Pls. HELP!!!! :( Punta Cana or Riviera Maya

[Cocobride17]

Hello Ladies!

 

I am sooo happy I found this website! I got engaged to the love of my life this past May. We are just starting to plan/search for a destination wedding. However, I am having a difficult time deciding where to have it!

 

We want our wedding in August if possible Early August. I was super excited because I thought we had found our place in Punta Cana BUT our date is no longer available and then I hear they have rain/hurrican season in August. Now I am not sure if we should stick with Punta Cana or try Riviera Maya (Mexico)

 

Pls HELP!

Experience from those who married in August?

Punta Cana or Riviera Maya in August?

 

Any feedback would be helpful at this point. I feel like I am wayyy behind in planning and am pushing to get a nice family location for our hopefully August 2012 wedding.

[Moments That Matter]

Congratulations and welcome to the forums!

As for the advice between Punta Cana and Mayan Riviera... for me it comes down to what you want out of the location? Putting aside the weather... because we both get the same weather patterns and that is completely out of your control. The only choice you have there is to pick a time of year that is not in the "rainy season".

Punta Cana and the Mayan Riveria both offer fabulous hotels and beautiful beaches! Punta Cana is more of a mega resort area where you do not really go out and experience the area and venture into "town". The Maya Riviera has the city of Cancun and small towns along the way like Puerto Morelos, Playa cel Carmen, Akumal and Tulum. I would say there is much more to do and see here outside your hotel for your guests. In the end... this is about your wedding!!

Best of luck with all your plans. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about the hotels in the area of the Mayan.

Lincoln

 

[clgriffi7]

That is a really tough decision!  But I agree with Lincoln that you have the same chance for bad weather in either location in August and that Punta Cana will give you great beaches and bigger resorts while the Riviera Maya offers more off of the resort.

 

I am getting married in Mexico and for me one of the main reasons is flight prices from my home airport are cheaper to Mexico than to any other location in the Caribbean.  For my fiance and I that isn't a deciding factor, but we knew we needed to keep prices down for our guests.  Maybe that can help you make your decision.

 

Also I love that the Riviera Maya does offer more to see than just the resort, and we will be taking advantage of that by offering our guests an excursion to see Mayan Ruins & a cenote.

 

However, you obviously had your reasons to look at Punta Cana first.  So, if you are set on an August wedding, then stick with your first instict and just make sure you are okay with their rainy-day back-up locations.  (I had to move my wedding date up a week based on resort availability, which is worth it if you have a particular resort in mind.)

[SweetFire]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum!!  As previously mentioned that is usually the weather pattern for those areas.  However rain can happen on any day, any time of the year so even if you choose to get married in February nothing is guaranteed.  There are lots of beautiful days in August and rainy days in February.   If your date is definitely for August I would consider looking at resorts that have covered gazebos as an alternate option,  but still with beautiful views.  

 

Warmest wishes,

Lori

[Gin Bootles]

wow that is awesome! welcome to the forum! and congrats again!!!

[JPenny]

As PP said, the weather will be similar whether you choose Mayan or Punta Cana. Therefore, you have to decide whats important to you. Generally, Mayan is cheaper than Punta Cana. Punta Cana however is known for its beautiful beaches so if thats what you're looking for it might be worth considering over the Mayan. I was deciding between the two as well. I suggest finding a couple resorts you like in both places and reading lots of reviews. Then based on prices and exactly what you are looking for narrow it down further. Good luck and happy planning!

[JayKay]

Welcome! Good luck with your decision!  And happy planning!