richarsd

Quote: Originally Posted by terilina Carolina contacted me today and provided me with the 2010 package prices. I am wondering if it would be safe to book without knowing the 2011 prices. I know some have already booked for 2011 - is that something you are worried about or has she let you know it shouldn't change too much?? She didn't get back to me with whether or not they were getting booked up already for Jan. I guess I will just hurry up and decide and then hope one of the dates we want is available. I checked out the HDC site last night and I actually got a bit emotional with how beautiful the pictures are...along with the music. I've heard Micheal is good as well, but haven't checked out his stuff yet. I'm all booked for April 2011 without knowing the 2011 package prices. Honestly, choosing a resort was so stressful for me that once I settled on the Palladium and decided I was happy with the prices my guests would be paying to go there, I didn't really care if the wedding package prices change or not! Lol However, Carolina told my TA and I that prices should not change much if it all. She said if they do go up, it won't be more than $100. I can live with that I think. Still WAY cheaper than getting married here at home!

Quote: Originally Posted by michellebarratt Do you gals know if there is a minimum amount of time that you need to be in the DR prior to getting married? Some websites say three days and others say no minimum stay/waiting period? Thanks! I think the "official" requirement is 3 days for it to be legal but honestly, I question how often that's actually enforced. As you noticed, some resort websites will tell you three days, others have no mention of it. So I asked my TA/wedding coordinator as she specializes only in destination weddings and most she does are in the DR so she knows her stuff - she basically said the 3 day rule is bogus but some places may enforce it more than others. So ask upfront!!!

Everything looks amazing! And the candles are so cute...I may just have to run to the Dollar Store tomorrow and see if I can find some!

Quote: Originally Posted by purpleshells tourqoise and white and beige....starfsh! Purpleshells, we have the same colours and theme!! You have great taste Since your wedding date has passed, do you have any pictures? I'd love to see it all pulled together.

Hi ladies! I have a question I'm hoping you can answer as my FI and I don't totally agree on the colour of the shirt he should wear. Did any of you (or are any of you planning to) have your groom's shirt match the colour of the bridesmaids dresses? My bm's dresses are turqouise and we found a men's dress shirt in the exact colour. To be a little different, I think it would be cool to have my groom wear that colour as his shirt, and then the groomsmen to just wear white shirts. Anyone done this? I know most grooms wear a white shirt and maybe have the groomsmen wear coloured shirts but I just thought it would be nice to switch it up a little! If you did this, can you post pictures?? I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!!!

The sun does set very quickly down there...you basically get 15 minutes TOPS from the time it starts until it's completely down and that's not much time for pictures. I am debating with taking pictures before the ceremony. Our ceremony is at 2 pm (earliest we could get, ugh!) so we'll have tonnes of time afterwards for pics. And it's gonna be hot at 2 pm so doing some pics before means I risk being tired, hot, and not as fresh looking for the actual ceremony. But I'm considering maybe just taking some nice indoor (ie: air conditioned!) pics around the resort lobby and whanot, just with my FI. Might be kind of a nice intimate moment for us, because following the ceremony, we're not gonna get a second alone until later that night after the reception finishes. So I think there's advantages in that sense to doing some pictures before.

Ayita, I think it's great that you designed the ceremony in both languages. We plan on doing our sand ceremony in both languages as my FI is French Canadian and I'm English Canadian. Although his family is bilingual and understands English fine, I think it just adds a nice way of blending the two families together. In the Domincan, the judge does the actual ceremony in Spanish and the WC coordinates it to English, which is why we can only do the Sand Ceremony part in French and English. Thanks for sharing!! Quote: Originally Posted by Ayita I think I never shared our script ! We did a ceremony that was entirely bilingual - French and English. The idea was that people that would understand only one language would hear a whole cohesive ceremony, but people who would understand both would hear no repeat. Hereunder is the ceremony as if it had been entirely in English. It's longer because originally, some paragraphs are in French... I include the English translation of the French poem (we translated all readings in both languages in our program). Special Ceremony Good afternoon. Today we meet in nature, surrounded by the beautiful ocean and blue sky. On behalf of the bride and groom, I extend a heartfelt welcome to the many loved ones who have travelled huge distances to bear witness to the promises that will unite Groom and Bride's lives forever. This is a beautiful and joyous occasion because it acknowledges their commitment in deep friendship and love. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. Marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love, though it's probably one of the most accomplished. Groom and Bride wished to being the ceremony by a reading. Let's welcome xxx xxx, the father of the groom. Reading #1 : A description of marriage, by Edmund O'Neill "Marriage is a promise of love. It is a commitment to life – to the best two people can find to bring in each other. Marriage offers opportunities for sharing and growth- a physical and emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener and critic. Marriage deepens and enriches every fact of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger. Even anger is felt more strongly, but passes more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique in themselves which binds them closer then any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise. A potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfil." Today is a very special day in your lives. In the time you have been together your love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Some say that the perfect relationship is one in which each partner brings strength to the others weaknesses, and where a balance that would be unobtainable alone is found. Groom and Bride have found such a balance. Love makes the burdens lighter, because you divide them. It makes joys much more intense because you will share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved in life in ways you dared not risk alone. To attain such love, you will need to commit yourselves to each other freely and gladly for the sake of a richer and deeper life together. Groom brings to Bride his calmness, his serenity, his firmness when dealing with salesman and his sewing talents. She confides that she loves to listen to him, that she admires his generosity, and that he knows how to help her take things more lightly. Bride brings to Groom her strength, her focus, her thurst for adventure as well as her French recipes though consumption of snails and frogs will be an ongoing battle ! He confides that she surprises him every da, and that he knows that he is made a better man by her unwavering belief and encouragement. Declaration of consent The covenant of marriage is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly only by persons who are both legally and spiritually free to offer themselves to one another. So I ask you: Groom, do you come of your own free will and with a conscious desire to be united in marriage with Bride ? Yes. Do you promise to give to this woman the love of your person, the comfort of your support and companionship, and the patience of your understanding? I do. Bride, do you come of your own free will and with a conscious desire to be united in marriage with Bride ? Yes. Do you promise to give to this woman the love of your person, the comfort of your support and companionship, and the patience of your understanding? I do. Groom and Bride, do you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together? We do. Exchange of vows Minister to couple: Will you please, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love, now join hands? As you begin this new journey in love, openness and understanding, you have chosen words from Roy Croft, "Love", as the opening to your wedding vows. Groom : I love you, Not only for what you are, But for what I am When I am with you. Bride : I love you, Not only for what You have made of yourself, But for what You are making of me. Groom : I love you Because you have done More than any creed Could have done To make me good Bride : And more than any fate Could have done To make me happy. Groom and Bride together : You have done it Without a touch, Without a word, Without a sign. You have done it By being yourself. Minister to groom: Groom, this woman whom you hold by the hand is to be your wife. She has given you one of the most sacred things under heaven: a woman’s life and a woman’s love. It is not what you bring her in a material way that will make true happiness; for riches without love are nothing. The gift without the giver is bare. Practice as a husband the virtues that you have shown as friend and lover so her heart will be won to your heart FOREVER. Groom, would you look into Bride’s eyes and … when you're ready Groom's vows (our vows were very personal so I'm not writing them down. Sure you will find your own) Minister to Bride: Bride, this man whom you hold by the hand is to be your husband. Upon your life, your love, and your devotion he will lean for strength and inspiration. He is going to look to you for encouragement, for cheerfulness and for confidence. May your life and love be the inspiration that will constantly lead him to greater affection and devotion to you, his wife. Bride, would you look into Groom’s eyes and repeat after me: I Bride, take you Groom to be my husband… follow my vows. To the congregation: Do you, their family and friends, who have heard these vows, do you promise to do your best to honor, encourage and support the commitment that Groom and Bride are making to one another here today? If so, each of you please respond by saying: “We willâ€. You, Groom and Bride, have pledged your devotion to each other. From this point on you do not stay together simply because you love; you choose to love because you have made the commitment to be together. Let's now hear a second reading. We welcome xxx xxx, brother of the bride. Reading #2 : L'éternelle chanson, Rosemonde Gérard (note : this is "home made" translation so absolutely not official ) "When you and when I am old When my blond hair turns white In the month of May, in the sunshiny garden We will go to warm up our shivering limbs As spring will put joy in our hearts We will believe that we are young lovers again And I will smile at you, with my head wobbling, And we will be such an adorable old couple Sitting beneath the climbing vine, we will look at each other With little, tender, sparkly eyes When you and when I am old When my blond hair turns white On our friendly bench, greenish with moss on our good old bench we will come back to chat We will have a soft and tender joy The sentences always ending with a kiss How many times before did I say "I love you" ? Then with great care we will recount again We will remember a thousand things, even little nothings that we will ramble on about A ray of sun will come down, and in a soft caress Will lay, pink, on our white hair when on our friendly bench, greenish with moss on our good old bench we will come back to chat. And as everyday I love you more Today more than yesterday but much less than tomorrow Little will matter the lines on our faces My love will grow more serious - and serene Think that everyday memories pile up My memories will also be yours Those shared memories more and more embrace us and constantly wove more bonds between us it's true we will be old, very old, weakened by age but every day I will clutch your hand harder As you see everyday I love you more Today more than yesterday but much less than tomorrow" Exchange of rings Officiant to couple: Do you have the rings? The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Groom and Bride have made to one another. A fitting symbol to represent the covenant you are making today, a circle, the emblem of eternity, reminding you that your love, devotion and commitment to one another are to be forever. Officiant to Groom: Groom, place this ring on Bride’s finger. Hold her hand and please repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Bride, I give you this ring… as a sign of my love and faithfulness. With all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring I thee wed. Officiant to Bride: Bride, place this ring on Groom's finger. Hold his hand and repeat after me. Bride : Groom, with this ring I thee wed.… This ring is the sign of my love and faithfulness. From now on, I commit to stand by your side under any circumstances and to give you the best of myself. May this ring shine on your hand just as your love shines in my heart. Your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Let these rings serve as locks, not binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever. Sand ceremony Today, Groom and Bride have chosen to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the inseparable union of Groom and Bride into a new and eternal marital relationship. The bride and groom will simultaneously pour separate containers of sand into a common vessel. Each grain of sand in their separate containers represents a separate moment, decision, feeling, or event that helped shape Groom and Bride into the separate and unique individuals that they are today. As they pour their separate containers of sand into a common vessel, those separate and independent individuals will merge into a loving and supportive marital community. Groom and Bride, just as the grains of sand can never be separated into their individual containers again, so will your marriage be. Music while the sand ceremony lasts after these words : I'm yours, Jason Mraz Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love, much love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. Leo Buscaglia said it like this: “Perfect love is rare indeed - for to be a lover will require that you continually have the subtlety of the very wise, the flexibility of the child, the sensitivity of the artist, the understanding of the philosopher, the acceptance of the saint, the tolerance of the scholar and the fortitude of the certain." Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the common nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Let me borrow the words of the poet Khalil Gibran in the Prophet to give you this last valuable advice : You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be space in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow. May this day shine eternally in your lives. May it add brilliance to every achievement and cast a light over any misfortune. May you care for each other in sadness. May you give cheer to each other. May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings. May all that is virtuous, beautiful, and honest, remain with you always. Prononciation of marriage Because you Groom and Bride have exchanged your promises of faithful love, and because in our presence you have exchanged symbols which make your covenant visible, we now recognize you as husband and wife. You may now kiss each other. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Groom's Family Name.

Are people staying at a resort or hotel for a few days or for a whole week? Have most people even made travel arrangements yet? When we first sent out our STD cards, we had "March" on ours but when we actually booked and got final availability from the resort we picked, our wedding date ended up as April 12. This wasn't a big deal for us as we had only sent out STDs to give people a head's up to start saving so no one had actually made any travel plans. But I don't think changing the date by one day is a big deal at all. Like others said, it's your wedding so choose the venue that makes you happy

I am getting married at Grand Palladium (and we are all staying on the Bavaro) side and I am thrilled, can't wait. And TripAdvisor is useful but it also needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Usually when a few select people complain about the food (and it is only a few, most reviews of the food are good!) it's because the issue is with them - they're picky and wouldn't like anything anyway. And as for the ones who say they got sick and blame the hotel, well it probably would've happened at whatever hotel they went to - heat, booze, and different food does that to some people. And as for the rooms, well, it isn't a North American hotel so they shouldn't expect such...besides I think the rooms look beautiful. You chose it because YOU liked it, right? That's all that matters. Check out the Grand Palladium thread for pictures and stuff...you may have the scroll through a bit but there's lots there!

Sheila2011 and Sungoddess - beautiful dresses! You'll be stunning. I love seeing people's dresses...it's so fun to see all of the different tastes that people have! Sungoddes, have you considered getting the cups sewn right into the dress? I think if you take it to any reputable seamstress, it can be done fairly easily. I've read before that it's pretty common. And goodluck tomorrow!

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover Ohh I have a friend who got married at the Palm Beach on the day after me, and she's been to the Palladium as well. She couldn't compare since they were both real great!! She said the Dreams Punta Cana one is bigger though Soo how are you sleep?!?!?! I could hardly sleep a little less then a month away!! Sheila I promise my review will be up soon lol (i'm so horrible!!!!!!!!!) But......... As promised with much delay (sorry about that) I put together some pics to give you a sort of idea how the beach party looks. pls minus us (I looked like crap by then, sweated off my make-up, danced my hair back down) The Enterance (behind that is La Uva Restaurant) behind us, the yellow gazebo, is where the DJ is DJ! the chairs and tables are on the left hand side (the camera is hinding it) also where the bar is sorry this is the only pic i found of the bar lol!! it's a hut kinda thing. As you can see behind us there is more chairs. I have pics of just the tables I still have to scan those tho! Hope this helps a bit, sorta of get an idea. As you can see in the sand or on us there is a spot light (which is high on a tree) Hi Tracy! I'm wondering what sort of music you had played at your beach party? Did you supply CDs or an iPod you brought with you? Or did the resort DJ have his own music he played? Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Meitra I love all the beautiful colors, but what about an all white bouquet for the bride? Has anyone done this? I think it could be really elegant. Meitra, I agree completely that white bouquets ARE pretty. And that's what I'm doing! My colours are turquoise so since there aren't really any blue flowers available (unless I ordered faux ones but I am set on real ones), I'm going with a primarily white bouquet with a few splashes of lime-green greenery (they're berry-like things not sure what they're called) and on the tips of white orchids. Then I'll have turquoise ribbon wrapped on the ends of my bouquet. So I'm not worried about it blending in too much to my wedding dress at all. In fact, I think it will look very simple and classy, which is what we're going for

Quote: Originally Posted by mdb Here is a link to my dress. I"ll post pictures of me in it after the wedding Casa Blanca Bridal :: Collections So stunning!

Pierre and Shannon - April 12, 2011!!! May 2010 Lara & Mike May 3 2010 - Majestic Colonial Jennnifer & Trevor May 11th 2010 - Majestic Colonial Nicole & Matt May 13, 2010 - Majestic Colonial (Hey Jennifer, maybe we'll see you there!!) Jennifer & Paul May 13, 2010- Bavaro Princess Rosa & Larry May 15th, 2010 - Excellence Punta Cana Heather & George May 15th 2010 - Dreams La Romana Lauren & Nate May 18, 2010- Majestic Colonial mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana Sara & Adam May 22nd, 2010 - Indecided, Punta Cana (Palladium, Dreams, Iberostar or Excellence) Iris and Mike May 27, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Rebecca and Hector May 27, 2010-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Shanelle & Michael ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Paradisus Punta Cana Susan & Roberto ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Dreams Punta Cana Valerie & Jake May 29, 2010- Dreams La Romana Melissa & Jason~ May 31, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana June 2010 Bobbi And Tyler: June 4th 2010 Majestic Colonial Jen & Joe: June 5, 2010, Dreams Palm Beach Nikki and Stacey: June 10, 2010 Excellence Punta Cana Kate & Devon: June 12, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana Lynette & Daniel : June 12, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana LaToya & Micah: June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana Michelle & Wesley: June 19, 2010 Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort Punta Cana, DR Emily and Steve: June 21, 2010 Excellence Punta Cana July 2010 Natasha & Benjamin - July 2, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Hudson - July 5, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana SabBrew- July 6, 2010- Ocean Blue & Sand Asheley1316- July 8, 2011- Bahia or Majestic Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Laura & Zach July 15, 2010 - Majestic Colonial or Grand Palladium Palace Tracy & George- July 16, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real James and Jessica- July 17, 2010 -Paradisus Punta Cana Jenn & Andrew - July 21, 2010 - Majestic Colonial, PC Liz & Miguel - July 26, 2010 - Undecided location {Santiago, Puerto Plata, or Punta Cana August 2010 Jeanette & Julio - undecided Punta Cana, (PPC or PPR) Aug 2010 Linda & Robin: August 3, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jess & Eamon: August 7, 2010- Melia Caribe Tropical Denise & Julio: August 7, 2010- Punta Cana- Melia Caribe Tropical Michelle & Eli: August 11, 2010- Excellence Punta Cana Ashley and Eric: August 31, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real September 2010 Nadia & Serge: September3, 2010- Dreams La Romana Jennifer & Elvin: September 4, 2010- Dream Palm Beach Bianca & Cosmin: September 10, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Diana & Eddy: September 3, 2010- Majestic Colonial October 2010 Glenny & Anthony - October 9th, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Kim & Anibal - October 9th, 2010 Riu Palace Punta Cana Autumn & Dominic - Oct 16th, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Michele & Andrew - Oct 19th, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Luciel & Emil - Oct 23th, 2010 - Catalonia Royal Bavaro Sarah & Erik - October 23rd, 2010 - Melia Caribe Tropical Monica & Brandon - Oct 29, 2010 - Excellence Resort Punta Cana November 2010 Dana & Mike - November 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium Bavaro Tiffani & Merlin- November 21, 2010 Paradisus Palma Real Taniya& Kendell- November 1, 2010 Dreams Palm Beach December 2010 Eliana (username) and Miguel - December 1, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Atrott (Username) - December 6, 2010 Excellence Punta Cana Coley88 (Username) - December 11, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Nicole & Keith - Dec. 11th 2010 - Majestic Elegance January 2011 Marian & Manav - January 8, 2011 - Melia Caribe Tropical Ashlee & Daniel - January 12, 2011 - Paradisus Punta Cana Lisa & Dave - January 13, 2011 - Majestic Colonial - Punta Cana Kasia & Rob - January 29, 2011 - Majestic Colonial - Punta Cana February 2011 Renée & Paul - February 3, 2011 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Sherri & Ryan - February 21, 2011 - Dreams Punta Cana Jenn & Kraig - February 25, 2011 - Majestic Elegance Amanda & Jason - February 26, 2011 - Riu Palace Punta Cana March 2011 Sonya & Serge - March 14, 2011 - Dreams Palm Beach, Punta Cana April 2011 Pierre & Shannon - April 12, 2011 - Grand Palladium Bavaro, Punta Cana Cindy & Chole April 14, 2011- Dream Punta Cana May 2011 Vanessa & Noel - May 6, 2011 - Paradisus Palma Real Michaela & Stew - May 21, 2011 - Gran Bahia Punta Cana June 2011 Qubi & Rukiya - June 18, 2011 - Dreams Palm Beach, Punta Cana Jim & Laura - June 21, 2011 - Dreams Punta Cana, Punta Cana Eric & Anna - June 25, 2011 - Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana July 2011 Ashley1316- July 8, 2011- Bahia or Majestic July 2011/ 2012 Yvonne and Andrew- last week of july 2011/ 2012 (money dependant), dreams la romana __________________

Hi ladies! I just thought that I should give you girls a head's up if your plan is to have a legal ceremony next April or May (2011). Our wedding has been confirmed with the hotel and the judge for April 12, 2011 as of 2 weeks ago. However, my travel agent (who is also a wedding coordinator and is phenomenal) said that when she spoke to the judge two weeks ago, he commented on how he was almost completely booked for April and May next year already and he only opens his books 12 months ahead of time. So unless you want to be married at 10 am or something, book soon!!! Hope that helps

Thanks Tracy for posting the beach party pics! We're expecting a big group so I think we're gonna opt to do this...looks like a lot of fun! Take care of yourself and have a good weekend!

Like KelZavs20 said, anyone planning April or March 2011 really needs to book NOW. We confirmed our wedding date 2 weeks ago and already the judge is almost fully booked for April 2011 already (and he only takes booking a year in advance). Also, we were originally going to be staying at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana but already the resort has so many rooms reserved for that week that they have to switch us to the Grand Palladium Bavaro...not a big deal as it's all the same complex but my point is that April and May are the busiest months. Other months are less busy but if you're going anytime in peak season (December to May) you should definitely be booking a year in advance! group rates come out 12 months ahead but you can always reserve just for you and your FI with the judge and the resort.

Veil and hair flower. At first I didn't want a veil because I thought they were too traditional for me so was just gonna go with the flower. But I've decided to wear my hair back and I'll have the flower sort of off to the side a bit and I have a really long, flowy veil (I think it's chiffon) that I'll wear low at the nape of my neck. I plan to lose it for the reception though.

Hi ladies! I just wanted to say - WE ARE BOOKED!!!! We depart April 9, 2011. Our wedding date will likely be April 12 but we're waiting for the resort and judge to confirm. So excited!!!

Jerzhotstuff, our wedding is in April and we booked this past week. If your travel agent tells you prices are not out yet, go to another one, seriously. Prices ARE out. Prices come out 11-12 months ahead. Now, not all carriers will have all of their prices and flights scheduled...so there will be more choice and prices will likely come down a bit by the Fall but for you and you grown, book now if you want to get your first choice! Goodluck.

I've been twice before in April. First time, no rain at all, hot and sunny the whole week. Second time, it rained hard once (late in the afternoon) for about 15 minutes before the sun came out again...it was kinda nice actually. The rest of the week was beautiful. I think the weather in April is generally good and probably safe as far as wedding planning goes.

You didn't say if price was a factor for you but it came down to price for us, basically. Majestic was definitely our top choice too but we could not justify asking our guests to pay in the high $1700s and $1800s for it. Second was Dreams, eliminated for the same reason. So we are going with the Grand Palladium, which offers much better prices. And actually, after I went over everything, I think it was probably the better choice for us and our families/friends after all, anyway...everything works out a certain way for a reason, as they say

Quote: Originally Posted by Amelie-Mellow We have already gotten quotes for February 2012 (which is when we would like to get married)- they quotes are pretty high at about 1900! For a week at Excellence Punta Cana including airfare from Toronto/Ottawa. We would love to find a package between 1500-1800 and still get an awesome resort. Thanks for the advice- I think we might wait until we are closer but probably not 6-9 months as I would have a panic attack by then.. Hi Amelie! Honestly, I'd be pretty shocked if you found the Excellence for anything below $1800 in February. February (and March) are the most expensive months as they're peak season...if you wanted cheaper, you may want to consider going more off season such as prior to December or after April. I've been scouring prices for rates in Punta Cana at 4.5 and 5 stars for the past 6 months (ever since I got engaged). In Feb, there's hardly anything around $1500 (and certainly not tax included) but it's possible if you're not too picky and wait way closer to book...which isn't really recommended for a wedding. As for the poll, I would be putting mine in the $1400-1600 range but we're going in April to the Grand Palladium from Ottawa and Halifax. Goodluck and happy planning! Shan

Quote: Originally Posted by sheila2011 I too am loving reading all of your wedding stories!!! Makes me so happy that we picked the Grand Palladium Resort!! Thanks for the info about the beach party too....that was also something i was wondering about! I think we may do the gazebo for the ceremony (FI wants that and I think it looks pretty nice too!), dinner somewhere and then the beach party. Although I gotta admit my biggest issue right now is dealing with my potential guests. We sent the invites out already thinking that would give people time to save and while I have gotten some excited feedback, I keep getting the negative stuff too. Like the cost, deposit, time of year and why are we going away. Did you girls run into the same thing? Hi Sheila, Yes, I can relate somewhat to your dilemma with potential guests. Although pretty well everyone is excited that we chose a destination wedding, we are getting lots of "feedback" (let's just call it that out of politeness) on resort, price, time of year, etc. Of course, we want as many to come as possible so we're trying to make arrangements that we feel will appeal to the majority of friends and family. However...my motto regarding wedding planning has lately become "ya can't please everyone." At the end of the day, it's YOUR and your FI's day, everyone else can have their own turn at some other point and do something different if they choose. And some people just like to complain for the sake of complaining and don't even really care at all. Do what makes you happy and it'll fall into place. Goodluck Shan

Thanks for the info Tracy! Very helpful. And I'm with Rebecca...if anyone has pics of the beach party or their reception, I'd love to see some! Thanks ladies, Shannon