Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe

Yluv16 · June 9, 2015

Hey fellow bbpd brides! I just wanted some feedback from others going through the wedding planning process

My fiancée and I are checking in July 14 for our wedding July 16. My coordinator Elizabeth and I have pretty much solidifiedmost of the details BUT the rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks. Has anyone paid the extra charge to have the rehearsal dinner in a private location? I was going to have it in one of the a la carte restaurants but apparently you can't make a reservation for more than 12 guests;we have 30....any way to by pass this? How about having all the guests meet there and getting various tables?

Has anyone done welcome drinks? If so, where?

ssoliman422 · June 9, 2015

Hello! My wedding planner said i could have up to 20 people at the rehearsal dinner that we are hosting in the steakhouse. Any party bigger than 20 people we would have to book a private dinner with a perperson cost as well as a prefixed menu. Luckily I'm not having more than 20 guests at my rehearsal dinner, only my wedding party as well as both immediate family. The only advice i can maybe give is to pick a restaurant and tell your guests to make a reservation the same time at the time they check in and then maybe ask that the tables be next to each other. Even then I'm not sure that would work. Ask your wc.

As for the welcome drinks... I made a wedding website with an itinerary of the time leading up to the wedding as well as wedding plans so all the guests know whats going on and where the party is lol. My fiance and I are looking into the bars at the resort and are going to pick a bar we like and telling our guests to meet at a time. We are getting a bit aggravated that everytime we want to do something with our guests we have to pay an extra charge so we are trying to get around it lol.

Happy Planning!

Reign14 · June 9, 2015

Hi ladies -

TWO MONTHS!! But, I was just wondering if anyone knows if you have to pay an outside vendor fee to use Pastor York as your officiant?

Thanks!!

I was told there is no fee to use Pastor York. But it looks like you got married last week so you likely know this already! Hope it went well and please share a review if you can.

Hey fellow bbpd brides! I just wanted some feedback from others going through the wedding planning process

My fiancée and I are checking in July 14 for our wedding July 16. My coordinator Elizabeth and I have pretty much solidifiedmost of the details BUT the rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks. Has anyone paid the extra charge to have the rehearsal dinner in a private location? I was going to have it in one of the a la carte restaurants but apparently you can't make a reservation for more than 12 guests;we have 30....any way to by pass this? How about having all the guests meet there and getting various tables?

Has anyone done welcome drinks? If so, where?

My plan is to make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant where they have hibachi style tables. If there is a reservation limit I will also tell my wedding party o make their own reservation, and then ask to be seated together. Seems like the Japanese restaurant is ideal for large parties because the tables already accommodate big groups.

The Sports bar and Hoyo 19 (near the golf course) seem to also be places that may be able to accommodate large groups. Although the Sports bar is VERY casual. Hoyo 19 is a much nicer dinner spot.

Also, Bar Carey seems to be the ideal spot for a welcome reception.

kvilagi · June 11, 2015

Hi ladies!

We just got back from our wedding vacation on Saturday, and I have to say, it was the best vacation ever!! The resort was gorgeous, always clean, and so fun for a large group. We spent most of our days at the pool, beach, or playing volleyball in the sand! We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch - I thought the buffet was good and had a great selection! Some guests thought that the buffet food was a little bland, but I thought that it tasted fine! We had a few dinner reservations throughout the week. We found that as our group made reservations, it was easiest to always book 10 people and then invite/shift dinners for whoever wanted to eat at that restaurant that night. We had a group of 35 people, so a lot of times family ate together, friends ate together and some nights we would all coordinate to eat as one big group. My favorite restaurant was the steakhouse - get the ribeye! It was so delicious! The seafood restaurant and hibachi restaurant are both recommended. I enjoyed both of these - the food and atmosphere were great! The italian restaurant was not my favorite - nor a favorite of any of my guests! We had a few friends eat at the mexican restaurant - some loved it, some hated it. On our last night we went to La Brisa on the adult side to eat - the restaurant itself is gorgeous and the food was delicious! We spend a lot of nights at Strikers (the sports bar) and the disco. Strikers is buffet style food and is available at all time of the day/night, which was convenient for late night snacks. Casinos really are not my thing - but all of the boys had a good time there! Tips go a long way - just a few dollars while getting a drink or left in your room will go a long way. Although communication was a barrier, everyone was friendly and eager to accommodate you!

On to the wedding events...

Night before - We had a cocktail party the evening before the wedding. We selected our appetizers for this event - and all of the guests LOVED them. I know the favorites were a shrimp avocado salad and crab claws! Everyone said that the appetizers at the cocktail party were delicious! It was decorated so well and coordinated with my wedding colors. They had rum punch with pineapple and umbrellas - so cute! They also brought a speaker and we hooked up a friends phone to play music during this event!

Wedding Day! - On the wedding day - I went to the buffet for breakfast with my parents and girlfriends - we then went to the spa for a pedicure and our hair! The pedicure was the best I ever had! She spent so much time with me and was super friendly. My hair turned out gorgeous - I know my bridesmaids were not thrilled with theirs, but unless you bring a picture, communication can be difficult when describing what you want. We then got ready in the bridal suite! It was nice to sit, eat lunch, get ready, and have some champagne with my girls! They do not bring you lunch to the bridal suite, just snacks, but my mom went to the buffet and brought pizza over for us! Matt spent the day playing volleyball and swimming before he got ready! The boys do not have a grooms suite, so they just got ready in our room together - which worked out well.

The photographer (we had Micaela) came at 4 to the bridal suite to take getting ready pictures - and at 5, Elizabeth picked myself, bridesmaids, and our moms up to go to the ceremony. FYI Elizabeth is AMAZING!!! She really listens to all our emails and makes this day so beautiful and special. I loved her! We chose mostly white as our ceremony colors - we had a pale coral in the glass water vases lining the aisle. We also brought sunglasses and had them sitting on all the guest chairs! It was the perfect touch - and guests loved it! We used Pastor York - who was also amazing! We had several guests tell us how wonderful Pastor York was! I would recommend him to anyone! He was sentimental and funny at the same time! We did not have to pay an outside vendor fee for Pastor York to come in. After the ceremony - we had a cocktail party with pre-selected appetizers. These were also good! They had rum punch and the guests enjoyed having a few drinks after sitting in the heat! Micaela took pictures of the group, family, and then Matt and I left to take our own pictures. Do not be afraid to ask for certain pictures, she is very willing to do whatever you like! With that being said, TRUST HER! She took the most incredible photos for us! Seriously, the best!!!!!!

After Matt and I were done with pictures, we all took the private train/trolley (decorated with balloons) to Bar Higuey for our reception. For those of you who chose this as your reception spot - prepare to be awed! Pictures do not do this location justice. It was breathtaking. The standard centerpiece that comes with Tangerine Package is gorgeous - and after seeing it in person, I am glad I did not upgrade. The white ceiling draping, table set-ups, and flower display is amazing! Bar Higuey surpassed what I was ever thinking and I am so grateful to have had our reception there! Right off the bat you do the first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance. Then my dad gave a pre-dinner toast! Food was awesome - best we had all week. We chose the ceased salad with chicken, steak parisian coffee, and luke warm chocolate fondant (chocolate lava cake). We also had one child and they gave her chicken fingers/french fries (which we requested). They print a menu for you - so you do not have to worry about that! We also brought thank you flat cards and koozies for each guest. We had vanilla with strawberry filling as our wedding cake - again, amazing! I was not disappointed by a single food item at our reception. We had the DJ and MC package - well worth it! He coordinates the first dances, speeches, and announces the last song. It was nice not having a guest be responsible for this! Music was great - we had an absolute blast dancing the night away! We did not extend our reception - however, if it wasn't so hot, we might have! Bar Higuey is not air conditioned and does not have fans. That was the only semi-downside of this location. However, I wouldn't change a thing about picking Bar Higuey, heat and all! After the reception was over - the train/trolley took us back to the lobby and guests met at Strikers to watch the end of the Cavs game!

Overall, amazing! The resort was wonderful - everyone loved it! Elizabeth is wonderful! Micaela is wonderful! Pastor York is wonderful! I know how hard it was planning a wedding and not seeing anything - but please do not stress. It all comes together so well and becomes the most beautiful wedding you've ever seen!

If I could offer any words of advice….I would not choose the gazebo as a ceremony location - it is right in between the two main pools and there are tons of guests that watch/are loud during your ceremony! I would pick a wedding time later in the afternoon - ours was at 5, and although hot, was much better than 12 or 1. Choose Bar Higuey! You will not be disappointed by the location at all! Relax and enjoy your wedding day! Do not worry over the details - they handle everything for you and it ends up being amazing! I did not look at or organize anything the day of the wedding - Elizabeth took care of everything for me! Also, don't be afraid to send pictures of what you like! I sent bouquet and cake pictures and they both turned out fabulous!

If/when I figure out how to add pictures, I will!

Feel free to ask any questions! I'm sure I missed details you would love to know about

Happy Planning,

Mrs. Reedy :)

FutureMrsHoffman · June 15, 2015

Hi ladies!! I am starting the planning for my December 2016 wedding. We stayed at this resort in December 2012, which is definitely an advantage since I know where everyothing is and what everything looks like, for the most part... But I still have a million questions!! Lol

Did anyone get married on the beach?We are planning a beach wedding and a reception at Bar Higuey. I am confident with the reception site but haven't heard a lot about the beach ceremony site. (I am not referring to the gazebo) Unfortunately, I don't remember seeing a beach wedding while I was there. Is it private? I don't want a million photobombers in our pictures. Any feedback on that?

For the cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception at Bar Huguey- where do people have that??

For a private welcome reception- where did everyone host these? Did anyone use the rooftop area next to the spa? I fell in love with this spot when we visited. I loved the look and feel so I am thinking that I definitely want to do a cocktail party here.

What kind of music do the musicians play during the ceremony? Can you request specific songs?

Did anyone do a group excursion? What did you do? How much did it cost?

Thanks!!

-Patty

Edited June 15, 2015 by FutureMrsHoffman

AddyB · June 15, 2015

@@FutureMrsHoffman I'll be getting married on the beach this coming July! I'm leaving in exactly two weeks from today and I can't wait! I don't think a beach ceremony is completely private. Laura said she'll take me to go check out the site once I land. I'm completely nervous because I have no idea how things will be but I keep reading that everything will be taken care of. I can only hope. I'll give you some feedback and post pictures once I get back

Happy planning!

BNeff · June 16, 2015

Has anyone priced out a dinner cruise? If we have to pay for a dinner we were looking at pricing that out for rehearsal dinner but I've not had any response back for it. I'm working with Margari and things have gone smooth. I'm 45 days out and pretty much done with everything but I was never really stressed about things since we're keeping it simple.

Tequila00 · June 19, 2015

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Danielle & plan to marry at Bavaro Beach Resort in June of 2016. I'm excited to be on the way to placing a deposit on the date.

I did a site visit from May 26th-31st. I truly loved this place. I checked out a few of the ceremony locations, unfortunately I didn't get to see the one I will probably be using! The beach is a bit crowded and the beach gazebo is in the middle of the family resort, essentially in the middle of a pool party. It's just a hop from the swim up bar, so any afternoon weddings will include your guests and dozens of onlookers. The dock was nice, but water sports will still go on during the ceremony. I'm looking for something a big more private so I'll probably opt for the garden. I'm sad I didn't get to see it!

Anyway, right now I'm emailing with Laura. She suggested bar Higuey for the reception. I love that idea.

I'm super excited but half stricken with guilt because of the social unrest in the country. I was searching for large properties within a certain price point for my guests and this place is perfect.

Congrats !

Wedding Day! - On the wedding day - I went to the buffet for breakfast with my parents and girlfriends - we then went to the spa for a pedicure and our hair! The pedicure was the best I ever had! She spent so much time with me and was super friendly. My hair turned out gorgeous - I know my bridesmaids were not thrilled with theirs, but unless you bring a picture, communication can be difficult when describing what you want. We then got ready in the bridal suite! It was nice to sit, eat lunch, get ready, and have some champagne with my girls! They do not bring you lunch to the bridal suite, just snacks, but my mom went to the buffet and brought pizza over for us! Matt spent the day playing volleyball and swimming before he got ready! The boys do not have a grooms suite, so they just got ready in our room together - which worked out well.

The photographer (we had Micaela) came at 4 to the bridal suite to take getting ready pictures - and at 5, Elizabeth picked myself, bridesmaids, and our moms up to go to the ceremony. FYI Elizabeth is AMAZING!!! She really listens to all our emails and makes this day so beautiful and special. I loved her! We chose mostly white as our ceremony colors - we had a pale coral in the glass water vases lining the aisle. We also brought sunglasses and had them sitting on all the guest chairs! It was the perfect touch - and guests loved it! We used Pastor York - who was also amazing! We had several guests tell us how wonderful Pastor York was! I would recommend him to anyone! He was sentimental and funny at the same time! We did not have to pay an outside vendor fee for Pastor York to come in. After the ceremony - we had a cocktail party with pre-selected appetizers. These were also good! They had rum punch and the guests enjoyed having a few drinks after sitting in the heat! Micaela took pictures of the group, family, and then Matt and I left to take our own pictures. Do not be afraid to ask for certain pictures, she is very willing to do whatever you like! With that being said, TRUST HER! She took the most incredible photos for us! Seriously, the best!!!!!!

After Matt and I were done with pictures, we all took the private train/trolley (decorated with balloons) to Bar Higuey for our reception. For those of you who chose this as your reception spot - prepare to be awed! Pictures do not do this location justice. It was breathtaking. The standard centerpiece that comes with Tangerine Package is gorgeous - and after seeing it in person, I am glad I did not upgrade. The white ceiling draping, table set-ups, and flower display is amazing! Bar Higuey surpassed what I was ever thinking and I am so grateful to have had our reception there! Right off the bat you do the first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance. Then my dad gave a pre-dinner toast! Food was awesome - best we had all week. We chose the ceased salad with chicken, steak parisian coffee, and luke warm chocolate fondant (chocolate lava cake). We also had one child and they gave her chicken fingers/french fries (which we requested). They print a menu for you - so you do not have to worry about that! We also brought thank you flat cards and koozies for each guest. We had vanilla with strawberry filling as our wedding cake - again, amazing! I was not disappointed by a single food item at our reception. We had the DJ and MC package - well worth it! He coordinates the first dances, speeches, and announces the last song. It was nice not having a guest be responsible for this! Music was great - we had an absolute blast dancing the night away! We did not extend our reception - however, if it wasn't so hot, we might have! Bar Higuey is not air conditioned and does not have fans. That was the only semi-downside of this location. However, I wouldn't change a thing about picking Bar Higuey, heat and all! After the reception was over - the train/trolley took us back to the lobby and guests met at Strikers to watch the end of the Cavs game!

Edited June 19, 2015 by Tequila00

JJCB0418 · July 6, 2015

Hi Ladies! I got married 2 months ago and am finally getting around to writing my review. Overall, it was an incredible time and you really shouldn't worry about a thing. I don't even know where to start, so sorry if this seems a bit unorganized and super lengthy, but I want to give as much detail as I can!

Welcome Bags/Meeting Points:

We had a large group of 85 family and friends all arriving and leaving on different days/times, so handing out our welcome bags (beach bags with flip flops, playing cards, and a ziplock bag with band aids, advil, sunblock, hand wipes and hand sanitizer) was not easy. We got there on Wednesday along with a handful of others and somehow just managed to bump into most people as we walked around so we tried to carry a few bags around with us during the day. We sent out a little memo 2 weeks prior and it said that we would be in the lobby at 5pm everyday to greet people - we did this the first 2 days and then my family kept telling me to leave it alone, that people would find us. Everyone pretty much met in the same area by the main pool during the day and then by the theater at night. We had an "agenda" that included ping pong, card, and pool tourneys, but ended up not even going by it so we stopped handing it out pretty much by the end of Thursday. Most people just wanted to lay out by the pool and several groups planned their own excursions. There were several people we only saw at night after dinner, so it was nice that they really got to enjoy their vacation. If you have a smaller group I'm sure it'll be easier to organize everyone.

Dinner Reservations:

I'd recommend making reservations for each night as soon as you get there, especially for large groups. With our large group we made a few reservations at a restaurant and just hoped we'd be seated near each other (for instance we'd reqeust reservations for 2, 4 and 6 a the steak house on one night) so we had 3 different reservations at the same time and they ended up seating us all together whenever we did this. A lot of the restaurants didn't have availability for larger groups so it was tough getting people together, but as long as everyone had a reservation it was fine. My favorite was the steak house and the Italian place. When we went for the site visit in September we also got to try the Japanese place which was okay.

Accommodations:

We stood on the family side since the rooms are a bit nicer and it's closer to all the restaurants, plus most of our group was on that side as well. We booked the Suite Ocean Front Club Premium room (previously called Club Premium Master Suite Ocean View). We booked this thinking we'd be upgraded to the Grand Suite when we checked in but that didn't happen. The room was amazing! We had 2 bathrooms, a large living room, a hot tub on the balcony and in the master bathroom. We certainly didn't spend enough time in the room to enjoy it all, but it was very nice and perfect for the girls to get ready in!

Wedding Meeting:

Elizabeth was our planner and we couldn't be happier with her! Earlier on in the planning she didn't respond to emails as quickly as I'd like, but read other people's postings and felt better about it. About a month before the wedding she was in constant communication with me regarding details. My meeting with her was Thursday morning and she saw how anxious I was and calmed me down and told me that I have nothing to worry about. Her calmness just really put me at ease. We went over all the details (flowers, cake, decor, order of the bridal party, etc) and decided at that time to add the crazy hour dancers - which was definitely a great decision.

Photo/Video:

During our meeting with Elizabeth, Micaela from Tropical Pictures came to go over our photo/video package and what pics we wanted taken. We got a smaller package - the bronze package (bride getting ready pics, ceremony and group shots) because my cousin and his girlfirend were our photographers but we didn't want to pay an extra $1,000 for the "outside vendor fee." We got the Star Video package and requested that instead of video of group shots that they use that time as additional reception coverage instead. They agreed, but we still have video coverage of us taking group shots and he left the reception during dinner - I'm not sure what time it was though. Anyway, Micaela gave a list of different group photos (group shot of bride's side of family, group shot of groom's side of family, full group, friends shot, and then different parent/bridal party pics). I would suggest thinking about photos you want taken prior to the meeting. I didn't know she'd be there with a list and once I saw it I was like "great, they have everything covered" but there were some photos I would have liked that I didn't think of until after the day. Like I don't have a photo with the two of us and both sets of parents (strange it wasn't even on their list) or a pic with the groom and ringbearer.

Takaway:

So, if I were able to do it again I would have made a list in advance and given it to them. I also would have asked the videographer to stay longer when he told me he was leaving - he didn't get the cutting of the cake (which was hysterical), the crazy hour dancers or any of us dancing. It all went so quickly that I don't even remember what songs were played so it would have been nice to have video of it. At least we have lots of photos from our guests!

The morning of our departure (Monday) we went to Tropical Pictures to review/choose our photos. We really didn’t have much time to think about it since our shuttle was picking us up to get to the airport, so there was a lot of pressure and I wasn’t able to see what pics my cousin took at that point. I think if we would have left Tuesday we wouldn’t have felt so stressed about it. With that said, we ended up purchasing all of the pics. The video was mailed to us about 2 weeks later. It wasn’t the best wedding video I’ve ever seen, but it was good and captured the ceremony which was the most important part for me. I really wish they didn’t leave before we were done with dinner so we could have captured some of the fun – I honestly can’t recall songs that were played because it all went so quickly, so to have video would have been nice….but I know everyone had a great time and just about everyone was on the dance floor the entire time.

Friday - Rehearsal Dinner:

They provided a rehearsal dinner for up to 20 people - we paid $25/person for adults and $12/child after the 20 people. Since we had so many people, we had a set menu (salmon - and we let them know of anyone who didn't eat fish and would have the beef) and were in a private banquet room. It was set up nicely and everything went smoothly and on time.

After dinner we pre-planned a night out at Imagine - a club about 10 minutes from the resort. We had 55 people with us so had a private bus and they sectioned off a private room/bar for our group. Everyone had an amazing time - even the above 50 crowd!

The Big Day - Getting Ready:

I made appointments at the spa for my 4 bridesmaids and my mom. There were 4 other weddings that day so the salon was very busy and I was very nervous about everyone being done in time. They have books with pictures so if you aren't sure what you want you can use that for inspiration. One of my bridesmaids hair took about 25 minutes and looked great. Another bridesmaid's and my mom's hair took way too long, and left very little time for my sister and the last bridesmaid. They managed to get it done, but they didn't get the hairstyle they actually wanted. My make up came out great and my hair came out okay. I had a picture from pinterest, but it didn't really look anything like it and some pieces in the back kept falling out so the girls kept repinning it for me. Otherwise, the ladies in the spa are lovely. (oh and my husband and I received the couples massage with our package along with a facial for me and that was simply amazing…and much needed).

Elizabeth said we could get ready in the bridal suite at the salon, but I passed on it. I actually preferred to get ready in my room so I wouldn't feel nervous about forgetting anything in the room and we just had more space in my room for everyone.

Our appointments started at 1pm (with my manicure) and the photographer/videographer was scheduled to be in my room at 3:30. I got back to the room a little after 3:30 in a panic thinking I was going to be late, but the photographer assured me that we had plenty of time until Elizabeth would pick us up right before 5pm. Two of my bridesmaids got back to my room before I did so they let the photographer/videographer in so they could prop them for pics. Once I got back they took some additional photos…it was weird that they asked me to act like I was putting on lip gloss even though all my make up was already done – so the video looks kind of funny because I didn’t touch the gloss to my lips! Haha The getting ready pics came out great though!

Ceremony:

Elizabeth picked us up a little after 5. She told us the guys were late getting ready so they were the hold up. I’m glad it wasn’t me and my girls! She drove us over to the ceremony location (chill out rooftop above the spa) and I had to wait near the elevator. It was another few minutes of waiting, which confused me but later out that my husband and the best man forgot the rings in the room so one of the groomsmen had to run back to get them! Elizabeth did a good job of keeping this from me so I wouldn’t get upset. Once everyone had their seats and we were all ready she put everyone in order and told them when to walk….which helped since we didn’t have a rehearsal. We had music playing from our iPad instead of getting the trio to perform for the ceremony. She asked if we had anyone to play the music for us, but ended up having her colleague do it instead which was nice. We asked that the trio play during pics, but I never saw them, unless they came when we did couple shots on the beach, which I doubt – but it really wasn’t a big deal to me.

My grandfather-in-law performed the ceremony and everything went smoothly and fairly quick. After the ceremony we walked back up the aisle and the photographer took a few shots and everyone received a glass of champagne. We didn’t actually do a toast because everyone was walking around and taking pics. The photographer and videographer did group shots on the rooftop and then took the two of us to the beach to do pics at the pier – which was getting cleaned up from another ceremony that just took place. The pictures came out great and we got just enough sunlight for them. She was in communication with Elizabeth while taking pictures so knew when we had to finish to go to the reception.

Reception:

We met Elizabeth at the main lobby with the rest of the group where the trolley was waiting. I thought it was weird that they didn’t take everyone over there first and then come back or have a separate trolley that left after for us and the bridal party. We were all taken to Bar Higuey together and we just stood right outside of the entrance as everyone got to their seats. The MC spoke to us as people were finding their seats to make sure he had the order of the bridal party and the first songs correct. After the parents/bridal party entrances we did our first dance as soon as we got to the floor and then immediately did the mother/daughter and mother/son dances, which was nice to get them out of the way before dinner was served. We had the ceasar salad and for the main dish had the options of fish or beef tenderloin (we had to mark people’s seating cards with their selection in advance to avoid the additional fee for having more than one option). I had the beef and really enjoyed it and my husband had the fish….I ate off of his side of parmesan cheese risotto – so delicious! The crème brulee was also very good. I didn’t hear any complaints about the food, other than it took a while for it to come out but that’s because people were changing their meals (annoying!) and they can’t come out with the next dish until everyone is done with the prior dish. The MC told our best man and MOH when it was time for speeches. I wish they would have done it more during the main dish as opposed to the end of dinner to save time, but at the time I really wasn’t thinking about time or anything. Once the toasts were done, we were told it was time to cut the cake. My husband tried to get some in my face, but I managed to dodge it! I was so excited and celebrating my victory when all of a sudden I have cake all over my face. Everything happened so quickly, but I was told my little brother picked the piece of cake up that I dodged and put it in my face and then my hubby smeared it around. Then he gave me the chance to put some in his face, so of course I did! What I didn’t notice or hear about until after was that one of my sister’s went into big sis defense mode and took a piece of cake from the bottom tier and threw it in my brother’s face! It’s something I really wish was caught on video, because I didn’t see it! Haha Someone came up to me immediately after and asked if I was okay and not to be upset, that it was all in fun – I was honestly not upset at all…it was a fun time.

After the cake my sister/MOH was about to take me to the bathroom to get cleaned up, but Elizabeth said that the Crazy Hour dancers were on their way in so I needed to stay put. My sisters helped clean me up with some napkins and I wasn’t even thinking much about it anyway. We selected the samba dancers and they came in with a man on stilts as well as some breakdancers. They really surprised everyone and was a great way to get the real party started and have everyone on the dance floors. They gave out masks, balloons and noise makers so the dancing part of the reception really didn’t feel like a wedding reception, it felt more like a night out at the club. I didn’t feel like the crazy hour dancers were there for a full hour, but everything moves so quickly that day I could never really know. The MC told me when there was 20 minutes left and asked if there were any particular songs I wanted to hear. I really was shocked when he told me 20 minutes….I almost wanted to cry because I didn’t want it to end! After the last song he told everyone to continue the party at Disco Bavaro. Me and my husband went back to our room to change our clothes….some others did the same and then we went to the disco. Some of our party was there but others either went back to their room, the casino or Strikers. But it was still nice to continue the party a little.

Oh I almost forgot décor: we choose to keep the centerpiece that came with the package, but my mom wasn’t the biggest fan so I told her she can bring whatever she wanted to make it better. She had these gel things to put in the bowls instead of the rocks. Elizabeth also added tea light candles around it for no extra fee. I think Elizabeth put the gel things in too soon before the reception so it didn’t come out the way my mom expected, but I honestly didn’t even look at them until I saw pictures later.

Monday:

Elizabeth was off on Sunday so we met in her office to pick up our stuff the morning we left. We gave her all of the tips at this time – she had a wedding that day so was able to give the rest of the staff their envelopes (if the best man didn’t remember rings there was no way he’d remember to tip the staff, plus I felt more comfortable doing it myself).

In hindsight, there are things I would have done differently (list of pictures, reserved seats at the ceremony for immediate family that should be in front, have speeches done during main course, etc) but it really was an incredible day and months later I still have weekly dreams about it. Elizabeth and the staff do a fantastic job and have everything covered.

Let me know if you have any questions!