Glowwbug

Hi JKWeddingDay, Thanks for your compliments! It really turned out to be a lovely event. To answer your questions, they have a sound system set up on the beach so everyone can hear. Just tell them to check the microphone batteries before the ceremony! They had to change them mid-ceremony during ours (grrrr...). We had the cocktail hour and the reception in the same area in front of the Gabi bar, and it was great. I would recommend having your dress hemmed a little bit higher than you would for a normal floor though to make it easier to walk. We told our guests to not wear shoes, and everyone loved it! The one string of lanterns was plenty to light the area. However, I saw Mrs.Lamb's setup the night before ours and it was GORGEOUS. They had some type of structure with white curtains and beautiful purple/fuschia lighting and it was in the same location as ours. We did also get the DJ lights for the "dance floor" (we just danced on sand), but that was more for the fun effect than actual lighting of the area. Our ceremony was early enough that there was no need for lights, but if it were at night you would definitely need lighting. Our ceremony setup was all basic chill out chic. We just opted for ivory linens instead of brown (though you can see they still put up brown ties on the ceremony area - whatever). The additional things we paid for were the flowers, DJ, extra people, guitar trio and lights. We opted for the 2011 package so the open bar was included. Hope this is helpful! Angi

Hello ladies! We have returned from our PPC wedding! The resort was spectacular. The grounds are breathtakingly beautiful, and the service and food were terrific. I wanna go back! I think it was only at 25% capacity because it seemed pretty empty, which was great. Beach chairs were bountiful and we had no trouble getting into any of the restaurants, even with large groups of nearly 20. The wedding and reception were beautiful, but we did have a few snags. We met with the planners (Jennifer and Sharlin) a couple of days before the wedding and they were super nice. We went over all of the details and toured the grounds to choose our exact location, which was on the beach (and gorgeous), and to look at plan B locations, which were also beautiful. The day of the wedding we met with them to check the weather and to drop off the fans and bubbles we wanted handed out at the wedding. We also wrote down the order of who should walk down the aisle when and finalized all of the small details. Fast forward to 4:20 (our wedding was scheduled for 4:30). My girls and I had our hair and makeup done at the spa (which turned out exactly as I wanted - they were amazing), and I was told we would be picked up around 4:15 to be taken to the wedding. At 4:20 I was told the judge was running late and to hang tight. Around 4:45 they said the judge had arrived and they were going to pick up the groom and then would pick me up. Meanwhile, they told us to ask guests to be there at 4, so everyone had been waiting for nearly an hour. I assumed the coordinator would tell them what was going on, but apparently this didn't happen. Also, Tony (groom) had arrived a little after 4 and had no idea what was going on. The fans and bubbles never got handed out, no one was directing who was walking when, etc. I finally arrived around 4:50 or so and it was fairly chaotic. No one knew the ceremony had started, so parents were sat with no attention. We then walked down the aisle and the trio we hired weren't playing, so there was no music. Of course at the time I didn't know that guests weren't informed about the judge being late and I was in my own little world so didn't even notice the music, but Tony was pretty upset about it all. We talked to Jennifer the next day and not only did she not apologize, she told me she talked with Miguelina (our ONE coordinator that we had) and everything went well. She also said her records showed the ceremony began at 4:15! So, we decided to let it go and enjoy our honeymoon. Then I sent a detailed review when we received our survey via email and I received a long email from Jennifer yesterday with lots of excuses (but no apology). They said Sharlin was sick, so that's why we only had one coordinator. What?? I honestly think all of this could have been avoided if there were two people - one to watch over the ceremony and one to prep the reception. Anyway, the reception was beautiful and went really well. We hired the DJ (not the international DJ) and he was ok. It would probably be worth it to spring for the more expensive one. This guy wasn't receptive to me asking him to move through songs more quickly (no one really needs to hear 5 minutes of any song), but the song choice was pretty good. We did the beach BBQ and the food was great. The dessert table was fabulous and the wedding cake was tasty and beautiful. If you purchase a package and plan to do an evening beach wedding, note that lights are not included and it will be pitch black dark. No one informed us of this until the day of the wedding and we ended up having to drop $350 for a silly string of lanterns. I hate to complain at all because it really was such a terrific and enjoyable week, and prior to the wedding, everyone was lovely to work with. Unfortunately the only thing that was screwed up was our ceremony!! I'm still hoping they come through with at least an apology. I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, I've attached a couple of photos. The professional ones are still to come! Good luck with all of your planning and know that the Paradisus is really wonderful, and the best resort we saw while there. Angi

Thanks!! I was so nervous about it. I knew it could be the greatest thing or the worst disaster, so I'm glad it turned out ok! @TheFutureWagners: I did research online to find out what type of fabric the designer used. It was a hammered silk charmeuse, and the texture is what makes it wearable (at least for me!) It kind of hides any imperfections, whereas regular flat charmeuse would show too much. I'm in NYC, so luckily I have access to all of the fabric stores in the fashion district. I did find stuff online, too. Before I bought the fabric, Milly actually sent me a fabric sample. They were really great.

Hi there! I recently had a knock-off made by Milly Bridal and am soooo very happy with it! It's based on the Badgley Mischka "Erica" dress that I fell in love with at Kleinfeld's (but not the $5k price tag!) I sent them 3 photos that I found online, provided the fabric (which was key), and they made it for $150! I've included photos so you can see the results (though I'd rather wait until the wedding when I'm all dolled up - ha). But I wanted to let everyone know what a great experience I had. If you're thinking about going with them, feel free to email me with questions or for advice. I believe the key to getting a great dress was communicating thoroughly and often (on Skype), and being very specific.

MrsLamb - I'm guessing you're furious because you've already paid for the liquor? I think your wedding is Oct. 23, right? If you complain enough they may upgrade you to the 2011 package. I was able to do that for my Oct. 24 wedding, so I don't see why they couldn't do it for you! Or I could be totally wrong about what you're mad about, and in that case, just ignore me

Thanks so much for posting the response regarding the top shelf vs. imported. I was wondering the same thing (and it's been like pulling teeth to get specifics from Lauren). Please let us know how much it is to upgrade to top shelf. I would really appreciate it! Regarding buffet menus, this was soooo frustrating. We received the Chill Out Chic menu and then she sent us three or four different options for the Beach BBQ menu, which she said we could mix and match. After spending lots of time combing through and choosing everything, sending it in, we were told they changed vendors and menus and we had to choose something else. Argh! So now there are only two menus to choose from, but you can mix and match. They look ok, but I honestly don't know what some of the stuff is. I guess that will be part of the adventure! LOL I wish they would just send you all of your options up front - it would make planning so much faster and easier! If anyone wants the latest menus I received, let me know and I'll be happy to email them.

Yeah, I saw that the Aqua is the new "top" package. The 2011 Chill Out Chic is essentially the same as the 2010, but includes an open bar (although not premium) and 24 people. It's only $200 more than 2010 so it's saving us at least $2k! We're going with the ivory linens from the Fantasy package (I think) instead of the brown - although I do really like the aqua, too. Has anyone tried the food?? I'm nervous!

Hi Everyone! I enjoyed reading all of your posts. I'm actually getting married at PPC on Oct. 24, 2010, so MrsLamb - maybe I'll see you there! We are going with the Chill Out Chic package and are paying about 50% on top of the package price for flowers, music and extra people. We decided on a beach wedding and reception, but I was told we're the only wedding that day so I may change my mind once I see all of the options. I've been working with Lauren from AskMeAboutWeddings, which is a separate company hired to work out details, and it's gone pretty smoothly. I was just introduced to Jennifer over email, but haven't needed to work anything out with her yet. For anyone getting married this year, know that they changed the 2011 packages to include the open bar and it's only about $200 more!!! I complained (a lot) and they let me switch to the 2011 package so we didn't need to pay per hour/per person for alcohol (that everyone already paid for in their all-inclusive stay...) Anyway, it's good to ask! Good luck to all! Angi

Thanks for your response! We "borrowed" some of your design elements, too. I just love your invites! I hope ours come out half as nice

These are beautiful! I'm actually working on my own passport invites at the moment. Can you tell me what type of paper you used for the cover and how you printed the gold lettering? I love the wax seal, too! Thanks, Angi

Angi & Tony: October 24th, 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 Tie & Mike July 30, 2010 - Occidental Grand 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 Angi & Tony - October 24th, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana 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 Michele & Jon - November 22, 2010 Majestic Elegance 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 Isabel & Francis April 5, 2011 - Grand Palladium Palace 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 Theresa & Johan - May 22, 2011 - Paradisus Palma Real 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

Thanks for the link! I'll check out dressilyme as well.

Booking well in advance is preferable, but I just booked a wedding for Oct. 24 2010 with no problem. Happy planning!

Hi ladies, I'm thinking about having Milly Bridal (a Chinese knock-off dressmaker) make a dress for me, but would love to see if anyone else has used them and what your experiences were. Please share good or bad. Thanks! Angi

Thanks so much for the advice! I didn't realize this site was run by TA's. Sorry! But that should make this a ton easier, so lucky me.

Hi there, I'm at the very beginning of the planning process, but we're hoping for a Sept./Oct. wedding in the Bahamas. I have a ton of questions about the best place to have the wedding and reception, which place has the most reasonable rates for our guests, etc. and would love advice on any and all of those topics. However, right now I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good travel agent that our guests can use to book their travel. Money is definitely an issue for some guests, so we're trying to keep it as affordable as possible. Additionally, I saw that there is a deal out there for free companion airfare to the Bahamas and I was wondering if anyone has taken advantage of this offer for themselves or their guests. Thanks in advance! I look forward to meeting all of you. Angi

Hello there! I'm Angi and am planning to get married this summer or fall. However, we can't seem to decide on a location! We go back and forth between Vegas and a tropical wedding, but can't make up our minds. I'm most interested in the Bahamas at the moment because it seems like the least expensive for our guests, but I'm here for advice. So if you have any, I'm all ears! Looking forward to meeting all of you, Angi