Melia Caribe, Punta Cana - just got back from my cousin's wedding!

[KelandJay81]

I haven't been online for awhile and that's because i have been at my cousin's DW at the Melia Caribe, Punta Cana.

 

It was unreal! This is one of the largest resorts I have ever been to. The food is spectacular (even for a vegetarian). If you want a resort that is kid/family friendly, this is the place to go! They have a pool that is Flintstone themed and filled with activities.

 

I wanted to share her pics with you. She used the photographer from the resort. The photographer took over 400 pics, narrowed it down to 200 to show them and they walked away with 36 - the majority were 5x7's and then there was a few 8x10s and then a huge group photo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/taraottenbrite/

 

Privacy was really important to her, so she was married in the gazebo (vs. the beach). I can see why, the beach was so packed.

 

My cousin said that the resort mailed her a massive binder with all of her options for the reception and ceremony. She picked everything out in advance; however, ended up changing it the day before. The reason was that some of the prices had changed (some went up and some went down). That was her only complaint - more of a warning than a complaint. Everything was so beautiful and the wedding planner, stayed until the middle of dinner to make sure everything was set-up ad going smoothly.

 

I feel like I went there with a very critical eye, because we are planning a DW wedding too, and I can honestly say there was nothing bad to say. If you are getting married there you will be well taken care of!

 

If you want me to ask her anything else, just let me know.

 

Cheers,

 

Kel

 

Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Jan 12, 2012

 

 

[xviex]

Omg this is so great to hear! i am getting married there 4.16.11 and have been freaked out about all the last minute stuff. Do you know who was her coordinator?

[KelandJay81]

Hey xviex,

I just sent my cousin an email asking for this info and any other tips or hints. I'll write you back as soon as I hear from her.

Cheers,

Kelly

[KelandJay81]

Just heard back! Here is what she says:

 

My coordinator's name who I was dealing with via email was Esterlin. I think she is the head of the department, when you get down there you get one of her staff. I can't remember the women who helped me down there. Esterlin emailed us a package with prices and add-ons. It was very helpful with budgeting. You just have to pick the day and time of the wedding as well as location and everything else can be left for when you gets there.

 

I changed my mind on many things when I saw them in person (including location of the reception and flowers). Also by the time I got down there they had added more options to the menu.

 

I hope this helps a bit.

Cheers,

Kelly

[xviex]

hi!

 

Thanks so much for the quick response! i have heard that she is really great. The person I am dealing with is not that helpful, or at least doesnt appear to be via email, but i guess she will respond quicker as the wedding gets closer! im so glad i can actually change some things  because i really dont know what anything looks like so its good you dont have to commit right away. My biggest concern is the bar and the pricing on it, the basic one is so limited and for a party of 50 we are spending somehitng close to 3k onthe bar according to the prices they say any who, Thanks so much! if you cousin or you have any pictures of what their decor looks likes can you pls share ?

 

Thanks!

Vaness

[Haychxx]

Hi sorry to post this here but it wont let me start a post..

 

am getting married in November 2011, very excited. Though dont really kow how i go about planing and sorting things I got a email today saying i have a weddign co-ordinater i was wondering if anyone could help where do i start  :s not even had th date confirmed!!!!!  I wanted photo souvenir to do the photography after seeing some beautiful pictures of another bride and when i emailed they said they dont do weddings at the melia caribe? is this becasue of the fee i read about tonight on here? what is the fee? am really disheartened and fed up to the point if i knew about the fee i might of thought twice about getting married their, i want some lovely photos as not all my family can come . again anyone want to share their photos with me please ? i love the trash the dress pics ! what is the fee for and does it still apply am kind of getting stressed panicking about it all.  especially as its cost us alot to go now and now more expense if we dotn want to use their photogrpaher and has anyone actually used their photographer? please feel free to email me with any opinions and suggestions [email protected] thank you i advanced from a very stressy bride to be x 

[jen715c]

Hi Ladies,

I just wanted to say that I just got back from Punta Cana - had my wedding at the Melia also and it was amazing!  My wedding planner was also Esterlin and she was fabulous and very easy to work with.  Also, wanted to let you know that I used Huellas del Caribe photography and they were AWESOME....amazing pictures!!  You can check out my shutterfly site it you'd like to see them...under the Professional Wedding Pictures album!

 

http://jenandjosh1.shutterfly.com

 

I highly recommend both the Melia and the photograher!!!  All of our expectations were met and exceeded!!

Best of luck!!

 

Jen

[FutureMrsG521]

Hi,

 

Jen, your pictures are great! It looks like you had a lot of fun. Congrats! You were a beautiful bride!  I am getting married at the Melia on May 21 at the same beach gazebo and using HDC. So your pics and review definitely helped!

 

Did you do welcome bags for your guests? Plan activities? Rehearsal Dinner? Post-Wedding Brunch? So far we have 40 people booked. Not sure what to do with everyone!