Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe

[JRM426]

As of now I'm using the travel agency/website destinationweddings.com...they were the ones who got me in contact with each hotel's wedding coordinators and was also able to provide us with group rates (which included airport transfers to and/from hotel) for each of the resorts we're interested in. All of our guests will book through them and they have different payment plans available in case a guest can't pay the money upfront. It was just a $50 deposit to start, which counts towards the cost of the airfare and stay. 

 

Just curious, since we were considering Ocean Blue and Majestic Elegance why you ended up choosing Barcelo?

 

Ladies, any other help you need, let me know. 

 

Thanks. 

[sunny55143]

Barcelo just felt a little more upscale than Ocean Blue and ME.  Both were very nice resorts, and we actually stayed at an Ocean resort in Riviera Maya last February.  They both look like great resorts for vacations, but we wanted a nicer place for people to stay for our wedding.  Plus, we liked the wedding venue options at Barcelo more than what the other 2 had to offer.  At this point though, we are still trying to finalize the dates so who knows, we may end up at one of those other resorts!

Oh, also, the WC at ME said they don't have any availability for April or May either!

 

Thanks for the info on the TA - I'll definitely check them out!

[Eva1love]

Hey Sunny... as of right now we are waiting on confirmation that our date is available... then we'll give our deposit and take it from there. 

I did email her back in June... but now that this will hopefully be the resort I'll contact her soon after we confirm. 

 

The one I am working with is not... I got her contact info from another bride in this forum - Francys  

She had me contact her TA Sue and I couldn't be happier... 

 

happy planning! 

 

[nrbc919]

Hello, I am also interested in Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe for our 2013 wedding, but I have not found much info on it and no brides. If anyone has info please share and whatever info I get I will share as well. I emailed the resort and a WC emailed me back the packages and pricing for extra people

[trivera5521]

Does anyone have any info on who the resort uses for photography and what their vendor fees are for using an outside photographer? We are doing site visit in 3 weeks and this is by far the most reasonably priced resort for us and our guests and I love the pictures. For those who have already had their weddings here can you provide some insight...how was the food? Reception? We are looking at the Strawberry Passion package and wanted to know if the 3 hour receptions that are included in the packages buffet style, plated or fixed menus? Also just curious what you ladies did for music? Our particular package includes decorated wedding location, soooo what did you spend on decorations for the reception area?

 

I know I am asking for alot but puuhlease help us brides that are still trying to narrow it down. I will def post pictures and a full review upon my return!

[sunny55143]

trivera,

 

The resort photographer is Tropical Pictures.  They have a studio within the resort, so when you go on your site visit, you should make sure to stop and look at their portfolio.  Unfortunately, the Barcelo does not allow outside photographers - you must use Tropical Pictures.  The only exception is that if you bring your own down and they are a guest at the hotel.  We were not super crazy about TP and are in the process of figuring out a photographer to bring down with us.

 

We also did a site visit in September, right after we got engaged, and Barcelo was by far our favorite resort.  I believe the 3 hour reception can be buffet or plated.  Our package includes the DJ so we are planning on giving him a list and bringing an iPod as a backup.  Barcelo also forces you to them for decorations only.  You can bring your printed stuff like table cards and escort cards but I think everything else they do.  It sorta sucks that they are so strict about this stuff but we still liked them the best.  Hopefully you meet with Marlene when you are there, she was super sweet and knowledgeable.  Email communication afterward is is a little spotty but she does a pretty good job of answering your questions.

 

Hope that helps!

[nrbc919]

Sunny55143, u say ur package includes a DJ and I'm interested in knowing which package that is because I like their Tangerine Sunset package and I don't see any package including DJ? Did u work out a deal with them? And as far as decorations we can't bring stuff like centerpieces?

[sunny55143]

Sorry, I was mistaken - we are paying extra for the DJ.  It's been so long since we did the invoice, I forgot what was included and what we are paying extra for.

 

You can probably ask Marlene, or whichever WC you are working with, if you can bring your own centerpieces but we were fine having them do all the decorations since it was included in the package and it's less that we have to bring down.  I still don't even have an idea of what I want and am not set on anything so this arrangement works for us.  I doubt they would say no to you bringing your own, especially if it's included in your package since it's not taking money away from them.

[mbrady117]

Hi Ladies,

 

I am actually getting married there this June. I did go and stay at the hotel before we picked our location. Just an FYI if you are going to visit sites, many wedding coordinators only do visits Monday-Friday. We made the mistake of going on a weekend and had some trouble getting past entry gates.

 

Marlene is very helpful, I email her constantly with a million questions. I do agree she takes some time to get back to you, but I think its just because Island time makes people more laid back. She has good ideas and insight on what is possible and would look good. As far as centerpieces and flowers, I would send her photos of what you want to confirm the florist can do them.

 

All the packages to my understanding are sit down and pretty limited on what you can choose. Unless you are a vegetarian or allergic will they amend your menu.

 

The photographers looked good to me when I went through their books. Also keep in mind everyone has cameras with them so you will have more pictures than you can think. The DJ I am still working out, I believe they have a few DJ's they use. But it is a good idea to bring an ipod and a list of what you want in case they flop. That seems to be my biggest concern.

 

On a side note, Do any of you ladies know a good site for wedding shoes? Finding a shoe that works for the beach and solid ground is getting pretty hard. With my dress fittings rapidly approaching I'm concerned.

[mbrady117]

Hi Ladies,

 

I am getting married at Barcelo Bavaro this June. I went to the location and stayed for a few days and was very happy with everything. Marlene was great and very helpful. We are doing the Tangerine Package and I email her with a million questions. She always gets back to me with all the answer but a little slower, I think that's just Island time and how they work.

 

The menus I believe are all sit down and are pretty limited unless you have a vegetarian or allergy to what the main course is. That is the only real draw back and I am still working on that.

The photographers looked good when I looked at their work. I think that's pretty much not an issue, they do it all the time and you can look through books and tell them what kind of pictures you want.

The DJ's they use I am not too sure about but bringing a Ipod and music list is a good idea.I am working out those details currently since we are finalizing a lot of details.

Your flowers and bouquets, you can send Marlene pictures of things you like and she can confirm if they can be done.

 

Do you girls know any good show sites? I need a shoe that I can wear on the sand and solid ground. Trying to not have issues with shoe changes and the alterations of my dress.

 

Hope I was helpful and thanks for any help.