JPro

Hi again Jessica - I am getting married on Wed. Mar 27th on the beach. We booked La Brasa with the sand package and have cocktail hour included. We hired HDC photography because I read really great reviews about them. But I also saw that another bride said she was very happy with the resort photographer. We are also going with the hotel DJ. I haven't heard much about them, but I figure they do weddings all the time so it can't be that bad. Plus he sent me a list of songs that we want to hear and a do not play list. I have also emailed him and seems to "get it" if you know what I mean. I know many other brides just do the iPod thing, but I don't want to have to deal with creating a playlist and uploading it. For me, it's worth the extra $700 to have someone else deal with the music and MCing. That's just one less thing I have to do, (but I still get to micromanage). Again, it's your preference. I am also going with the basic decoration package and am not bothering with sashes, table decorations, etc.For me, the setting is enough decor. I am planning on using my bridesmaid bouquets are the center pieces (they aren't going to need them after the ceremony!) and just the plain white table cloths, so I am saving money there. I hope this helps you a little. Like I said before, it's a personal preference You need to think about what you want your wedding day to be like and go with it! After all, it's your day!

Hi Jessica - I am doing the Sand package and I have only 24 people coming (possibly 6 more people coming). Our package includes the reception dinner and we have La Brasa booked for no extra charge. I think you have 2 dinner location options for that package. If you go over 30 people, then it costs $32 per person. You just have to ask yourself what you want for your wedding. If you only have a few people coming, them maybe a dinner in one of the restaurants is enough. Then you can hit the bars after dinner or disco for dancing. But if you want a private reception with you own music and dancing, then you might want to go the package route. Hope that helps!

Hi ladies - I was wondering if there was a dress code for the restaurants. I am updating my wedding website and want to let the guests know what kind of clothes they need to bring. I have not read anything on the Ocean's website requiring collared shirts, slacks, or closed toed shoes (I know a lot of resorts require this type of dress), so I am assuming people can wear whatever they want as long as it's reasonable (no swimsuits, etc). Any thoughts would be great! It sounds like everyone's planning is coming along! I just kicked my butt back into gear and figured out groomsmen "outfits", the bridesmaid dresses just came in (I cut it kind of close!), figured out my OOT bags but still have to personalize them, finally got registered (I cut that kind of close too!), had my first dress fitting, and created a timeline for the day of. I still have to get my music figured out, make programs and my Do Not Disturb door sign, write my vows, and create our ceremony script (we are having a good friend marry us). I still feel a little overwhelmed but I have 8 weeks! Wow it's creeping up fast! Thanks for all the great ideas ladies!

That is a really good question! I was planning on putting my gown in the captains closet as well. That might be a great question for the TA. I'll ask mine and see what she says.

Does anyone know how the DJ is at the resort? We were going to just use the iPod or make CDs, but we'd rather pay the extra $200 rather than stress about making the CDs or something going wrong with our own music. With my luck, that would happen! Also, does anyone know what the reception food is like? Any recommendations on h'ordourves (not sure how its spelled), appetizers, entrees, and desserts? And how does the open bar work? Do we have our own bar and bar tender? Or do people order drinks from servers and they get take orders? I am having my reception at La Brasa if that helps answer the question. My fear is that it is going to take a long time for my guests to get drinks if there are servers, and my group likes to booze it up at parties Sorry for all the questions!

Hi Ladies! I am so excited about how many brides there are! This forum has been really helpful and I have gotten so many great ideas. This question is more for some of you who have been there before or have gotten married there already. I always wanted to get married on the beach, but after looking at some of the pics, I am really concerned that we will be out of place with all the beach chairs around us and people walking around in front during the ceremony. My ceremony is at 5:00 at night, so I am hoping that people will be gone and headed to their rooms to get ready for dinner. So what is it like to have your ceremony right in the middle of people laying around in their swim suites? Does the resort do a good job of trying to keep people out of the way and somewhat clear away some of the beach chairs? It is not my dream to get married next to the greasy old man in a speedo smoking a cigar. Does anyone have any pics of their ceremony they can post? Or tell me what the atmosphere is like? What is the beach like around 5? Thanks so much!

I was wondering if anyone can give more information about the $500 and $300 voucher? I am booked for March 23-30 and have the Sand Extravaganza package. Is this discount from the resort or your travel agent? Thanks so much! I find such great info here!

JPro (Jamie) Wedding: March 27th - Travel March 23-30

Hey ladies - I just moved my wedding to the Oceans from the Palladium. I was wondering if anyone had any input about the resort DJ. I have read a lot on the Palladium website about DJ Mannia, and was wondering if it was worth looking into. The DJ price at Oceans seems kind of steep, so I was wondering if it was worth the extra $$ to go with an outside source if the Oceans aren't that great. I'd love some feedback on what others have heard or what they are doing. Thanks!

Hi Ladies! Congrats on all your wedding plans! I am new to this forum and I was wondering who I can get in touch with regarding securing a wedding date. Right now we are confirmed at the Grand Palladium, but it is coming out to be too expensive, so we want to change it to the Ocean. I emailed Yinette but haven't heard back yet. I know that they are a little more laid back than we are, so they aren't going to respond right away. I thought I saw there was another coordinator. Does anyone have either's contact info? Also, how long do they typically take to respond. The coordinator at the Palladium usually responds with in 24 hours. Thanks ladies!

I hired HDC photography for Dec. 28th and had to contact them to see if they can move the date. So far, he has been really responsive to my emails and I have read a lot of great things about that company. My experience so far has been pretty good. I don't think I am going to hire a DJ. I was just planning on making a playlist and hooking mu iPod up to it. I have also heard that it is a good idea to make CDs as a back up. I guess they have a technician that will work it. But if a DJ is only $100 more or something, I would just go with that. You probably have to buy a night pass for them. GP is actually really cheap compared to other resorts that I have looked at. Let me know what you decide!

I would love to keep this going! It has been pretty dead for the past few months. I just moved my date from Dec. 28th to March 26th, so I am excited! I've been in contact with Carolina for about 3 months now and have done a tone of research, so I'm happy to answer any questions if I can!

Hi ladies! Congrats on all your upcoming weddings! I am so excited (and a bit jealous!) that your weddings are right around the corner! I am new to this forum, so I am not sure how much action it has seen recently. I have spent the last 3 days catching up with all the posts. I really appreciate all of the reviews! It has really helped me visualize what my wedding day will look like. I am not getting married until Dec. 28th this year, so if to wait another 10 months!! I have a couple questions that have not been mentioned in some of the posts. If anyone has any input, I would greatly appreciate it! Also, are there any brides who got married around Christmas or New Year's this past year? I would love to hear about how that went (weather, how busy the resort is, etc,). I would ask Carolina, but I don't want to stalk her with all of these questions. Plus, as most of you know, her responses are pretty limited . So here are some of my questions 1. Has anyone had a cocktail hour following the ceremony? Not just the champaign toast at the ceremony site, but the $6 pp cocktail hour? If so, - Where is it? - Were there tables for people to sit at? - What type if liquor is served? - Is it worth it? 2. What was the order of events for the wedding day? We were hoping to take pictures with the wedding party before the ceremony (ours is at 4:40), then do a cocktail hour, have the semi-private dinner, and then the beach reception. We wanted to avoid having the hour of down time and wanted one event to flow into the next. Does anyone have any input about that? 3. Did anyone do a "first look" with their hubby? We want to get pictures done before the ceremony so we can enjoy the wedding with our guests. Did anyone take wedding party pictures before the ceremony? Can I do this with the hotel photog? I appreciate any thoughts! Thanks! Jamie

Hi Nina and Mason - I am also getting married there this year. My wedding isDecember 28th. We are doing a symbolic of "Vowel Renewal" ceremony. (Nina - when is your date?) I also have some info about wedding packages. I was confused though because the packages that Carolina emailed me were actually different (and cheaper) than the website. I'm not sure why. What are both of you planning for your wedding? Beach or gazebo ceremony? Private dinner or semi-private dinner? Beach Party? What are you doing for photography? I was hoping to just use the resort's photographer but I want to take all of my wedding part pictures before the ceremony so we can enjoy the wedding with our guests. Here is the "Silver" package she sent me: Wedding coordinator • Wedding area decorations (Decorated tables with clothes and covered chairs during the ceremony) • Bridal bouquet & Groom´s boutonniere (Daisies and/or carnations, red roses) • Wedding cake. • Translation of ceremony into English. • Fruit basket and bottle of rum for bride & groom(upon arrival) • Breakfast for bride and groom the day after the wedding. • 1 bottle champagne for bride and groom at the room (on the wedding day) • Gala dinner for the bride, groom and guests (Take place in one of the a la carte restaurants, located at the Complex. Will be confirming upon arrival). A set menu will be required for groups with more than 14 people. (Is not a private dinner). • One bottle champagne, wine for the ceremony The price of the package is US$ 690. The price cannot be altered. Prices and Services may be subject to change without prior notice. This package is valid from the 1st of January 2012 and is only valid for guests of the Palladium Resorts & Spa & The Royal Suites in Punta Cana. Here is the "Gold" package she sent me: Wedding coordinator • Wedding area decorations (Decorated tables with clothes and covered chairs during the ceremony) • Bridal bouquet & Groom´s boutonniere • 3 tiered wedding cake. • Translation of ceremony into English. • Fruit basket and bottle of rum for bride & groom(upon arrival) • Breakfast for bride and groom the day after the wedding. • 1 bottle champagne for bride and groom at the room (on the wedding day) • Gala dinner for the bride, groom and guests (Take place in one of the a la carte restaurants, located at the Complex. Will be confirming upon arrival). A set menu will be required for groups with more than 14 people. (Is not a private dinner). • One bottle champagne, wine for the ceremony • Red carpet walkway (based on availability) • Late check out (based on availability) • Wedding gift • “Premium†flower centerpiece for the wedding table • Turn down service • Late check out (subject to hotel availability • Free Room upgrade (subject to hotel availability) The price of the package is US$ 900. The price cannot be altered. I also have some pricing for extras if you want that. Just let me know

Hi Ladies! I am also getting married here in Dec. 2012! I have tons of questions about the flow of the wedding. I appreciate any info form brides who have gotten married there! Suzie - What time is your wedding and where are you having the ceremony? Are you doing the private or semi-private dinner? Our reception is at 4:30 on the beach but I am considering moving it to the gazebo for privacy. Are you doing a cocktail hour before dinner or the beach party? What are you doing for photography? I was hoping to take pictures with my wedding party before the ceremony so we don't miss any part of the wedding. What are you doing? Sorry for all the questions! Do mind posting or PMing me when you are done a review of your wedding? We are expecting about 40 people. I just have so many questions about how the wedding day is going to go.

HI Jaime - I recently went dress shopping and just bought my gown. I went to 3 places (including David's) and had dresses that I liked. I really didn't believe in the whole "You'll know when you find your dress" beforehand. I also went with an open mind. I had pictures of dresses that I loved, but kept in mind that the dresses that I love might not love my shape. It wasn't until the last place I went to where I had that feeling that "this in MY dress". I truly do think you know. I agree with the others that there is no "right" dress for a beach wedding. You need to find something that you love and makes you feel fabulous. Although the dress you found in beautiful, if you are on the fence, keep looking. You deserve to have the dress that makes you feel amazing. It is out there, just keep looking Jamie

Hi Jenmheadrick, I am also planning a Punta Cana wedding for the end of Dec. 2012 and recently went through the "choosing the resort" process. I actually had mine narrowed down to Palladium, Majestic, and Melia. I chose the Palladium because it best fit my and my guests' budget (mostly all teachers). The Majestic is a beautiful resort with great reviews and has beautiful weddings based on their pictures. For what we wanted and the amount of people we are having, the Majestic weddings were very pricey so we went with the Grand Palladium. I really think it has a lot to do with what your budget is for the wedding, and what you want your guests to pay to be there. The Majestic is a more elegant resort than the Palladium, if that is what you are looking for. The weddings also looked more beautiful. If money wasn't an issue, we would have chosen the Majestic over the Palladium. However, the Palladium is a great resort and you can't beat the wedding packages. The wedding coordinator has also been very helpful and quick to respond to my emails. Either way, you can't go wrong. You are going to be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with your closest friends and family. Everyone will be happy to be on vacation with you! So if you are looking for more luxury and have a bigger budget, go Majestic. If you are just looking for a good time with your family and friends and have a smaller budget, go Palladium.

Hi Brides! I am getting married at the Grand Palladium Dec, 28th, 2012 as was wondering if there are any brides who have gotten married there recently or are getting married in this year. My main interest is the actual wedding rather than the resort. So far I have been dealing with Carolina and she has been wonderful. I just don't want to stalk her with a million questions! If anyone has any info regarding weddings there, please feel free to respond. I will take what I can get! I basically want to know what the order of events are for the wedding. My biggest fear is that people are going to have to wait around for everything. If anyone has any input about the following, I'd love to hear it! I appreciate details. I know we will hammer out most of the decoration details when we get there, I just have questions about the big details. -Do you get to decide on what your day will look like? We want to take pictures before the wedding. Then have cocktail hour following the ceremony. Then go to dinner and have the beach party right after. We don't really want any down time and want to keep our guests entertained (with drinks in their hands!) without having to travel all over the hotel. - Our ceremony is on the beach at sunset (4:30) and I am worried that it won't be private and feel like a wedding with a bunch of people in swim suits standing all around us. Is the gazebo a better option? - Is it better to use the hotel photographer? We want to have our wedding party pictures before the ceremony so we don't miss part of our wedding. Did anyone do that? - We are thinking of doing a cocktail hour? Did anyone do this and have any details? - We are also having a semi-private dinner in one of the restaurants and are worried that dinner will drag and people will start to get restless if dinner lasts 2 hours. I know I sound like a crazy bride, but I have never even been to a destination wedding so I have nothing to compare it to. I appreciate any advice or input! Thanks so much!! And sorry for the long thread. Jamie