Kcole123 Planning Thread - April 17, 2015 - Melia Caribe Tropical

[kcole123]

Thanks my dear. Shipping to Canada is pretty horrible not going to lie about. But I basically didn't shop around too much either. I stuck with Etsy for a lot of the things I wanted.

 

There is a lot I am not going to do. I am not a seating arrangement kind of person and because there will be a small guest count about 30 and the wedding reception is on the La Barcaza I am just going to play it by ear. A lot if OOT bag things I cut out like chap sticks, SPF lotions and small things like that just cause I figured a lot of guests will more than likely bring their own.

I am not doing up those planning thingy's that you hand out at the reception. It's going to be short anyway so why waste the paper and money.

There are certain things I don't mind spending money on though, me looking good for one haha and also the photographer and now I am getting HDC (who is doing my photos) to also do the videography for me too. It would be nice to re-live that day over again once we get back and everything settles.

Hope your planning goes great and can't wait to see your progress as this year passes. I along with lot of other brides will still be sticking around after the wedding is over.

I meant planning thingyy's for the ceremony. I can't even remember what they are called. My brain is racked with wedding information. Lol

[TinkerSofi]

Thanks my dear. Shipping to Canada is pretty horrible not going to lie about. But I basically didn't shop around too much either. I stuck with Etsy for a lot of the things I wanted.

 

There is a lot I am not going to do. I am not a seating arrangement kind of person and because there will be a small guest count about 30 and the wedding reception is on the La Barcaza I am just going to play it by ear. A lot if OOT bag things I cut out like chap sticks, SPF lotions and small things like that just cause I figured a lot of guests will more than likely bring their own.

I am not doing up those planning thingy's that you hand out at the reception. It's going to be short anyway so why waste the paper and money.

There are certain things I don't mind spending money on though, me looking good for one haha and also the photographer and now I am getting HDC (who is doing my photos) to also do the videography for me too. It would be nice to re-live that day over again once we get back and everything settles.

Hope your planning goes great and can't wait to see your progress as this year passes. I along with lot of other brides will still be sticking around after the wedding is over.

I meant planning thingyy's for the ceremony. I can't even remember what they are called. My brain is racked with wedding information. Lol

I ended up cutting a lot of things from our OOT bags. We had sunglasses and about 4 small items for each person. Now we have sunglasses for everyone and sarongs for the ladies and money clips/thin wallets for the men to bring things to the beach. I doubt the budget will allow us for anything else in each bag but I'm ok with that.

 

We're also skipping the programs. The hotel actually provides simple ones included in the fee for our ceremony venue so we'll use that. They're nothing fancy but like you said, it's just a waste of money and paper.

 

We are doing a seating chart however because I think it will be less chaotic. We have almost 50 guests though

 

 

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[kcole123]

@@TinkerSofi,

I agree with you. I don't feel like doing a whole lot of the small things I guess. I figured I wanted to keep it somewhat less formal, that's why I am having a destination wedding to begin with.

 

Oh and I just completed my very first DIY project here at work this morning...shhhhhh I will add it to each of the bags. Very simple, will be used and cheap.

 

I will post pictures later of not the completed because I have to wait on something to come in the mail now because I Just ordered this morning.

 

But question: Did you ever buy anything from Oriental Trading. I went to order something this morning from them and they say they aren't shipping to Canada at this time. Bummer.

[TinkerSofi]

@@TinkerSofi,

I agree with you. I don't feel like doing a whole lot of the small things I guess. I figured I wanted to keep it somewhat less formal, that's why I am having a destination wedding to begin with.

 

Oh and I just completed my very first DIY project here at work this morning...shhhhhh I will add it to each of the bags. Very simple, will be used and cheap.

 

I will post pictures later of not the completed because I have to wait on something to come in the mail now because I Just ordered this morning.

 

But question: Did you ever buy anything from Oriental Trading. I went to order something this morning from them and they say they aren't shipping to Canada at this time. Bummer.

That's very strange because I thought they shipped here. Maybe something happened and they can't right now. I haven't ordered from them but I was kind of window shopping for things haha

 

 

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[kcole123]

Hey Girls,

So I decided to give each of our guests key/card holders to go with their bags and tumblers. I seen this idea floating around on this site and that that it was a great idea. I actually googled the template and the site it brought me to actually sent me to someone's thread on this site. So whoever you are I thank you. I can't remember who's thread it was from.

 

I also purchased online today the plastic card holders. I ordered these from specialistid.com. I purchased 35 of these and they were at $0.49 each. I bought the heavy duty one's that are listed on their page. There are no minimum orders either which is great.

 

Also for the coil rings, I purchased these from Amazon set of 20 black coil rings for $3.11. I ordered 2 sets.

 

As soon as I get these in the mail and put them together, I will take a picture of what they look like assembled and post it for you guys to see.

 

Card Holder Template.ppt

Edited January 21, 2015 by kcole123

[kcole123]

BUDGET AND COSTS

 

Ok girls, so I thought I would do up a little budget of where I am at so far with the wedding. I figured this would help new brides, especially those getting married at Melia, to plan better for what to expect.

 

First off these costs does not include travel and my wedding dress and accessories or anything I am bringing down with me. This is just entirely the expense of the Photographer, Boat, Cocktail Hour, Reception and anything else that is just for down there. I will give you an overall cost of what I guessing I am looking at based on what I have spent so far.

 

Here goes:

 

So our resort comes with a "free" wedding package. This includes very limited things but it's nice to have the basics taken care of that's for sure. I am eligible for the free wedding package because of the room category I have booked. The Free package covers 12 people. Any extras are an additional cost. The price of the free wedding package if you aren't eligible for the free would be $864.00 plus taxes.

 

In order to qualify for the free wedding package you must have at least 5 night booked in a higher category room (Royal Service).

 

This is what the Melia free wedding package includes:

•Symbolic Ceremony*
•White Bouquet for the Bride / White Boutonniere for the Groom
•Recorded Music played during Ceremony
•Domestic sparkling wine for the Toast (up to 3 bottles)
•“Meliá Wedding Package” Cake (for up to 12 In-house guests), two tiers white cake and extra charge will apply to add flowers or décor to it
•“Meliá Wedding Package” Ceremony set-up in one of our breathtaking locations (may include garden, patio or indoor options)
•Dinner reservation in restaurant on the ceremony night (guaranteed up to 12 In-house guests, special requirements or set up are subject to surcharge)
•1 Bottle of domestic sparkling wine in couples room upon arrival
•10% Discount bonus on Wellness Centre Services for the Couple (not including Boutique products)

 

LIke I said free weddings are usually just the basics but because I am having my reception off resort on the La Barcaza, I figured this would be best just because the other packages include Receptions Dinners.

 

So here is what my budget for Punta Cana wedding costs:

 

Photographer - Which I have stated I went with HDC. I am hoping Nathan is on board with the Trash the Dress session. ( I am still trying to convince him. So I have priced it up with that in there anyway.

$3300 - This includes 5 hours of photography and videography, entry onto the resort (which is $1000 - but if I book him for a three night stay the cost would be around $600. If you book for a three night stay then you avoid the $1000 vendor fee.), and Trash the Dress session of 1.5 hours (transportation included if off the resot).

 

26 adults and 3 children confirmed.

 

La Barcaza Reception - I have picked a meal plan with a little of everything so the cost is:

$89/person x 26 adults = $2314

$44.50/kid x 3 = $133.50

$15/adult x 26 = $390.00 (This cost is for open bar)

This cost is for food/booze and the 3 hour boat tour. If there are any add on hours, which I will determine how everyone feels that night, then it's charged by the hour for anything extra.

 

Pastor (I decided not to go with the person the resort provides). I have decided to book Pastor Rick York which I have heard is awesome. = $400.00

 

Coctail Hour = $17.50/person (I went with open bar with 4 hours d'oeuvres) x 29 = $507.50

 

Hair and Makeup = $130.00 (I have booked Krystie Ann - I am getting air brushed makeup and hair updo.

 

Horse and Carriage = (Bring me to ceremony and take myself and Nathan away after for pictures) = $75.00

 

The cake in the package only covers 12 people.

Extra pieces to cover all = $5.00/person x 17 = $85.00

 

Total Cost = $7335.00

 

Like I said this doesn't inlcude the flights, my dress, nathan's suit and any accessories and favors.

I am also not adding on any decor for the ceremony. I am getting married at the Garden Gazebo and I thought that it would be beautiful enough. I am also on a couple other wedding forums on Facebook for Melia, and alot of past brides had said there is no need to purchase any add-ons for the ceremony because they do a set up for you anyway that will turn out beautiful.

 

I also paid for my parent's flights because they couldn't really afford to pay for both.

 

So I am thinking with all of this taken into consideration that my total wedding cost is looking to be around $15, 000.

 

I may end up going a little over budget with the numbers once we get there because of tips and taxes and exchange rates. urgh. But all in all it's not too bad. If I had to have a wedding back home in my home town it would have cost $20,000 plus. This way it's way better because we are also getting a week in the sun and sand.

Edited January 22, 2015 by kcole123

[TinkerSofi]

BUDGET AND COSTS

 

Ok girls, so I thought I would do up a little budget of where I am at so far with the wedding. I figured this would help new brides, especially those getting married at Melia, to plan better for what to expect.

 

First off these costs does not include travel and my wedding dress and accessories or anything I am bringing down with me. This is just entirely the expense of the Photographer, Boat, Cocktail Hour, Reception and anything else that is just for down there. I will give you an overall cost of what I guessing I am looking at based on what I have spent so far.

 

Here goes:

 

So our resort comes with a "free" wedding package. This includes very limited things but it's nice to have the basics taken care of that's for sure. I am eligible for the free wedding package because of the room category I have booked. The Free package covers 12 people. Any extras are an additional cost. The price of the free wedding package if you aren't eligible for the free would be $864.00 plus taxes.

 

In order to qualify for the free wedding package you must have at least 5 night booked in a higher category room (Royal Service).

 

This is what the Melia free wedding package includes:

•Symbolic Ceremony*

•White Bouquet for the Bride / White Boutonniere for the Groom

•Recorded Music played during Ceremony

•Domestic sparkling wine for the Toast (up to 3 bottles)

•“Meliá Wedding Package” Cake (for up to 12 In-house guests), two tiers white cake and extra charge will apply to add flowers or décor to it

•“Meliá Wedding Package” Ceremony set-up in one of our breathtaking locations (may include garden, patio or indoor options)

•Dinner reservation in restaurant on the ceremony night (guaranteed up to 12 In-house guests, special requirements or set up are subject to surcharge)

•1 Bottle of domestic sparkling wine in couples room upon arrival

•10% Discount bonus on Wellness Centre Services for the Couple (not including Boutique products)

 

LIke I said free weddings are usually just the basics but because I am having my reception off resort on the La Barcaza, I figured this would be best just because the other packages include Receptions Dinners.

 

So here is what my budget for Punta Cana wedding costs:

 

Photographer - Which I have stated I went with HDC. I am hoping Nathan is on board with the Trash the Dress session. ( I am still trying to convince him. So I have priced it up with that in there anyway.

$3300 - This includes 5 hours of photography and videography, entry onto the resort (which is $1000 - but if I book him for a three night stay the cost would be around $600. If you book for a three night stay then you avoid the $1000 vendor fee.), and Trash the Dress session of 1.5 hours (transportation included if off the resot).

 

26 adults and 3 children confirmed.

 

La Barcaza Reception - I have picked a meal plan with a little of everything so the cost is:

$89/person x 26 adults = $2314

$44.50/kid x 3 = $133.50

$15/adult x 26 = $390.00 (This cost is for open bar)

This cost is for food/booze and the 3 hour boat tour. If there are any add on hours, which I will determine how everyone feels that night, then it's charged by the hour for anything extra.

 

Pastor (I decided not to go with the person the resort provides). I have decided to book Pastor Rick York which I have heard is awesome. = $400.00

 

Coctail Hour = $17.50/person (I went with open bar with 4 hours d'oeuvres) x 29 = $507.50

 

Hair and Makeup = $130.00 (I have booked Krystie Ann - I am getting air brushed makeup and hair updo.

 

Horse and Carriage = (Bring me to ceremony and take myself and Nathan away after for pictures) = $75.00

 

The cake in the package only covers 12 people.

Extra pieces to cover all = $5.00/person x 17 = $85.00

 

Total Cost = $7335.00

 

Like I said this doesn't inlcude the flights, my dress, nathan's suit and any accessories and favors.

I am also not adding on any decor for the ceremony. I am getting married at the Garden Gazebo and I thought that it would be beautiful enough. I am also on a couple other wedding forums on Facebook for Melia, and alot of past brides had said there is no need to purchase any add-ons for the ceremony because they do a set up for you anyway that will turn out beautiful.

 

I also paid for my parent's flights because they couldn't really afford to pay for both.

 

So I am thinking with all of this taken into consideration that my total wedding cost is looking to be around $15, 000.

 

I may end up going a little over budget with the numbers once we get there because of tips and taxes and exchange rates. urgh. But all in all it's not too bad. If I had to have a wedding back home in my home town it would have cost $20,000 plus. This way it's way better because we are also getting a week in the sun and sand.

this is very helpful! I wish I had found this when trying to decide on a resort. Everything is so confusing, and then you never know if you're getting ripped off or if that's the average cost anywhere. 

[Meandhim]

@@kcole123 That's pretty good... I think when I was looking at my budget I lose almost 2000 in the exchange rate... Yuck! But like you said it would cost way more at home and we get a vacation to a hot sunny place with our loved ones for a week! This will be so helpful for future Melia brides... I wish a past bride at my resort would do this!

 

 

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[kcole123]

I know the exchange rate is going to tack on some more for sure. But I did as best I could with what I know so far. Give or take a few dollars with tips and things like that too. But we are still doing good and considering it's a week down south too. It's still way better in my opinion. Our original budget was $12000 so we aren't too far off.

Once I get the cost from Carribean Celebrations to decorate the boat, which I am still waiting on, I will post that as well. My décor will be very minimal so I am hoping it won't cost too much. I didn't want to make my own centrepieces or bother with bringing them with me as I have enough to carry. My décor is just going to be some lighting, small floral centre pieces, table clothes, and napkins.

I also forgot to mention that La Barcaza is also providing a DJ which is included with that cost for three hours.

[Wafflesmom]

Kristy your budget looks really great! I think you're in really good shape and it looks like everything will look great. So far, I've accounted exchange rates and vendor fees to be the sore point for me. Ours is $800 for outside vendor fees, I can't believe yours is $1000!