Paradisus Punta Cana Planning - Help!!

[Lisawool]

Hey!!!

 

I am getting married at the Paradisus in Punta Cana in 2014.

 

I am having a hard time trying to figure out costs associated with the wedding outside of the ceremony and wedding package inclusions. We are still undecided on the package... Aqua or Allure.

 

Anyone have any input on whether or not it the cake was a hit at the wedding?

 

Below is what I would like but am unsure of the costs:

Boutonnieres and bouquets for the wedding party

Hair and Make-Up for the bridemaids + mothers of the bride and groom

Photographer

Bridal Room

DJ? or is it better to have a playlist recorded before hand?

Is there anyway to have a type of party after the reception? With open bar, music etc?

Suggestions on having the dinner inside or on the beach?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Lisa

[SexyCebuana]

 

Hey!!!

 

I am getting married at the Paradisus in Punta Cana in 2014.

 

I am having a hard time trying to figure out costs associated with the wedding outside of the ceremony and wedding package inclusions. We are still undecided on the package... Aqua or Allure.

 

Anyone have any input on whether or not it the cake was a hit at the wedding?

 

Below is what I would like but am unsure of the costs:

Boutonnieres and bouquets for the wedding party

Hair and Make-Up for the bridemaids + mothers of the bride and groom

Photographer

Bridal Room

DJ? or is it better to have a playlist recorded before hand?

Is there anyway to have a type of party after the reception? With open bar, music etc?

Suggestions on having the dinner inside or on the beach?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Lisa

 

Hi again Lisa,

 

We went with the Aqua package...allure was a bit out of our price range. The cake was awesome, we added a third tier and alternated chocolate and vanilla! If you ask your wedding planner, they can send you a list of costs for all of the things mentioned and also ask for the wedding calcluator. It really helps to give you an idea of what things are going to cost!

My hair and make up were included in the package, the girl from the spa was fantastic!! I think it was around $100USD each for my mom and aunt to get hair and make up done. I also recommend the bridal suite, they provide snacks and mimosas We ended up hiring the DJ, I didn't want to worry about someone manning the ipod or speaker system. The DJ was great, the sound quality was alright but at least they had lights so it made it more fun!

After the reception, you can always hit up the lobby lounge where there is dancing and drinks. Or hit up the Red lounge which is the disco. We had so much fun at both of those places!!!

 

Joseen

[Lisawool]

Thanks Joseen! 

 

That is great to know! We have opted for the Aqua package as well. I received the additional cost listing, however didnt receive the cost calculator. I will have to go back and ask for it.

 

How did it go between the ceremony and the reception (cocktail)? Did you part take in that, that is that when you did pictures?

How many people did you have, and do you suggest adding a 3rd tier? Everyone I talk to, (who didnt get married there lol) say not to worry about it, the cake doesnt get eaten anyways,. Thoughts?

 

Now, I am all excite So nice to talk to someone who has gone through it in the same month, just a year apart.

[kseniad]

Hey. Congratulations on your Big Day. I am sure it is going to be a time of your life.

 

We had our wedding in Paradisus Punta Cana in June 2013. Best time ever!!!

 

Here is my thoughts on it:

 

1) We had the Aqua Package with some add ons. We had the ceremony and cocktails on the beach and reception at the pool side. It worked out great.

 

Ceremony Space

 

 

Reception

 

 

 

2.) Cake was ok, but I would not say it was something special.  We did care much about the cake so did pay any extra for it. We just added some real flowers for decoration from our centerpieces for free. I do not regret it. 

 

 

3.) I brought my own flowers for Centerpieces and Bouquet. I really wanted Peonies and the resort quote was totally unreasonable. We had a florist from Santo Domingo Delivered it to the resort on a day of the wedding. Saved a lot of money by doing so.

 

 

 

4) I had My hair  and makeup included in a package. Everyone else were responsible for their own hair. I know that salon charged about $100 extra per person. I went for a trail a day before for extra $100 which was a great idea. I did not like my hair at first, but then we were able to make it work after some time. So on a day of the wedding I just came to the salon and had it done with no stress whatsoever. Was very happy

 

 

5.) We have used a photographer from the resort to avoid any external vendor fees (Which was around $1000). We were little scared in the begging and felt like we had no choice. But after seeing the final work we were relieved. They did such an amazing job. We were extremely happy. 

 

6.) Did not use the bridal room as our own room was right in front of the ceremony space. Just send my groom to change in his parents room. Do not regret doing so

 

7.) We hired a DJ provided by the resort. I prepared a list and CD of ALL the songs for the reception in order that I wanted it. Everything went great and guests had a blast.

 

8.) We had an open bar. I feel it was a must for the wedding. Even though groom and I did not drink, our guests really liked it and had fun 

 

9.) We had dinner on a pool side and it was perfect. It was not windy at all but very pleasant. DO NOT HAVE RECEPTION ON THE BEACH. We have seen many weddings there and it was so windy that everything was flying, plus it got chilly at night (June 1) plus I've heard that they have sand flees that come out at night and bite. I've heard horror stories about it.  

 

Let me know if you have any other questions. Would be happy to help

[SexyCebuana]

Thanks Joseen! 

 

That is great to know! We have opted for the Aqua package as well. I received the additional cost listing, however didnt receive the cost calculator. I will have to go back and ask for it.

 

How did it go between the ceremony and the reception (cocktail)? Did you part take in that, that is that when you did pictures?

How many people did you have, and do you suggest adding a 3rd tier? Everyone I talk to, (who didnt get married there lol) say not to worry about it, the cake doesnt get eaten anyways,. Thoughts?

 

Now, I am all excite So nice to talk to someone who has gone through it in the same month, just a year apart.

We had our ceremony at the romance foyer and then the cocktail hour was in the lobby area in front of the ballroom. We didn't partake in the cocktail hour since  we were taking pictures on the grounds on the resort and at the beach. My mom insisted on a 3rd tier so she paid for it. I wouldn't have gotten it, but if definitely got eaten!!! 

 

Let me know if you have any other questions!