EXCELLENCE Resort Punta Cana - New thread started April 2010

[Diva]

way random question, but were any of you former brides disappointed by the "quality" of the beach? I hear that it is not that pretty since it is the Atlantic and not the Caribbean Sea...

 

I DO want to see the crystal blue water and white sand I experienced on past trips to the Caribbean. If not at the resort, can we at least find it near?

 

Thanks

[Dolcenotte12]

I think that Excellence's beach is the most gorgeous beach of all my travels in the caribbean. It idoes not have white sand, more like golden in color. It is not calm water, there are aqua waves crashing to shore which may mix the sand around a bit in the water, making the shoreline look a bit murky at times. This beach has never had any seaweed, shells, or sea life any of the times I've been there. It's weird and I don't know its a good thing nature wise, but its great for pictures!! Depending on the time of day, the water will look bright turquoise or duller in color if the clouds are obscuring the sun. The beach is expansive and stretches for miles, making it less crowded and less likely to have strangers in your pics and in general when you are enjoying your trip. I've seen some brides from other resorts have people in the background that were not a part of the wedding. I don't know if that is the photographer's fault or if the beach is just packed. I think the beach is pristine and its surrounded by miles palm groves, making it look picture perfect. The fact that there is not another resort in sight makes it feel all the more private and special.

[Diva]

Thanks Dolce!!! You make it sound so wonderful I AM SO READY TO GO!!!

[mdb]

Diva, 

There weren't too many days that the water was calm but, it is amazing when it is. Attached is a pic I took on a calm day.  You won't be disappointed!  I don't have blue water for my wedding pictures because the sun wasn't out but my photographer said it was better that way because we weren't squinting ..  Also, there are less peepers watching the wedding.

[Dolcenotte12]

Nice shots mdb!! If I didn't tell you, congrats on your wedding!!! I have a few nice shots as well. This is the ceremony area and sometimes the beach looks like this.

And this is the same area as seen from the walkway

As you see, the beach is gorgeous!!!

[Diva]

BEAUTIFUL PICS!! I wish I had a fast forward button, come on 5 months!

[fmichelle]

Hey ladies! Hope the planning is going well for everyone. Any suggestions on how to get those guests who seem to be dragging their feet to book their flights? I know I'm seven months out, but I really want to start planning/buying things that are guest dependent and I feel like I'm at a standstill.  I've let everyone know that the 2011 rates are going up the end of October (although now it looks like it's sometime in November on Excellence's own website) but so far we've only got our families booked.

 

On a positive note, a friend of mine who happens to be an amazing wedding photographer has decided not only to attend my wedding, but shoot it as well!  She's done destination weddings in the past and she does a ton of shoots on the beach (we live in Southern California) so I know my photos will be beautiful.  If anyone is getting married around my date (April 25th) and is still looking for an awesome photographer, let me know or contact her directly through her website (you can also check out her work) at http://jessicaconroy.com/ or http://jessicaconroyblog.com/.

[Showtime1111]

Hey fmichelle

How many have you invited ? Seriously this is about you, people who want to come will be there.

I have the same concern. When did you send the invites ? Don't stress who doesn't commit..committ who does..

[fmichelle]

Hey Showtime,

 

We've invited about 40 or so.  We knew going in to it that we NEEDED our families there and anyone else who came would be a bonus, but after going through this forum and seeing how many people others have booked, it's kind of depressing.  We aren't doing formal invitations, which may be part of the problem.  We created a website on mywedding.com and sent our save the date through there then sent a follow-up email about a rates and how to get the best prices.  Do you think we should send a more formal "invite" from the website requesting people to RSVP?  I'm not stressing, afterall, if more than 20 book, we'll have to pay more for the cocktails and reception   When did you send invites? How many do you have booked?

[mdb]

 I would send a more formal invite, even if it is one that you make yourself.  On that, I'd put an rsvp date and have them send you their confirmation number.  This way you will be able to order chair sashes and other items that you will need an exact count on.  Just my thought. : )