence bride, so before I commit, does anyone have any hesitations I should know about...speak now or forever hold your peace

 

Thanks!! Lisa

[FutureMrsBeatty]

Hello Excellence Brides - So we are getting ready to lock in for Aug. 7, 2010...woohoo!! I am still new to the forum and trying to figure everything, so don't be suprised if I send you all private messages. But for now, if anyone is comfortable, could you give me an estimate of the actual Excellence costs for your personal ceremony/reception, rehearsal dinner and welcome cocktails. We are trying to realistically budget. THANKS!!! Lisa