amberdgraham

Quote: Originally Posted by amberdgraham I found the one that I put in my invitation packets at Punta Cana - Dominican Republic They also have a lot of travel info etc on the website that you could put into Word documents or something. If you can't download off their website anymore I'm happy to send the version I have to (I edited out some of the ads and stuff to just leave in the articles.) It's a pdf file around 30 pages! I also have a DR Fact Sheet that has info about traveling in, etc etc that I'm happy to share. [email protected] I've had a bunch of people email me for the "DR Facts" handout I made up, so I figured I would post it here. DR FYI.doc

Quote: Originally Posted by ecox125 Hello Everyone! Hope everyone is doing well with their wedding plans! My fiance and I are getting ready to book our resort for out destination wedding in the DR and are looking at Excellence and Paradisus Punta Cana. I've heard good things about both but wanted to hear from people who have dealt with or are currently dealing with these resorts. Our travel agent has experience with Paradisus but doesn't know much about Excellence. Both resorts seem pretty similar in what they have to offer the only big difference is that Excellence is adults only which is nice but isn't necessarily a must have for our destination wedding. Any information you all have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and have a great weekend!! We chose the Excellence (7/2/09) for ours specifically because of the adults-only thing. I also loved the size of the resort, etc. Ana Luisa, our WC, has been great, and usually gets back to my questions the same or next day (and most times within hours). You can also email them for sample menus, etc. In addition, there are a couple of brides on here who have posted their pictures. Good luck!

Somehow we also keep falling off the list! January 2009 Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Michele & Jo: February 18, 2009 - Edenh Real Arena Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Marisa & Don: March 10, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Mamie & Joshua: April 2, 2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny: April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23, 2009 (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Shannon & Dave: April 30, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Christi88 & FI: April 30, 2009 - Eden Real May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Eliu & Jennifer, MAY 3, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Velvet & James: May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Karen & Anthony: May 12 2009 - Ocean Sand Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Sam & Sarah: May 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial June 2009 melnb & FI: June 2009 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June 2009 - Resort undecided Vanessa & Hugo: June 19, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Katy & Will: June 20, 2009 - Occidental Grand Rosanne & Alex: June 24, 2009- Dreams Punta Cana July 2009 Kylie & Chris: July 1, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Amber & Seth: July 2, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana August 2009 Shannon & Rich: August 5, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana c & d: August 15, 2009 - Majestic Colonia, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kenya & Eddie Sept. 12, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Jason September 18, 2009 - Dreams Palm Beach Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Carmen & Tiny: October 09, 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Lisa & Adam: January 2010, Dreams Punta Cana Amber & Dan: January 2010, Majestic Colonial March 2010 Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana July 2010 Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana

Somehow we fell off the list, so I'll repost with us added again December 2008 Miriam & Herman: December 5, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana Taude & Jay: December 10, 2008 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana Tracy & John: December 11, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Kyle & Daina: December 12, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana January 2009 Jelena and Bojan: January 3, 2009 - EdenH Arena Michael and Nicole: January 8, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Heidi & Derek: January 10, 2009 - Colony Bay Resort Punta Cana Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Michele & Jo: February 18, 2009 - Edenh Real Arena Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Mamie & Joshua: April 2, 2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny: April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23, 2009 (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Shannon & Dave: April 30, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Christi88 & FI: April 30, 2009 - Eden Real May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Velvet & James: May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Karen & Anthony: May 12 2009 - Ocean Sand Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana June 2009 melnb & FI: June 2009 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June 2009 - Resort undecided Vanessa & Hugo: June 19, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Katy & Will: June 20, 2009 - Occidental Grand July 2009 Amber & Seth: July 2, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess

We ended up going with the Excellence particularly because of the adults-only atmosphere. It's a personal decision, but I didn't want kids screaming in the pool while I was trying to enjoy my honeymoon (nothing against kids, just not my personal preference for my wedding). I'm happy to send you the information I got from the wedding coordinator, and sheets I've put together myself about the Excellence in general (including restaurants, etc.) I also have the entire rundown on photography, wedding and add-on packages. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you'd like what i have.

Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see your pictures, it sounds like an amazing time, with party crashers and all!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by LadyCheese yeah, theres actually 56 I just havent updated my siggy...its crazy, I didnt expect that many people!! someone has to have a DR based brochure, LOL. I found the one that I put in my invitation packets at Punta Cana - Dominican Republic They also have a lot of travel info etc on the website that you could put into Word documents or something. If you can't download off their website anymore I'm happy to send the version I have to (I edited out some of the ads and stuff to just leave in the articles.) It's a pdf file around 30 pages! I also have a DR Fact Sheet that has info about traveling in, etc etc that I'm happy to share. [email protected]

I'm excited to see so many people going to Punta Cana, and a few at the Excellence! August 2008 Jazlyn & Albert: August 2, 2008 - Excellence Punta Cana Kirk & Christina: August 8, 2008 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana October 2008 Chris and Monica: October 4, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real November 2008 Danielle & Derek: November 6, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real PC Shelley & Jamie: November 6, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Camila & Louie... November 8, 2008 - Bahia Principe Punta Cana Amy & Jordan: November 12, 2008 - Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana Caitlin and Joe: November 14, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Kasia & Rob: November 17, 2008 - Majestic Colonial Louise & Brian: November 18, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Anil & Pam: November 20, 2008 - Ocean Sand Jessica & Dominique: November 22, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Cassie & Brad: November 24, 2008 - EdenH Punta Cana Lucy & Tom: November 24, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Shelley & Dave: November 25, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Erica & Larry: November 30, 2008 - Grand Palladium Palace December 2008 Miriam & Herman: December 5th, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana Taude & Jay: December 10, 2008 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana Tracy & John: December 11, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Kyle & Daina: December 12, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana January 2009 Jelena and Bojan: January 3, 2009 - EdenH Arena Michael and Nicole: January 8, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Heidi & Derek: January 10, 2009 - Colony Bay Resort Punta Cana Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Michele & Jo: February 18, 2009 - Edenh Real Arena Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23rd (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Karen & Anthony: May 2009 - Grand Palladium Bavaro Punta Cana Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Velvet & James May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana June 2009 melnb & FI: June '09 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June '09 - Resort undecided Summer 2009 FutureMrsRust & FI - Summer 2009 - Resort Undecided July 2009 Amber & Seth: July 2, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess

Quote: Originally Posted by khk112009 We know where and when we want to get married, Riu Palace Macao for November 10, 2009. So ow far in advance should I book. I have talked to the majority of my guests and only 7 (iclude FI and me) can pay the depoist $250.00 per person. So the rest are asking for November, and some are even asking for the spring. Do I set a deadline and then after that the can make their own arrangements? What would you do? Thanks for any input ladies, I am sure most you have been there done that before, your expertise is greatly appreciated. We are getting married in July and just booked last week. If you are getting packages that include airfare, you can only book 11 months in advance (I think) because that's when the fares are published. I believe you have plenty of time. Figure out if your resort has an early booking rate (ours was 20% off at the Excellence), and when that rate expires. You can then let your guests know what the timeline is, and also relax yourself!

I started looking at flights to DR back in May, and the prices were significantly lower. Gas prices have made flight prices go up over all. In addition, most of the direct JFK-PUJ routes have been cut, so you're pretty likely to have a connection. That being said, they've dropped in recent weeks. Part of it is that flights cost more to book in summer because of high gas prices. They also cost a bit more in the winter because of heating oil needs. We're planning on booking our flights in September or October, when we think prices will be the lowest. Even if flights are a bit more expensive (which was not the case 6 months ago, DR was the cheapest), the cheaper lodging and resorts should make up the difference. Be sure to look at the prices overall, not just the airfare. Also Kayak.com has a neat feature where you can see the pricing history of flights for your time frame and itinerary. Also Tuesday nights are a good time to look because it's when the airline sales go into effect. Good luck!!

I recommend if you have a AAA near you that you look into membership and consult with their travel planners. I'm a devout Kayak.com user, but our AAA agent was able to find flights that were $200 cheaper PER PERSON for us. They're also able to work through tour operators that might get you group discounts if over 10 rooms, as well as letting the hotel know you're all together. Membership is usually around $50, but has a host of other benefits and discounts, plus eases the strain on you to help everyone figure out their travel. They'll do everything! I can't say enough about how great our experience has been with our AAA agent Linda! We also have several people flying out of Philly, thanks to the forum for the tip on BWI and Newark. As for the flights from the West Coast, it gets complicated because the earliest they could leave would be around 6am, putting them into the East Coast by about 3pm, and flights to DR don't usually leave that late. You might get lucky, but sometimes the extra night and cheaper airfare work out. We're seeing 19 and 26 hour flights even from the East Coast (totally crazy).

Thank you so much for posting these!! I just booked the Excellence a few weeks ago, and am working on the details right now. Is it ok if I PM you some questions? Ana Luisa has been wonderful, but at the moment I'm working with her assistant more (I'm sure she's very busy) and would love to hear your input. I can't thank you enough for sharing your photos with us, I feel like I've been to the site now!

Thanks Michelle, lets definitely keep in touch! I'm really new to the whole discussion board thing, so I don't know how PMing works, but we can trade emails at some point!

Hi everyone! I was really excited to find this forum. My fiance and I are planning to marry in DR, Punta Cana at the Excellence next June 30th! I'm happy to see that many of the questions I have are addressed here, and also that everyone is so nice! I'm looking forward to chatting with you all!