I just got married last weekend at the Iberostar Bavaro. The hotel and the beach are beautiful! We have stayed at other Iberostars and that was the reason for choosing this one for our wedding.
We had about 50 people attend. I met with the wedding coordinator the day after we arrived. We fianlized all of the details when we met. My only complaint was the miscommunication in pricing. I am extremely organized so I had been emailing with the wedding coordinator weekly asking many questions expecially about pricing. Then, during our meeting the pricing went up and I was not too happy. But I showed them the emails and they adjusted it!
We started with a rehearsal dinner at the La Dorado. It was great! We rented it out for just our party that night. They have a great setup.
For the wedding, we were married on the beach at 5pm, cocktail hour at 6pm, and then the reception started at 7pm. I would suggest not starting the ceremony until 6pm (depending on what time of year you go) and then not doing a cocktail hour and starting the reception at 7pm. The cocktail hour was nice but pretty expensive.
While our guests were at the cocktail hour, we took pictures. We went through the hotel for the photographer. He did an ok job. We had lots of people taking pictures so we were not that worried. A quick tip....the total price for the wedding does not include the photographer. The are paid separate.
The only thing that I would not suggest is the Saona Island excursion. So not worth it! Everyone talked it up but it is just another beach and a REALLY LONG BUS RIDE! The beach by the hotel was just a nice. I would not waste your time or money.
All in all the wedding was wonderful and all of our guests had a great time!