TA Patty

Originally Posted by aromano23 

 

Oh my gosh! Ladies I just found out that a big portion of the beach will be closes until jan 2013!!! Has anyone else heard anything about this? Will it effect beach weddings?!?

Below is the information I received from our HRPC account manager regarding the beach closure. Weddings are still being done on the beach at the opposite end. I hope this helps! TA Patty

Effective September 7th, and for the next 90 days, a portion of our beach will be closed for the creation of a wave breaker. The approximate completion date is December 12, 2012.  This wave breaker will provide added safety for guests who choose to take advantage of our expansive beachscape while vacationing at the resort.

This project is being carried out by professional contractors who specialize in environmental benefits and solutions that provide added safety to those who want to go into the ocean.

During this time, a perimeter will be set into place to clearly mark the project area and to ensure guest safety. The rest of the beach, in addition to the resort poolscape, will still be accessible to all.

We thank you for your understanding and will continue to update you regarding this project.  

Originally Posted by inloveinkorea 

 

I think we'll probably get married right before we go to P.C. Does anybody know if you need any appointment, or do you just show up to the courthouse??

Hi Karolina - I'll send you the info via email. There is paperwork you will need to complete beforehand. Thanks TA Patty

Originally Posted by LindsayOO 

 

Thanks Patty!!! I wish I could see the pics...darn attachment rules! Lol

Hi Lindsay - Email me at [email protected] and I'm happy to send them to you. Thanks! TA Patty  

Hi Jamielynn - I just want to confirm you received the information I sent yesterday? Thanks TA Patty

Originally Posted by KimmyB 

 

HI!  I am just in the beginning stages of planning since my wedding is not until June 2014.  I have so many questions, I don't know where to start.  I am particularly interested in how do you find out what photographers and videographers are the good ones and do they send you samples?  Also, which places would be the best to have the ceremony versus the reception?  What would be the best time to have the ceremony and do you wait to have the cocktail hour and reception because you want to take beach pictures?  If you get the complimentary wedding package, can you add in more decorations?  What kind of decorations do they have for the reception or do you have to purchase them?  For your guests, how do they book their reservations? 

 

Thanks so much for your help!

KimmyB

Hi Kimmy - Congratulations! Glad to help and answer any questions you have, I just sent you a PM. Thanks TA Patty  

Hello!

I just returned from a trip to Punta Cana. We stayed at Hard Rock (it is awesome!) and toured 6 other resorts - Majestic Elegance, Dreams Palm Beach, Ocean Blue & Sand, Gran Bahia Principe Amber & Esmerelda, Now Laeimar, Secrets Royal Beach and The Jellyfish! It is awesome and pictures are attached!!! It's open and airy with lots of ambiance and right on the beach. It's a one lane bumpy ride in and out but definitely worth the ride. Mayte and I had planned to meet up but unfortunately my schedule was changed last minute and we missed each other. Mayte works individually with each couple but  she sent me an estimate of pricing so my brides booked at the Jellyfish could get an idea of pricing. Please see below. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 866-208-8681. Thanks! TA Patty  

Hi Patty,

I work under quotes, so personal for each bride, but I can give you a estimate or general for some things, after that, the brides send me pictures from things they like and I quote in base of that requires. I´m not like hotels has packages and after thake comision for everything, the quote I get, is the quote I charge. But for my experience I can make you a list for you know more or less:

Dj and sound: 700 us and includes MC, lights, micros and a sound ceremony. No limit time, they stay here from guests arrive to the couple decided to end!!

For decor and ceremony set on the beach for less than 50 pax is around 1.500 us all included, names cards, menu cards in wedding colors and under the pictures of the bride, all is possible. No chrage for candles or colors.

Flowers: depend a lots for the type of flowers, roses are not the same price than orquids, and depends as well for the design.
But more or less is:

Bride bouquet: from 100 us to 150 us
Bride maid´s: from 40 us to 75 us
Botounieurs: 10 to 15 us
Corsages: 25 to 45 us
petal bags: 12/15 us depends on the colors
Centerpieces : that is difficult, because it just depends on the design, quantity of flowers etc...

Cake: design, cover, decor... from 5 us to 7 us per person
Cup cakes: form 2 us small ones to 3.5 us the bigers ones.... more desserts are possibles.

Dance floor: simple on the sand with lightling, pappers lamps: 200 us
                  white wood dance floor with lights: 350 us
                  Led dance floor: 500 us
Fire work volcans for dance floor: 100 us

Lounge forniture: white sofas, tables etc.. 200 us a lounge for 10 pax included decor and pillows in colors.

Projector and screen: 250 us

Alive groups for cocktail hour: 250 us/ 300 us depends on the instruments

Fire show: 350 us 4 dancers 20 minuts show

Crazy hour: Full show, assorted of styles : 850 us

Transportations: 2 ways 7 us per person.

Cigar rollers: 350 us

And any thing you want, I can get for you!! 

I hope all of that is useful for you, but I repeat, all is personal depends on the couple ask me for. 

Un abrazo

Mayte

Originally Posted by Far18 

 

 

Thanks Patty! I really appreciate it! I am super stressed out!

Good Morning - I just returned from DR and we stayed at Hard Rock Punta Cana. It's an awesome resort! We met with the wedding & group sales manager last week and were told the onsite WC's will not begin working with brides prior to 30 days to your wedding. Up until that time you need to work through the Miami office and the onsite WC's have been instructed to not even respond if a bride contacts them before the 30 day mark. Apparently they are very strict with this policy and will not budge. All communication must be with the Miami office until you are assigned your WC 30 days prior to your wedding date. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. TA Patty

Originally Posted by Jamielynn55 

 

Thanks for posting! I'm adding a bit of this into my welcome to punta cans brochure

You're welcome. 

Originally Posted by krinch27 

 

Hi planning to have my 2013 wedding at the HR .. just wondering how far in advance everyone else books their wedding date? I don't want to end up booking to late or something? Also does anyone have any more info on how the group contract works?

Good Morning ~ I just sent you information in PM. Please let me know what questions I can answer. Thanks TA Patty

Originally Posted by Far18 

 

Hi Ladies!

My wedding is two months away at the Hard Rock and they still haven't assigned my in house Wedding Coordinator! I was told 30 days before or the day I get there to get one, which I have crazy and I am super stressed out! Anyone else on the same boat as me? Also, I am finding communication sooooo hard as we need to rent DJ equipment and I've been given the run around. I just haven't been happy with the communication at all and actually find it super stressful!

Hi Far18,

Be persistent and keep in contact with them. I am working with a bride and we have been trying to get the same information. We were given a contact email for an onsite WC but no luck there either. I contacted my business development manager for the resort and I'm waiting to hear back from her. I will post when I get information. Hang in there! 

Originally Posted by DestinationGirl 

 

Thanks for sharing

You're welcome! 

Originally Posted by Shaylaj 

 

Thanks for sharing! Great information!

You're welcome! 

Originally Posted by michellec 

 

Hi all! I'm planning on getting married at the Hard Rock in July 2014. I emailed the resort last week for info and to book but no one has gotten back to me yet. How long do they take before they respond?

Hello Michelle - Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  Unfortunately the resorts and WC's are not always the best about replying in a timely manner. I am a BDW TA specializing in Dominican Republic. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Thanks! TA Patty

Location/Geography
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republic of Haiti. The country is the second-largest island in the Caribbean, with a surface area of 48,198 square kilometers. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and to the south by the Caribbean Sea.

Population
The population of the Dominican Republic is more than 8.5 million people.

Time Zone

Local time is Caribbean Eastern Time (GMT -0400). In the winter it is an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. The Dominican Republic does not practice daylight savings time, as is customarily done in the United States.

Capital City
The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, which is the oldest city in the new world. It has a population of almost 2.5 million people.

Government
The Dominican Republic's political structure is based on democratic principles. Every four years the country elects its president, vice president and legislators.

Language
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. However, you'll be surprised how many hotel and tourist destination employees speak English, French, German and Italian. If you decide to venture outside of the tourist areas, it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in Spanish.

Currency
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency of the Dominican Republic. You can find out the exchange rate at www.xe.com/ucc. Major credit cards and travelers' checks are accepted at many of the country's tourist locations; ATMs are located in almost all of the Dominican Republic's cities, as well as at most resorts.

Climate

The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate year-round. Depending on your location, a typical day could have full sun or a combination of sun and clouds. Their average annual temperature ranges from 66° to 93° F (19° to 34° C). The coldest season is between November and April, and the hottest season is between May and October.

The Dominican Republic is an incredible island paradise in the heart of the Caribbean. The country shares a border with Haiti on the second largest island in the area, "Hispaniola." 

Occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island, the Dominican Republic is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. As part of the Tropic of Cancer, the Dominican Republic has a breathtaking topography. Mountains, valleys and beaches make up the diverse photogenic land. Three large mountain ranges run through the island, including the nearly two-mile high peak of Antilles. In fact, nearly half of the island is taken up by the large mountain ranges that run through it.

The Dominican Republic also has the lowest point in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo. It is one of many lakes, lagoons and rivers that accompany the Dominican Republic's 1000 miles of beautiful Caribbean beaches.

There is plenty to explore, as the country is made up of more than 30,000 square miles of lush tropical islands. Surrounded by the Saona, Beata, Catalina and Alto Velo islands, the country spans 178 miles from north to south and 242 miles from east to west.  If you are setting sail for the Island like its famous first visitor, you can find it on your GPS at 19° 0' N 70° 40.02' W.

 As part of the Mona Passage, the Dominican Republic also has world-class fishing. Since temperatures range between 93 º F (34ºC) and 66 ºF (19ºC), the weather will always be ready for an adventure.

Originally Posted by AndreaS 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

I'm new to this site and so thankful I found it. I am also considering having my wedding at the HR Punta Cana in 2013. My aunt went recently and she loved it but I have been trying to get information from the Miami office but have had no luck getting any information, pricing, contract sample, etc. I signed up with destinationweddings.com in hopes they could help but my wedding specialist said he has no experience with this hotel and has been unhelpful and is pushing me to book before I have it

 

If anyone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Congrats ladies!

Hello Andrea - Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  I am a BDW TA specializing in the Dominican Republic. I have lots of experience, have been to Punta Cana and I am visiting again in early October. I am so excited and will be staying at the Hard Rock Punta Cana!  Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of service. You can contact me directly at  [email protected]. Thanks TA Patty

Originally Posted by valh416 

 

Hi, my name is Valerie and just starting to research for an Alaskan Cruise wedding. I have searched pretty extensively throughout the sight, but haven't come across any Alaskan cruises. I am looking into Princess and Carnival. All advice is welcome!!

Hello Valerie and Katy - Congratulations on your upcoming weddings! I am one of the BWD Forum TA's and I am happy to assist with your cruise wedding. I was in Alaska last September aboard the Golden Princess and the ship and location are spectacular. Alaska is breathtaking! Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide any information for you. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks! TA Patty

Originally Posted by Arch713 

 

Hi Valerie! Welcome! I am a newbie too looking at cruise weddings.

 

I have been on about 8 cruises and regarding your question about which cruise line - I think you need to think about what type cruise style you like. Carnival is known for being more of a party ship with a more younger crowd where Holland and Princess tend to be a little more of an older crowd. While all different people cruise on all types of ships - that is more of a generalization. More specifically, Carnival will offer more pool type games, clubs, etc than a Holland or Princess may.

 

By searching Alaskan cruises in the month you are thinking - you can then look ship by ship and do your comparison from there.

 

Good Luck and Congratulations!

Hello Valerie and Katy - Congratulations on your upcoming weddings! I am one of the BWD Forum TA's and I am happy to assist with your cruise wedding. I was in Alaska last September aboard the Golden Princess and the ship and location are spectacular. Alaska is breathtaking! Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide any information for you. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks! TA Patty

Originally Posted by valh416 

 

I am in the very early stages of planning an Alaskan Cruise wedding in Summer of 2014. I have taken many trips before, and have always booked on my own. I am thinking that with so much that is going to be happening on this trip, and such a large group (there will be 19) maybe I should look into one.

 

So I ask, what are the ups and downs to using a travel agent? What does it cost to use a travel agent? Any advice would be helpful!!

 

Thanks

Hello - I just recently saw your post. Not sure if you received any answers but I'll share my opinion and hopefully answer your questions. Your destination wedding is your special day and everyone wants to get the best rates possible for yourself as well as your guests. Absolutely rates are important, but making sure that you have an advocate working for you is also important. All of the TA's from the BDW Forum are certified destination wedding & honeymoon specialists. This means we have participated in hours of training, product updates, seminars and site visits where we visit the destinations and properties and tour all aspects of the resort. There are numerous continuing education opportunities each year as well as the opportunity to meet with our local resort and wholesaler representatives. This along with years of experience in working with groups allows us to provide our clients with the best service possible. Part of this service is working to get our clients the best rates possible. My job is to make your job of planning a wedding less stressful and handle the travel arrangements for you and your guests. We do not charge any service fees and we are paid by the supplier once travel is complete. 

In addition to working with destination wedding groups planning their wedding at a resort I also work with cruise weddings. The same criteria applies to cruises as well. I have been on several cruises in a variety of locations and on a variety of cruise ships. I am a Certified Master Cruise Counselor with CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association. In  the past several years cruise lines have become very strict with pricing and do not allow "discounting". With this rates should be the same no matter where you book unless an agency has group space. If our agency already has group space on a cruise then we can book into the group and take advantage of any pricing discounts and or perks. If not then I can create a group and block space for your group.  I was in Alaska last fall and it is beautiful. Pricing is available for 2014 on many of the cruise lines and Alaska is a very popular destination. Ships tend to sell out early. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or if you would like any further information. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks! TA Patty

Hello!

All resorts charge a fee for guests who are not staying on the property.  Typically a "day pass" can run between $75 - $100 per person, per day and guests would also be responsible for their own transportation between resorts. Majestic Elegance has specific policies regarding their fee's for outside vendors. If you are considering bringing your own photographer, videographer, hairdresser etc... onto the property make sure you confirm the vendor policy and day pass fee in advance with your wedding coordinator. In some cases fee's for outside vendors can exceed $300 per person per day. Below is the response I recently received from the Majestic WC when I requested rates for outside vendor fee's. I have attached the resort policy letter. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks! TA Patty

Good Morning,

Could I please get the day pass rates for an outside vendor, hairdresser, photographer etc.. Thank you   

Good morning Patty

That is not as simple as that, we will need to be asked for each vendor they want to bring to the resort since it may be allowed or not based on the resort policies so if you can be more specific, we will give you the information.

Regarding outside photographer / videographers attached you will find the resort policy

Kind regards

Sandra de la Cruz

Majestic Resorts - Outside Vendor Memo Wedding Photographer updated (6).pdf

Originally Posted by lande8 

 

Hi and welcome!  I'm also getting married on Feb. 8, 2013!!  We are staying at Majestic Elegance but our wedding will be at the Jellyfish.  I've been engaged for a year and started planning about 6 months ago...but I think I could have started planning much later.  This website is really amazing and will answer all your questions.  I also highly recommend using a travel agent -- mine's been super helpful in answering many of my questions and steering me in the right direction.  Good luck and happy planning!

Thank you Leslie for your kind words! It's a pleasure working with you and your guests. TA Patty

Originally Posted by 121212 

 

Hi I am new to the site and honestly not even sure where to start when planning the wedding. We have the date and resort set. Does anyone that has had or is having their wedding at the Majestic Colonial have any advise as to where to start? How far in advance do you have to start?

Welcome! I am one of the BDW TA's and I specialize in Punta Cana. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or provide any information for you., Thanks! TA Patty

Thank you Leslie for your kind words! It's a pleasure working with you and your guests. TA Patty

Hi Jennifer - Glad to assist! Please send me a message at my email [email protected] and I'll send the info.  Thanks! Patty  

Hello!

The Best Destination Wedding agents do not charge any additional service fees. Our job is to find the best rates possible for our clients and provide superior customer service. We are all certified destination wedding and honeymoon specialists which means we have completed many hours of training and continue to participate in ongoing education, site visits, seminars in addition to our years of experience.  We take some of the planning burden off of the wedding couple and serve as a central contact point for the couple and their guests for their travel arrangements and for any questions with the destination, resort, etc... Please let me know if you have any further questions regarding our services. Thanks!  TA Patty  

Not to mention WE LOVE WHAT WE DO!!!!!