2014 Grand Palladium Punta Cana bride needing feedback

[McBride14]

Hi there, I came across this site a few months ago and finally had the time to come on and write my own thread. It's been hectic, but finally have time to concentrate and focus on the wedding planning!!

 

I'm from Canada and I have the wedding booked for April 2014, I have the photographer booked also with photoshop caribe. I guess I'm looking for past brides that have gotten married here and looking for any kind of info/advice I can get! starting with the photographer, can anyone tell me if they used this company and how they were? I'm a huge photo freak and just want the best pictures I can get (although it won't be hard with the beautiful surroundings)  

 

Here's some of the questions I have: 

 

1.How long is the ceremony? (I am doing civil)

 

2.What's the max length of song can I have to walk down the aisle? (I have 4 girls to walk in before me) and I am planning on doing one song all the way through up until I walk onto to Gazebo/beach (I don't want it to be my time to walk down the aisle and it stops cuz it's over..lol) 

 

3.Gazebo or Beach? I'm so confused with which one I want, I originally wanted beach, but I realized the gazebo is more private and I can wear my AWESOME shoes!!! lol (I've actually bought 3 pairs so far) haha..

I'm basically looking for anyone that has the experience and can tell me their story or even someone that is a future bride and has some opinions that might help...tuff tuff decision...

 

4.Pre-wedding: getting hair and make-up? did you have to book in advance (lots in advance) for the hair salon? and how was it? was anyone dissapointed with what they got done? I'm not very good with hair (so i guess it can't be worse then what I could do, right!) and I don't have anyone in the wedding that's good either. What were the costs for getting hair done? So I can also let my bridesmaids/guests know. Also about the make-up...is it really worth it, I'm not super great at that either and I don't like it on heavy, but I would still want something special done, what were your experiences with make-up? and costs?

 

5.Reception: We are taking the crystal package, but we are thinking of taking the private reception also, we figured since everyone came all that way just for us, we would want something special for them to remember! there is a semi-private dinner included in the crystal package, but then that's it...doesn't feel like a wedding reception you know....we want something where we can still do our first dance, father/daughter dance, throw bouquet/garter, older sisters have to dance by themselves in ugly socks...lol....and just have a great time and dance the night away!! Did anyone do the private reception and didn't think it was worth it? and can I even do all these things at the private reception? What else was included with the private reception?

 

5.DECORATIONS???? What's included in the crystal package for decorations at the ceremony AND at the reception? I've read posts of people that brought their own things, I don't mind bringing some of my own, did people have to bring an extra lugguage? 

 

6.What is the opinion of everyone that is the best restaurant to book the dinner/reception at? 

 

It's hard planning from far and not knowing what to expect!

So, Thank You to anyone who took the time to read my post and answer my questions, very appreciated, Can't wait for the big day!! Woot-Woot!!! 

[kweigl25]

What day are you getting married? I also have my wedding set and am getting married on April 25. We are doing a beach wedding since that's always what I thought of when my fiancee said he wanted to do destination. We are also doing the Crystal package and booked the same photographer you are looking at. I've seen some of his work and liked it. Also on some of the older threads people were talking about them. I'm pretty sure we are also doing a private reception since we are going to have quite a few guests but haven't decided on the restaurant. This way we can have the restaurant until 11:30 to make it more like a reception for a traditional wedding and hire a DJ. I'm bringing someone to do my hair and makeup so I'm not sure about this. I've been told by Carolina that the Civil Service is about 10 minutes in length. Hope this helps.

[jaj1230]

I have a lot of the same questions as you! I am getting married in may 2014. I have not done much on the planning end so this is a great thread for me to follow. I hope people has some good responses on here. We too are using photoshop caribe. I saw some post of people that used them and were happy so hopefully tht works out for us too.

[McBride14]

Awesome!! We're booked for the 23rd!...I'm having such a hard time deciding beach or gazebo...I wanted beach, wasn't even thinking about gazebo at all, until I saw some people's pictures and people in the background in their speedos watching the wedding...lol...kinda ruined the picture you know...so I've started thinking gazebo for more of a private ceremony..It might only be decided once we arrive..lol

I wish I knew what restaurant to book too...and I find it hard to book one set meal for everyone, I have so many picky eaters to think of...I wish everyone had a choice of at least 2 or 3 dishes..it's gonna be tough..

If anyone out there has their opinions about the restaurants...Don't be shy!!!  

As for the photographer...like i said above...with the beautiful surroundings it's hard not to have the perfect pictures!!! So I think we're all ok for that!

Thanks Girls for your help & congrats on the engagements!!  

I hope more people respond to this post too

[eberry]

Hi ladies! Congratulations on your upcoming weddings! I just got married at the Grand Palladium Bavaro in Punta Cana last week, so I'll try to answer your questions.... keep in mind that these are my personal opinions though... I'm sure other brides might suggest other things or have differing opinions! We wanted to do everything on the beach - ceremony, dinner, dance party. They decorate a pergola for the ceremony on the beach and have white chairs with your preferred colour of sashes looking towards the ocean. The ceremony (civil) was at 4 pm and lasted no longer than 15 minutes. Then everyone was taken to the lobby for drinks while we did pictures. We had 50 guests, so an a la carte dinner wasn't really an option because their restaurants are all pretty small. On the beach, there is sort of a deck with trees growing out of it and giant light balls in the trees. It was really romantic and perfect for dinner/speeches/dances, etc. We opted for the Gala Buffet for $42/person. There was a ton of choices for everyone and plenty of food! While the food all week was good, our guests all told us this buffet was the best. My bridesmaids and I had our hair and makeup done at the spa. My only complaint is that they use the same lip gloss wand on everyone, so make sure to bring your own. One thing i liked was that the makeup wasn't super thick or caked on, but it lasted all night. They use MAC makeup. I think hair was about $100 and makeup was $75. I had booked online ahead of time, so we got married10% off the prices I just mentioned. If you're part of the transat imperial club, you get 15% off services you book once you're there. If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way.... I will answer as best as I can. Happy Planning!

[eberry]

I forgot to mention.... the gazebos are not really that private - one is between the buffet and the pool, and another is right by the beach.

[bride14inDR]

Hi there.

i myself have a few questions and so happy i have found this thread!

we are getting married July 2014 and are currently beginning to plan with Carolina.

Do you girls know if all the wedding ceremonies/receptions are held at the same location? we are staying at the Palladium Palace. Would the wedding take place there or at the punta cana or bavaro?

 

Thank you so much eberry. that posting was very helpful as we will be having 50+ guests too. we are currently discussing whether to do the restaurant or the beach reception/party.  Being from an Italian background, we are trying not to "rip off" our guests in respect to food and all. and now knowing that the spread is better with the Gala Buffet, that makes our choice a lot easier. We are the first to do this in our family, so its a little challenging.

 

Who did you choose for a photographer? As for photoshop caribe, other than their website are there any other sites online i can look at to see their work? the other photographer i heard of is carribean emotions? any opinions on that?

 

Thanks in advance for answers to these questions!

[McBride14]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and congrats as a newlywed!!!

Your wedding sounded great..everything on the beach!!!....you gave me a few things to think about...

What was your experience at the hair salon? was everyone super happy with what they got? it's pricey eh!...holy didn't think it was that much for a style..here it's 20 bucks...lol...but it is what it is..I'll definetly get my hair done! Do you happen to have a picture of yourself and your girls with all your updo's?? 

[eberry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBride14 
 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and congrats as a newlywed!!!

Your wedding sounded great..everything on the beach!!!....you gave me a few things to think about...

What was your experience at the hair salon? was everyone super happy with what they got? it's pricey eh!...holy didn't think it was that much for a style..here it's 20 bucks...lol...but it is what it is..I'll definetly get my hair done! Do you happen to have a picture of yourself and your girls with all your updo's?? 

if you want to pm me your email address, i can send you a picture and also the spa pricelist.

[McBride14]

Awesome!! Thanks alot!!