Paradisus Punta Cana payment

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by TishaJules 

 

That is exactly what I did!! I created a seperate email account just for the wedding and my maid of honor goes in and organizes the emails that come in.  Because my fiance is HORRIBLE at checing the emails, but wants to know everything, the important emails will go into the wedding binder.

 

As for the Photographer as a guest...I really need to have an big conversation with my WC and my Destination Wedding Coordinator because they both said as long as my friends are guests at my wedding, they can't take pics.  Who are they to say my guests can't take pics! This is really concerning me.  Pictures last a lifetime! My marriage is for a lifetime!

 

And that's exactly what I heard from the other bride. She said because they have this policy, they are aware people try to get around it by booking their photographer as a guest, but they did not want anyone taking pics- so she ended up with none. For that I'd rather pay the $1,000 fee! I mean, kudos to anyone who can get away with that trick- it is slightly cheaper- but not by much. When you book a room the guest has to stay a minimum of 3 nights- so you pay that price. If you subtract that from the $1,000 fee- you have saved maybe a few hundred- which is substantial- but not enough in my mind to deal with someone saying the person can't take the pics, tacking on the fee anyway, and being stuck paying both. 

[TishaJules]

Originally Posted by EVKnowsitall 

 

 

And that's exactly what I heard from the other bride. She said because they have this policy, they are aware people try to get around it by booking their photographer as a guest, but they did not want anyone taking pics- so she ended up with none. For that I'd rather pay the $1,000 fee! I mean, kudos to anyone who can get away with that trick- it is slightly cheaper- but not by much. When you book a room the guest has to stay a minimum of 3 nights- so you pay that price. If you subtract that from the $1,000 fee- you have saved maybe a few hundred- which is substantial- but not enough in my mind to deal with someone saying the person can't take the pics, tacking on the fee anyway, and being stuck paying both. 

I think right now, I'm more upset and being forced to use a photographer.  I think I would rather pay the fee.  I'm already spending thousands already!!! But I"m not happy about it..... LOL.

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by TishaJules 

 

I think right now, I'm more upset and being forced to use a photographer.  I think I would rather pay the fee.  I'm already spending thousands already!!! But I"m not happy about it..... LOL.

Haha yea. It's like a kid being told what to do. I was stuck between Paradisus and Majestic and was pushing towards Majestic because of the fee but when we used the wedding calculator from Paradisus and compared it to the same things we would purchase at Majestic- apples to oranges Paradisus was only $1,000 more- and it was because of the silly fee. So i figured- we will just pay it bc we were more enamored with the Paradisus Property. I'm Paradisus Palma Real though- where is the Paradisus Punta Cana? I thought they were neighboring resorts right next to each other.

[TishaJules]

Originally Posted by EVKnowsitall 

 

Haha yea. It's like a kid being told what to do. I was stuck between Paradisus and Majestic and was pushing towards Majestic because of the fee but when we used the wedding calculator from Paradisus and compared it to the same things we would purchase at Majestic- apples to oranges Paradisus was only $1,000 more- and it was because of the silly fee. So i figured- we will just pay it bc we were more enamored with the Paradisus Property. I'm Paradisus Palma Real though- where is the Paradisus Punta Cana? I thought they were neighboring resorts right next to each other.

I will have to look at the map, But I too believed they were neighboring? I loved the Paradisus Palma Real, but they were a tad bit more expensive and I found the property at the Punta Cana just as beautiful...not the same, but beautiful still. 

Okay, so I ran to my coordinator and I got some feedback.  Here are the questions and answers. Her answers are in red.  Hope this helps everyone on the forum.

 

So....a) I reading some wedding forums, there were other vendors you used to use.  Are there any other vendor or is Arrecife the only Photography vendor to choose? Arrecife has an exclusive contract with Paradisus Resorts and is the only approved vendor. Why is the fee $1,0000 to use an outside photographer? There is a fee because of the exclusivity agreement, in order for the Resort to break this agreement the outside vendor (in this case photographer) would be expected to pay the $1000 fee – not the couple. 

 

What if choose a vendor that I seen listed in the forums that you maybe have used in the past? Arrecife is the only photographer you may use without the fee being imposed.

 

c) is that a fee...or a deposit? It is a fee.

 

d) I have read in the forums that my guests cannot even take picutures of my wedding. Please say that isn't true. This is not true, your guests are more than welcome to take pictures, the problem I see with too many people trying to take pictures – when you hire a professional – is that say for example he is trying to get a perfect shot of you and your new husband, and so are 3 other guests, it may mess up the picture because you both will not know where to look and when you are paying for a service you want to make sure your shots come out nothing short of perfection,  but yes, your guests are allowed to take their own photos, of course.   I've read that guests have been forced to put away their camera's during the wedding and reception. I have never heard this, would you mind linking me to this so that we can make sure it is addressed properly? I would hate for Brides to be misinformed.

 

I have friends that are not professional photographers, but will be paying alot of money to attend my wedding and honestly, why can't I have them take our wedding pictures. You most certainly can J  It won't be professional....but I would rather it be personal than being forced to use a photographer that I"m not happy with AND I think it's horrible to make any guest put away their camera and not take pictures.

[maridr2012]

The Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana are NOT right next to each other, they're about 15 min away from each other.  We visited back in Dec. 2011 to do site inspections, and went to Melia (who owns the Paradisus properties), Now Larimar, Ocean Sands & Blue, Paradisus Punta Cana, and Paradisus Palma Real.    The PPR and Melia are right next to each other on a huge property.  The Melia was nice, I wasnt crazy about the food, and night life was blah.  The PPR was gorgeous..but for my personal taste, I found it a bit formal and alot of Europeans when I visited.  When I compare it to PPC, aesthetically the PPR is def prettier, but I liked the more casual vibe of PPC.  We ended up picking PPC for that reason, and the biggest factor was budget of course, lol.  PPR was more expensive.

[maridr2012]

I ordered just a very few things from Carribbean Celebrations:  The 3D aisle runner which is $75, white chinese lanterns $350, and a fresh towel station (basically its just little fresh white cool/wet towels in a basket with ribbon tied around each scented with fragrance like lavender, etc) - since our ceremony will be outdoors and guys always seem to get really hot n sweaty outdoors especially since they'll be wearing suits for a good 30 min outdoors, lol.  That is $2.50 each.  Then you have to add 16% to it all.

 

I didnt do more extra decor stuff from Carribbean Celebrations b/c my package already included alot.  I went with the Aqua Package - but am using the decor included in the Fantasy package (white and green) to keep it very simple and a classic romantic feel.  Tisha..beware on the floral arrangements..this is BIG BUCKS.  Have they sent you the link to the photo album you pick everything of? I've listed it below.  This caught me by surprise..I couldnt believe how much they wanted for some of these VERY simple arrangements!   And the killer is, they don't list the price of each of these floral arrangments...you have to ask them for a quote for each one you're interested in.  Very frustrating.  I really wanted flowers, I didnt want to do candles as centerpieces b/c my reception will be indoors (if it'd been outdoors candles wouldve been gorgeous, indoors I felt needed flowers).  And of course..I must think I'm rich and refused to do carnations.  So everything I wanted was super expensive.  Here's a tip, if you get a floral centerpiece, try to stay away from orchids as they're the most expensive.  Carnations and roses are the least expensive.  I ended up choosing a centerpiece that has roses, some hydrangeas, and a few carnations..and I emphasized to them...only a FEW carnations, haha.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/romancebyparadisuspuntacana

 

 

Originally Posted by TishaJules 

Yes! it was in the same email as the invoice.  That $1000 jack up was just in Taxes!! ARGHHHHH. LOL.  I guess I will be going way above my budgeted price because there are just some things we cannot skimp on! LOL.  

Did you order seperate decorations from Carribbean Celebrations?  Extra's? 

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by TishaJules 

 

I will have to look at the map, But I too believed they were neighboring? I loved the Paradisus Palma Real, but they were a tad bit more expensive and I found the property at the Punta Cana just as beautiful...not the same, but beautiful still. 

Okay, so I ran to my coordinator and I got some feedback.  Here are the questions and answers. Her answers are in red.  Hope this helps everyone on the forum.

 

So....a) I reading some wedding forums, there were other vendors you used to use.  Are there any other vendor or is Arrecife the only Photography vendor to choose? Arrecife has an exclusive contract with Paradisus Resorts and is the only approved vendor. Why is the fee $1,0000 to use an outside photographer? There is a fee because of the exclusivity agreement, in order for the Resort to break this agreement the outside vendor (in this case photographer) would be expected to pay the $1000 fee – not the couple. 

 

What if choose a vendor that I seen listed in the forums that you maybe have used in the past? Arrecife is the only photographer you may use without the fee being imposed.

 

c) is that a fee...or a deposit? It is a fee.

 

d) I have read in the forums that my guests cannot even take picutures of my wedding. Please say that isn't true. This is not true, your guests are more than welcome to take pictures, the problem I see with too many people trying to take pictures – when you hire a professional – is that say for example he is trying to get a perfect shot of you and your new husband, and so are 3 other guests, it may mess up the picture because you both will not know where to look and when you are paying for a service you want to make sure your shots come out nothing short of perfection,  but yes, your guests are allowed to take their own photos, of course.   I've read that guests have been forced to put away their camera's during the wedding and reception. I have never heard this, would you mind linking me to this so that we can make sure it is addressed properly? I would hate for Brides to be misinformed.

 

I have friends that are not professional photographers, but will be paying alot of money to attend my wedding and honestly, why can't I have them take our wedding pictures. You most certainly can J  It won't be professional....but I would rather it be personal than being forced to use a photographer that I"m not happy with AND I think it's horrible to make any guest put away their camera and not take pictures.

 

Thats all well and fine for them to tell the photographer they should pay the $1,000 fee but guess what- lol the photographer is going to charge the couple that fee so her response is silly in my opinion. The photographer isn't going to say "gee I'd love to pay $1,000 to shoot your wedding" Even my wedding coordinator made it clear we would be responsible for the fee. Introduce me to a photographer who will agree to pay that fee without charging the couple and I will book him...lol

 

As far as the guests- I'm sorry if I confused you. I didn't mean guests couldn't take pictures. I meant that if you hire a photographer and book them as your "guest" and try to get away with them taking pictures by saying they are a friend just taking pictures- thats where you encounter the problem. They aren't going to let someone with a professional camera take pictures at the resort. Friends with iphones and personal cameras- not a problem, but anyone busting out a professional canon camera with lenses etc- yea they will say something.

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by maridr2012 

 

The Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana are NOT right next to each other, they're about 15 min away from each other.  We visited back in Dec. 2011 to do site inspections, and went to Melia (who owns the Paradisus properties), Now Larimar, Ocean Sands & Blue, Paradisus Punta Cana, and Paradisus Palma Real.    The PPR and Melia are right next to each other on a huge property.  The Melia was nice, I wasnt crazy about the food, and night life was blah.  The PPR was gorgeous..but for my personal taste, I found it a bit formal and alot of Europeans when I visited.  When I compare it to PPC, aesthetically the PPR is def prettier, but I liked the more casual vibe of PPC.  We ended up picking PPC for that reason, and the biggest factor was budget of course, lol.  PPR was more expensive.

 

I thought this whole time they were on the same property. I knew they were owned by Melia but I didn't know Melia owned all those other properties. I considered NOW Larimar as well. They have a bowling alley!!!! LOL But I thought it didn't look as luxurious as the Paradisus resorts. I have never even seen pictures of PPC. I'm kind of upset with myself for not researching more. I fell in love with Majestic but they didn't have our dates. I got a calling card and called around and I didn't like the way they handled my inquiry. I believe the girl said I was "being difficult" because I wanted a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and she suggested I get married on a Wednesday. 

 

Anywho- I still considered them. My choices were Now, PPR and Majestic. I mapped out the pros and cons of each. And voila! A choice was made. I researched reviews and was please with the reviews for PPR

 

If you don't mind my asking- what's cheaper about PPC? The wedding packages themselves or the cost of the rooms for guests. I'm kind of kicking myself for picking such an expensive property but its my fiances fault really. It was his favorite. The beauty doesn't even make a difference honestly- because we are getting married off-site in the church and to be honest- every reception pretty much looks similar to me.

 

I just found a location in Mexico I'm in love with. And I'm super kicking myself for that- bc Mexico was our original location and we switched to DR for our family who complained. The complainers? They all backed out.  That's what I get for trying to be considerate. Like my fiance always tells me- think about yourself because no one else will. Shoot- should have listened.

[angelnjewels]

Hello Brides, I had no idea that PPC and PPR were so far apart... Do you think some of my guest can book PPC instead of PPR where the wedding is going to be (hopefully)? Ev I know what you mean about the complainers. We wanted to get married at LE Blanc cancun but are now gong for PPR to accommodate my family. My fiancé really wanted Le blanc bc we had such an amazing time when we went two years ago. Anyway now one of the complainers who I want to choose as the maid of honor, is saying that PPR is way tooooooo expensive. She is also the one who said cancun is out.... We also were thinking of having a wedding in september, October or November but she mentioned that she will not be able to go if it is not during the summer. Everyone else said anytime is ok.... UrGggggg Anyway I also think that the $1000 fee is ridiculous. :eek:

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by angelnjewels 

 

Hello Brides,

I had no idea that PPC and PPR were so far apart... Do you think some of my guest can book PPC instead of PPR where the wedding is going to be (hopefully)?

Ev I know what you mean about the complainers. We wanted to get married at LE Blanc cancun but are now gong for PPR to accommodate my family. My fiancé really wanted Le blanc bc we had such an amazing time when we went two years ago. Anyway now one of the complainers who I want to choose as the maid of honor, is saying that PPR is way tooooooo expensive. She is also the one who said cancun is out.... We also were thinking of having a wedding in september, October or November but she mentioned that she will not be able to go if it is not during the summer. Everyone else said anytime is ok.... UrGggggg

Anyway I also think that the $1000 fee is ridiculous.

See what I mean- We make all these accommodations for everyone else and its OUR weddings! I wish I was more like my fiance and could say "forget everyone else" but I can't! We had our hearts set on Mexico and I just saw a glass chapel called Our Lady of Guadalupe- that if I knew about beforehand, guarantee I would not have moved my wedding to DR. We went with DR bc soooooo many guests said they would absolutely not go to Mexico. And now look- we only have 10 people booked and its looking like we'll be lucky if we get the 24 who are included in the package. I just want to get married because my fiance and I are travel bugs anyway. We can get married and then go see the world without the hassle of everyone else and their complaints lol