joshfrommontreal

the wording I believe has to be like it is for legal services. Also, the judge and coordinator would have to translate everything again if there were any changes because the ceremony has the judge say everything first and then the coordinator or someone else translates it to english.

I'm at the Elegance again on Friday for 2 weddings. If anyone has any questions or would like to see any photos of anything please post here, or email me at [email protected] and I'll get them to you.

It really all depends on the TA.

I just got some great deals on flights through Westjet.

With the economy so bad right now it definitely is a tough choice.

I think that there are a few things you can talk to him about. One, the cost of a local wedding can potentially be a lot more then a DW. Your head count will most likely go up, which means more people to feed, a bigger venue, etc etc.

There are some ways to cut down on costs. Getting legally married at home will cut down your costs a lot. A lot of people make it very small and informal that way they feel the day at the resort is their actual wedding day.

Also, do as much as you can yourself. There are so many good DIY websites that will help you make all you need.

As was mentioned above, have your reception at a one of the included restaurants instead of having a private reception.

Next just think of the small things that add up and ask yourselves if you truly need them. For instance getting a cake, many of my couples chose not to get one, they think its pointless.

With the economy so bad right now it definitely is a tough choice.

I think that there are a few things you can talk to him about. One, the cost of a local wedding can potentially be a lot more then a DW. Your head count will most likely go up, which means more people to feed, a bigger venue, etc etc.

There are some ways to cut down on costs. Getting legally married at home will cut down your costs a lot. A lot of people make it very small and informal that way they feel the day at the resort is their actual wedding day.

Also, do as much as you can yourself. There are so many good DIY websites that will help you make all you need.

As was mentioned above, have your reception at a one of the included restaurants instead of having a private reception.

Next just think of the small things that add up and ask yourselves if you truly need them. For instance getting a cake, many of my couples chose not to get one, they think its pointless.

You shouldn't have to do any official translating if you are only doing a symbolic ceremony. You will have to show them your canadian certificate but I believe that is all.

What resort are you looking at?

An iPod and dock is perfect for music at the Parrot Bar. But if you do end up switching to the beach you may have to get something more powerful. There is a lot more wind, and of course the ocean sounds to compete with.

Yes it will be cheaper for you to be married in Punta Cana if you get married at city hall beforehand. You will save on translating official documents into spanish and then retranslating etc. Also, most resort wedding packages are cheaper for non-official ceremonies I would think mostly because they then do not have to get a judge to do the ceremony.

The resort will definitely ask you to provide a copy of your Canadian marriage certificate. That you got at City Hall.

Yes it will be cheaper for you to be married in Punta Cana if you get married at city hall beforehand. You will save on translating official documents into spanish and then retranslating etc. Also, most resort wedding packages are cheaper for non-official ceremonies I would think mostly because they then do not have to get a judge to do the ceremony.

The resort will definitely ask you to provide a copy of your Canadian marriage certificate. That you got at City Hall.

I'll try and answer a few questions:

"Is 1pm too early for the ceremony? I am not sure what the weather is like to determine"

There isn't really a 'too early' for the ceremony. Your one consideration is that it is going to be hot and the sun will be very strong at 1pm. If you are having it on the beach then the wind will make it better. The gazebo will be very hot, but its the tropics and everyone should understand that. Also, don't worry about making your guests wait around after the ceremony or anything like that. It gives people time to cool off, take a shower or a dip in the pool/ocean before the reception.

"My Fiance and I really want to have a beach party after dinner, however the prices posted to host an open bar seem unreasonable. Is there a public bar close to the beach that people can use?"

The bar is actually pretty close to the beach party site. It is the bar that is at the steakhouse/sea food restaurant. Its about a 2 minute walk from the beach location. Not as convenient as one right there at the site but not as bad as walking from say the Swim-Up or Parrot Bar to another bar. Also, encourage your guests to bring mugs if you choose this so they don't have to run back and forth as much.

"How kid/teen friendly is the resort? We have quite a few kids from ages 9-14 that will be attending and we want to make sure they have things to do at this resort."

The resort is very teen/kid friendly. There is lots to do, many games etc. Although letting them bring along movies/portable video games etc is definitely a good idea. Night time can be a bit boring for kids especially if they aren't into the show.

Most likely the cheapest time of year will be November.

If anyone has any other questions be sure to let me know. I will be at the Majestic on Friday to shoot 2 weddings next week. I'll try and get an update on the 2010 pricing.

I have compiled a lot of information into one booklet. I will update it with the 2010 prices as soon as I get them. I am going to ask in person next week when they will be out.

You can download the booklet at:

Majestic Colonial Booklet

or if you would like it emailed to you post here, or send me an email at [email protected]

If anyone is interested in an info booklet, you can download one that I made at

Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

If anyone is interested in an info booklet, you can download one that I made at

Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

Great contest!

the bar is definitely close enough to the steakhouse, no need to get the open bar if you are having your dinner there.

Hey Stephanie,

The steak house is great for the meal part of the reception. Not completely private but you are well separated from the others.

A good option for after would be to book the Parrot Bar for the cake cutting and some private dancing. Go there for a couple hours, and then anyone that wants to dance further head off to the disco.

Also, if you're looking for something a bit different, check out the Jellyfish Restaurant. Its off resort, great food, decent prices and unique.

The Jellyfish is a great restaurant, I was there with a wedding group in May '08. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect for a reception.

They didn't have any music, but its a small place so an ipod/dock would work perfectly.

Just wanted to point out again how great Cheap Flights, Airline Tickets, Cheap Airfare & Discount Travel Deals - Kayak.com can be for searching for flights.

yes there are beach receptions, but they do cost extra. Like mentioned above it is about $50 per person plus it costs extra if you would like an open bar.

It's a beautiful resort, I shot there in May, and will be back there for a few weddings next week.