2013 Excellence Punta Cana brides!?!?!?

[Terah Henderson]

also, do you all know more about the reception options? places, etc.? I love the reviews I've been seeing but wish I could see more photos! How many people are you all expecting for the ceremony/reception?
 

[Terah Henderson]

also, do you all know more about the reception options? places, etc.? I love the reviews I've been seeing but wish I could see more photos! How many people are you all expecting for the ceremony/reception?
 

[amylouise]

Hi Terah

 

I am not 100% sure about the reception options, Griselda who's my wedding coordinator sent me a few things but nothing major. I know it sounds weird but I haven't really thought about it - I know that I'm having rectangle tables and how I'm going to decorate them but after that, nothing. I haven't even decided whether we'll do it indoor or outdoor!

I think part of the beauty of the destination wedding is you really don't have to worry about anything before you get there. We have literally just told our families, it's up to them to book and look after their travel, we need to buy dress/suit etc and decorations but that's it! I am shocked at how little planning is needed. 

 

I have read lots of threads where brides were worrying but then when they get there, the WC sits you down, has a proper chat about everything, shows you the reception areas and you choose everything in about 30 mins. Done and dusted! The most important thing is choosing the resort. Once that's done you can kind of relax and just dress shop at your leisure. 

 

We will probably have about 40 people join us. We'll probably do a private reception but again I'll discuss all that when I get there.

[amylouise]

Hi Terah

 

I am not 100% sure about the reception options, Griselda who's my wedding coordinator sent me a few things but nothing major. I know it sounds weird but I haven't really thought about it - I know that I'm having rectangle tables and how I'm going to decorate them but after that, nothing. I haven't even decided whether we'll do it indoor or outdoor!

I think part of the beauty of the destination wedding is you really don't have to worry about anything before you get there. We have literally just told our families, it's up to them to book and look after their travel, we need to buy dress/suit etc and decorations but that's it! I am shocked at how little planning is needed. 

 

I have read lots of threads where brides were worrying but then when they get there, the WC sits you down, has a proper chat about everything, shows you the reception areas and you choose everything in about 30 mins. Done and dusted! The most important thing is choosing the resort. Once that's done you can kind of relax and just dress shop at your leisure. 

 

We will probably have about 40 people join us. We'll probably do a private reception but again I'll discuss all that when I get there.

[mrsfraser]

Hi!!! 

I thought I would post to add some insight and maybe ease some wandering minds!!! My husband and I just got back from Excellence Punta Cana on Dec 5th! We had what I am calling a weddingmoon! We had an intimate symbolic ceremony for just the two of us on Nov 30th. It was absolutely amazing. 

 

YOU MADE THE ABSOLUTE BEST CHOICE!!!!!!! AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL RESORT, CARING STAFF, GREAT WEATHER!

 

As you know, you don't receive responses from the resort or wedding coordinator frequently, if ever. But, I can 1000% assure you that you shouldn't worry. Elizabeth the wedding coordinator was notified as soon as we checked in and we had a meeting with her the next day. The meeting was quick but she went through all of the details asking about decor, flowers, photos, dinner, etc. She even gave us a tour of the site. She took our wedding attire the day before the ceremony, had it steamed and returned it wedding day morning. 

 

She spoke English very well. She is such a sweetheart. She made me feel like I was the only person who has ever gotten married there. She made it very special. I would bring extra money to tip her as she is very deserving.

 

Now, as far as photography.....I know we stress our pretty little heads thinking about these photos that become lifelong heirlooms...but need not worry brides! Trust me they know what they are doing and they will exceed all of your expectations. If you would like to check out some pics let me know! I would also bring extra money to tip Arturo because he works his butt off for you. You can also meet with him after the meeting with Elizabeth two days before the wedding. Packages start around $500 and go up to $3000 but he is very willing to work with you to satisfy. His English is pretty good too! You should feel very comfortable. You are in good hands.

 

I did rip my dress before I even made it out of our room.. There is a vent at the base of the jacuzzi tub that got put a nice tear through my tulle skirt. I was sad but Elizabeth took an extra 20 min trying to tack it back. I can't say that it was successful but she gave it a good effort. And just goes to show, no matter how much... or little...you plan for your day, things still go wrong. 

The day after our ceremony, around noon we visited the photo desk where we met with Arturo and reviewed our pictures. He asks for a 50% deposit before he starts printing. We went back to the room to get our money and came back to our fully loaded CD of images. Two days later we had the prints! He was amazing. If you don't have the extra day to spare he will do what he can to get them to you before you leave. 

 

I can't really think of any other tips other than just relax. It will all take care of itself. I know I was searching and searching trying to find more info but trust that this is what they do for a living and they have it down to an art form!! It will all work out. Enjoy the journey. The entire staff at Excellence is there to cater to you and make for a special trip! You will not need or want for a single thing!

 

Oh, and the men are required to wear long pants to dinner!!  But, if long pants are forgotten you can as the front desk to borrow some!

 

OH!!! Lastly, don't forget to put on sunscreen before the ceremony. We had the 11am spot and I was fried afterwards! It even starts to show in some of the pics!!!

Let me know if you have any questions! It was a beautiful ceremony!! 

[mrsfraser]

Hi!!! 

I thought I would post to add some insight and maybe ease some wandering minds!!! My husband and I just got back from Excellence Punta Cana on Dec 5th! We had what I am calling a weddingmoon! We had an intimate symbolic ceremony for just the two of us on Nov 30th. It was absolutely amazing. 

 

YOU MADE THE ABSOLUTE BEST CHOICE!!!!!!! AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL RESORT, CARING STAFF, GREAT WEATHER!

 

As you know, you don't receive responses from the resort or wedding coordinator frequently, if ever. But, I can 1000% assure you that you shouldn't worry. Elizabeth the wedding coordinator was notified as soon as we checked in and we had a meeting with her the next day. The meeting was quick but she went through all of the details asking about decor, flowers, photos, dinner, etc. She even gave us a tour of the site. She took our wedding attire the day before the ceremony, had it steamed and returned it wedding day morning. 

 

She spoke English very well. She is such a sweetheart. She made me feel like I was the only person who has ever gotten married there. She made it very special. I would bring extra money to tip her as she is very deserving.

 

Now, as far as photography.....I know we stress our pretty little heads thinking about these photos that become lifelong heirlooms...but need not worry brides! Trust me they know what they are doing and they will exceed all of your expectations. If you would like to check out some pics let me know! I would also bring extra money to tip Arturo because he works his butt off for you. You can also meet with him after the meeting with Elizabeth two days before the wedding. Packages start around $500 and go up to $3000 but he is very willing to work with you to satisfy. His English is pretty good too! You should feel very comfortable. You are in good hands.

 

I did rip my dress before I even made it out of our room.. There is a vent at the base of the jacuzzi tub that got put a nice tear through my tulle skirt. I was sad but Elizabeth took an extra 20 min trying to tack it back. I can't say that it was successful but she gave it a good effort. And just goes to show, no matter how much... or little...you plan for your day, things still go wrong. 

The day after our ceremony, around noon we visited the photo desk where we met with Arturo and reviewed our pictures. He asks for a 50% deposit before he starts printing. We went back to the room to get our money and came back to our fully loaded CD of images. Two days later we had the prints! He was amazing. If you don't have the extra day to spare he will do what he can to get them to you before you leave. 

 

I can't really think of any other tips other than just relax. It will all take care of itself. I know I was searching and searching trying to find more info but trust that this is what they do for a living and they have it down to an art form!! It will all work out. Enjoy the journey. The entire staff at Excellence is there to cater to you and make for a special trip! You will not need or want for a single thing!

 

Oh, and the men are required to wear long pants to dinner!!  But, if long pants are forgotten you can as the front desk to borrow some!

 

OH!!! Lastly, don't forget to put on sunscreen before the ceremony. We had the 11am spot and I was fried afterwards! It even starts to show in some of the pics!!!

Let me know if you have any questions! It was a beautiful ceremony!! 

[Shaylaj]

Thanks so much for the information Mrsfraser!!!

[Terah Henderson]

thanks so much for the lengthy info! i was getting a bit nervous about resort locations - but this rave review maks me feel good abt this resort. I would love to see a link of your photos. do you by chance have the flower options on hand? i can't pick colors till i know the local flowers.

how is nightlife at excellence? they have a pool bar, right?

 

thanks!!!

[mrsfraser]

Here is the link for our photos!

http://s259.beta.photobucket.com/user/Kfra315/library/Wedded%20Bliss

PW: Fraser

 

I honestly wouldn't even stress about color scheme. Pick a color you love and I am certain they will do their best to match or compliment it. There was a binder of bouquets to choose from depending on your package/season. 

There is nightly entertainment for all vacationers to attend. It was decent. The "club" was fun. They call it the "Disco". That is the only dance club option on the resort. But there is the swim up bar and probably 5 other bars you can hang out at! 

[khunt27]

Mrsfraser - thank you for the GREAT detailed info! We are getting married at Excellence on May 11, 2013 & are super excited! I did a TON of a research before booking at Excellence & ever since people have found out that's where we're getting married, we've only heard AMAZING things!! Definitely makes me feel that we made the right choice Our wedding coordinator is Claribel & she is a little slow to respond to my e-mails, but from what I've heard, they are just very laid back  I haven't had much contact with her since we booked everything in April 2012, but she did say in February 2013 is when I should contact her again via e-mail to work out as many of the details before we arrive. As much of a control freak bride that I am, I have full faith in her! From what I've heard, they easily do 3-5 weddings a day!

 

The only things I've been a little disappointed by is that you cannot bring an outside photographer onto the grounds unless you pay the resort $500 so we are using their photographers which I'm sure they will do an amazing job but we opted to just get 3 hrs of coverage with a CD of all the pictures to take home with us. I plan on doing all the printing on my own when we get home - plus not getting an album is less I have to carry home! My only other complaint is that the DJ is not included in the wedding package. We chose the most expensive package & feel like I'm already paying a lot not to have a DJ. Luckily my parents said they would pay for the DJ for us since we are paying for everythign else ourselves

 

Is anyone making welcome bags for their guests, or did they make them? I'm curious if Excellence hands them out when peiople check in or if they are put in the rooms ahead of time. Also, did they supply you with anything, like bottles of water, to include in the bags?