LindsayG

Ok, I need some advice. I found 2 dresses online and I'm almost positive one of them will be 'the one'. Here's the problem...they are from the Spring 2008 collection and won't be in stores until December or January! The stores I have spoken with that will be getting them assured me that I could still order it that late and still have it for my July wedding, but I'm scared! Should I order without trying it on? Or push it and wait a month or two? Or just look for something else? Ah, I don't know what to do!! BTW, here are the dresses... Mon Cheri Bridals - Product Details Mon Cheri Bridals - Product Details

I'm getting married in Dominican Republic and then honeymooning in Jamaica as well! We chose Sandals Negril after it came highly recommended from my TA. We booked a suite with a swim up river on our patio and a private butler...I can't wait! Good luck finding your perfect spot! =)

I had a similar situation - but I was REALLY looking forward to dress shopping....until I actually got there. I figured since most dresses that salons have for you to try on are a size 8 or 10, that I would fit in them and really get a feel for how they woudl look on me. WRONG! The size 8's and 10's were way too small, which made me feel fat. The dresses I loved in the magazines looked terrible on me, and my mother and I totally clashed on everything. My solution was this - I went to a nicer bridal salon where I didn't feel that I was getting a sales pitch. The lady who helped me had an intimate knowledge of fabrics, her inventory, designers, everything. I tried on dresses that I thought I wanted, and when they didn't work, she brought me other dresses that were similar to what I thought I wanted, but were more flattering on me. She asked lots of questions and was able to convince me to try on dresses that I HATED on the rack, but I loved once I put them on. Now I have it narrowed down to 2 dresses! So my best suggestion is to find a great bridal shop with an intimate setting and knowledgable staff. To me, that proved to be the biggest factor, and the last time I went shopping, it was actually fun! Good luck, and keep us posted!

Well I did it, the trip is booked and official! We are getting married on July 11, 2008 at 6 pm at the Paradisus Punta Cana. We are leaving the following Monday for a 5 night honeymoon at Sandals in Negril, Jamaica. I am SO excited that we are going to be able to visit 2 different islands on our trip! So now we just need to start our STDs and dress shopping...argh!

Thanks everyone for all your advice! We went ahead and booked to arrive Tuesday afternoon for a Friday night wedding. I'm so excited, we are FINALLY booked!!!

Thanks for all the quick responses! I emailed Laikin (the WC) to see if we needed to come in Tuesday, but I haven't heard back from her, and I have 45 minutes until I meet with the TA!!!! I think I just might book for Tuesday just in case...

So I'm meeting with my travel agent to book my trip this afternoon, and I can't decide on what day to leave. My wedding is Friday July 11th at 6pm. I originally thought we would leave on Wednesday. Mom thinks we need to get there Tuesday to have time to make all the plans with the WC. We aren't doing the legal ceremony there, so residency isn't an issue. If we can't meet the WC until Thursday for a Friday wedding, is that bad? Should I listen to mom and add a night to our trip? Help!!! -Lindsay

I am actually getting married at the Paradisus Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and then heading to Jamaica to honeymoon at Sandals Negril. I initially had my heart set on Sandals Royal Caribbean, but my travel agent suggested Negril, saying that it was much nicer and the level of service was higher. I've also heard that the resort in Montego Bay has a "party" atmosphere, just fyi. We are staying in one of the swim-up river suites, and I can't wait!

We are getting married July 11, 2008 at Paradisus PC, and are planning on leaving the following Monday for a 5-day honeymoon elsewhere. Our big problem now is deciding where to go! Does anyone know of an adults-only resort in DC that is super-luxurious and honeymoon worthy? I've spent so much time researching family-friendly resorts for the wedding, that I haven't even started on honeymoon resorts! And dlou, great to see another Baton Rouge face! =)

Foxy - I have a question for ya about the Paradisus PC...I have been talking to Laikin and she says I am confirmed for July 11 at 6 pm, but I haven't seen a contract or signed anything. Have you? I just hate to start making travel arrangements or send out STDs without knowing for sure that they can't change my date! Thanks!

That is the very same location I want to do my wedding! I think it is beautiful. The boat reception sounds neat! I think our party might be a bit small though...the package I am probably going with includes a 1 hour cocktail/finger food reception followed by buffet dinner. I think they do it at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach, so I hope it turns out nice! How did you find out that the Beach BBQ and Wine Party are on Wednesday and Thursdays? Is there a place to view a schedule of all events? I'm so excited! I feel like I am finally getting somewhere with my planning...and I am so glad that we picked the Paradisus.

Well, after ALL the great advice here, we've decided to go with the Paradisus Punta Cana on July 11, 2008 at 6pm. I was so glad they were able to do an evening time! The WC has me down for that date, but hasnt' told me anything yet about a deposit, etc. We are going with one of the package deals with a few extras, since we are having between 20-30 guests. What are some ideas for a 'rehearsal dinner'? I know there probably won't be a formal rehearsal, so is it worth it to have the dinner? If so, is there usually an extra charge? I can't wait to start making plans now that we have the place/date, and thanks SO MUCH for everyone's input and advice! -Lindsay

So in researching passport info today, I stumbled across this from the CDC - Travelers to rural areas of the Dominican Republic are at risk for malaria, with the highest risk in provinces bordering Haiti. In addition, risk in all areas of La Altagracia Province, including Punta Cana and Bavaro Beach (Permanent October 21, 2005). Travelers to malaria-risk areas in Haiti and Dominican Republic should take chloroquine to prevent malaria. Obviously this has me a bit concerned...I can just imagine sending anti-malaria medication along with my STDs! Anyone heard anything about this?

No, haven't gotten the 2008 prices yet. If you could send that to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Anyone have any input on Paradisus PC versus Melia? I can't decide!!

Great! Keep me posted on what she says! Did you go with a package or do the a la carte? I haven't selected a date or booked yet, so I'm probably jumping the gun...lol. But I think I will probably settle on either the PC or Melia by next week, so I need to start planning!

I copied it and posted on flickr - Paradisus PC Wedding Site on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I think this was from last year, but it's definitely where I would want my ceremony. Maybe if anyone is in touch with the WC there they could inquire about it?

That's odd...in browsing the candid traveller photos on trip advisor, I came across a wedding photo of a large floored pavillion that was decorated for a wedding. I can't get the darned picture to the right size to upload! The poster got married there in 06, so maybe their locations have changed?

Quote: Originally Posted by DestinationBrideApril08 Just got back from the Paradisus Punta Cana after doing a site visit. What a place! We loved it and can't wait for next April! Let me know if anyone is interested in that resort. This is my top choice right now for our wedding in July of next year...what did you think? I think we would choose the garden gazebo for our wedding and not sure about reception sites....did you see/get pics of those? What did you think of the room quality? Thanks so much! -lindsay

Hey everyone! First of all, I am SO glad I found these forums. My fiancee and I are just starting to research resorts in Punta Cana, and it can be very overwhelming! My TA sent me rates today for 3 resorts in PC - the Paradisus PR, Paradisus PC, and the Melia Caribe. The Melia seems to be the most affordable for our guests, so I was wondering if anyone has been there or knows anything about it. The user photos on tripadvisor (love this site) look beautiful, and since it's connected with the Paradisus chain I figure it must be nice. Also, does anyone know if you can bring your own photographer to many of these resorts? I have a close working relationship with a photog. here at home, and would love to bring him to take pictures of our trip and the wedding. Thanks in advance for all responses, and I look forward to being part of this forum! -Lindsay

Hey all! My name is Lindsay, and my fiancee and I (Billy) are in the first stages of planning a wedding in the Dominican Republic for July of next year. I look forward to reading everyone's advice and asking plenty of questions over in the DR forums! -Lindsay