Jenn963

this is random...lol but...i'm quite upset (and a tad jealous) that there are a bunch of facebook pages for brides at other resorts (see "majestic Colonial Brides" or "Dreams Punta Cana Brides") and NOTHING for the Grand Palladium  

Originally Posted by TealMarie 

 

So other than sending out invites, what else are you girls working on now? I'm going wedding dress shopping this weekend, which will be a big checkmark off the list. I feel like I should start some projects now while I have the time, perhaps the OOT bags. Or maybe the dance playlist.

This week I am trying to figure out who my photographer/videographer will be...this will be quite a task I'm sure.  I also would like to join a gym hopefully and find some motivation to go lol.  I was thinking of starting on my OOT bags but I think I'll do that more down the road....however, if i do see things on sale, of course I'll buy and start collecting here n there.  

Originally Posted by eberry 

 

that's too bad that Absolute Wedsite didn't work out for you, but at least your travel agent is making you feel better

I guess i did misunderstand you... i though you said you were going to check out the resort in February... ahhhh how nice would that be! Congrats on getting your date confirmed - it makes it feel that much more "real", doesn't it?

for the photographer, our wedding planner told us that most resorts wave the outside vendor fee if you have the vendor (photographer, dj, etc) stay at the resort for a few nights.  since our photographer would be staying all week, we should be able to get that fee waived - hopefully! but awesome for you for having a family/friend who does photography, that's a great way to save some $$.

 

i feel like wedding planning is the only thing on my mind these days. it's going to be a long 9 months!

oh really? I wasn't told that....I asked Carolina if there's any way around this high fee but she said that is the policy for the hotel..but she did not mention that if we book an outside photographer and have him stay at the hotel a couple of nights, they'd wave it...i'll probably email her about that :/.....but I think that way, it will be more pricey..

the friend we had in mind to do our photography cannot make it unfortunately so we are stuck with having to book a photographer there in Punta Cana.  

yes 9 months to go..but i feel as though they will FLY BY!!! 

Originally Posted by motoroats 

 

Yes I'm also nervous about the wedding packages.. our wedding date is tentatively Jan 27, 2014, and staying at GP Palace. Of course the 2014 package won't be released until June, and we can't book the wedding itself until March, so we haven't booked the trip or started collecting deposits.

 

Some of the comments on this thread have been mentioning that the beach after-party is an extra $300-$500 or whatever, but on the site, you can add the beach party for $1300, and that's for only 15 people.. How does that work out? And has anyone booked the Tropical Promise package? We're looking at about 30 people coming so will my package go from $3000 (for 8 people) and then have to pay $20 for each additional person? And what about your color choices? Are the colors really limited to  the 3 they provide for each package? If we didn't go for the Tropical Promise package, I'd still want to pick the mango color scheme.. Does a person have that option?

 

Congrats to you all on your weddings at GP!

Hey motoroats congrats....I was told the beach party is just $15/pp for open bar and then $300 for the DJ....and i was also given a $550 price for dj/mc/mic/speakers/audio system and robotic lights i believe.........i dont think there;s a min or max on this cuz it's just $15 pp so it depends on how many guests u have. And yes...for any of the of the packages (other than the silver one), it only includes 8 people, so guests over that amount is $20 pp.  I haven't heard of the color limitations for each package but i think that's something I'll look into later down the road. hope this helps  

Originally Posted by Fabiola C 

 

Hey Everyone, 

 

I`m also planning on getting married at the GPPC this December. Has anyone gotten 

quotes yet, i`m in Ottawa wondering if you guys got your group rates yet. 

 

I`m planning to have over 60 guests, but not all from Canada though, hopefully i`ll be able to get accommodation for all my guests, instead of the resorts only.

Hi Fabiola you're gettin married Dec 2013? exciting! and congrats!

I went through Marlin Travel and i was able to get a 7-night all inclusive price of  $1158 (Tax in) for adults (double occupancy) and $772 all incl for kids....i dont know, but i think this is pretty good...and hoping the price tag will entice people to book ASAP! We are invited about 70 people, even people from south america, Alberta and Florida....so i'm waiting on those quotes from my travel agent.  I hope you get something soon!

they look lovely!!! My passport invites are being printed...cannot wait to see the end result!!! what size is your passport? We used a 3.5x5 template and when I went to look for envelopes and physically held a 4x5.5 envelope in my hand, i thought "gosh the passports are gonna be TINY!" So i hope they don't look ridiculously small :S 

I don't get it....I read other brides' packages are "crystal" or "diamond" or something...is this ONLY for legal weddings? Does anyone know?

because I'm having a symbolic wedding and the PDF file that Carolina sent me has "Silver package", "Pure Paradise", "Waves of Love", "Ocean Pearl", "Tropical Promise", and "simple stunning signature."  So I guess it's different depending on the type of ceremony ur having? The least expensive one of the ones i;ve mentioned is the Silver one goin for $690US but it doesn't include nearly as much extras as the other ones, so i will have to sit down and compare......
I got my confirmation finally from Carolina for Nov 8th at 3pm.....now what? lol will we not email until later this year? She hasn't emailed me anything else....i guess there's plenty of time for the details.....I wish she had an assistant....oh wait, she does....I wish she had an assistant's assistant.....lol. She seems so super busy and every time i email her and she replies, it seems like it's all copy and paste type answers.  lol

Originally Posted by Bride2B1130 

 

Hi, I am actually having my wedding at GP and noticed the crazy fee. Were you able to find a way out of this fee for the hotel. In the end I will bite the bullet because in the end paying $500 so I can enjoy my pictures for the next 30 years is something I can live with. Looks like I don't mind paying $22/year for 30 years to enjoy my photos lol. Please do update me when you hear from the WC at GPPC. Was this Carolina that mentioned this to you? Please let me know!

lol.  Welll when u put it on a 30 year term it doesn't seem all that bad huh? LOL

Yes it was Carolina who emailed me this .....but I think I will email her today and ask if there's anything else we can do....

Originally Posted by Jessica1005 

 

hi Jenn, im booked for April 20, 2013, when is yours?

November 8th 2013 congratsss how exciting! I hope you come back on this forum after everything has settled in and post some pics and ur experience!!!  

Originally Posted by eberry 

 

Hi Jenn963!  I've never been to the resort, so I'd love to hear how your trip goes next month!

We sent out email invitations in October and then paper invitations at the beginning of December.  In total, i think we invited around 150 people.  A few people booked before Christmas, but the majority only booked during the last couple of weeks.  It was quite stressful because we had to guestimate the number of guests  we thought would come and put down a non-refundable $250 dollar deposit for each. With regards to using Luxe, there are so many things that we're discovering after the fact that are frustrating.  For instance, they negotiated our rate with Transat before the rates were even posted online for anybody else, but we trusted that we would get a good deal since we were putting down deposits for 20 rooms.  Low and behold, when the public rates actually came out about a month later, they were $14 less than what our contract was.  After asking our travel agent if there was an opportunity to price match, she came back and said that we have one opportunity up to 100 days prior to departure, and we have to find the exact same trip (i.e. has to be from Transat for the same room type, same dates, same EVERYTHING) and there has to be available (still not quite sure what that means).  Basically, we have to keep an eye on the rates, and once we see one that we want to attempt to challenge, they will go back to Transat  and request a price reduction, but it's not guaranteed that we'll get it. So needless to say, it's been frustrating.  We have also signed on for Wedding Planning services from Luxe.  They will negotiate rates with the resort for things like the reception and guarantee to save you at least what you paid for the wedding planning.  We haven't started that part yet because we wanted to wait and see how many guests we have.  Hopefully that is more fun and less stressful than the travel arrangements.

When you go in November, are you only going for one week?  We've decided to fly down on Wednesday, October 30, whereas the rest of our group will be coming on the saturday.  That way we have time to relax before everyone gets there and we can get the OOT bags ready and greet all of our guests once they arrive.  (on that note, we ended up booking our additional flight on our own rather than with Luxe because they couldn't get us any deals.  in the end, we have to pay for the regular one week trip - november 2-9, as well as the extra flight on the oct. 30).

Do you know what you're doing for a photographer?  There's a photographer in Whitby who we used for our engagement pics, my fiance did family pics with her in the past and the family of a friend of ours uses her all the time, so we're going to try to get her to come down with us.  It might end up being a little pricey because her fee will probably be the trip plus an actual fee for her services, but we'll start getting that set up soon.  

Are you making OOT bags?  i've seen so many great ideas on these forums... i can't wait to get started on them!

Ya i had issues with a wedding specialist company....Absolute Wedsite....they were so very disorganized and I didn't feel like it was going to be a good next few months if i stuck with them....those companies probably have sooo many weddings at a time that you're basically just another number....I didn't want to feel this way so I cancelled with them, lost a small deposit, but saved myself the hassle of dealing with them.  Either way, I found an amazing travel agent and i already am in contact with Carolina so I'm more "hands on" this way I feel.....I have read that the booking part is the most stressful but after that it's a breeze So good luck to you and hope it all works out!! 

And I think you misunderstood me...i'm not goin to GPPC next month lol...i WISH but I can't.  We aren't leaving till NOV 4 and we are stayin there for the whole week.  Luckily, I got my wedding date confirmed 4 days AFTER we arrive so I have those days to run around and look at florists and get tips from other brides who have their weddings there before me (*WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE*) 

I have not booked a photographer but this will probably be my next task after invitations are sent out! carolina emailed me saying they charge $500 for an outside punta cana photographer/videographer...so it's either i bring my own family/friend who does photography or i use their in-house guy....i have to check their work out....

OOT bags...no....i'm not doin one but i think i should because i have a few things in mind I already wanna buy (flip flops, custom labelled mugs, sunscreen, fans, etc).....I will have to check with the mister for a budget on that LOL 

I"M SOOOO EXCITED!!!!! 

Booked for November 4-11, 2013 Grand Palladium Punta Cana! Invitations are at the printer and HOPEFULLY will be done by this week so I can send out next week ! I will finally be able to breathe once they are out and in the mail! *sigh* 

I hopeeee people are cooperative and rsvp as they should and by the due date!!! I can already see this being a frustrating process but I'm hoping for the best! I sent out 45 save the dates (one per household) askin everyone for their full mailing addresses and I only got about 15 people actually sending them to me.  The other 20, I had to hunt down and remind them. and the other 10, I honestly am just gonna tak it as "they're not interested"....to each his own I say! At least they're saving me POSTAGE! LOL 

hey Jessica,  check this link...there's a bride (user name jenmheadrick) that's gettin married in April... 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/14643/married-or-going-to-be-married-at-grand-palladium-punta-cana/2670#post_1864618

Hey ladies.  I am only in the beginning process of planning my DW and am looking around for photographers however, my WC (Grand Palladium Punta Cana) emailed me suggesting their "in-house" photographer: Photoshop Caribe I believe it was.  Otherwise, if we choose to bring another photo/videographer from Punta Cana (I.e caribbean emotions/Photo Souvenir I'm assuming) it would cost $500 US to the hotel for EACH videographer AND photographer for the "day pass" .....From my understanding, the $500 fee is to the hotel, so that means I would have to pay my outside photographer AND video grapher AND that fee!?? Does anyone find that a little extreme?? That's ALOT of money just to have an outside photographer come in :S  Is there any way around this....because from the forum here, Photo Souvenir seems to be great and Photoshop Caribe, not so much....

I started off with ABSOLUTE WEDSITE at first....put a small deposit down and thank GOD it was only $100 because I would have lost more.  It could be a better experience for someone else, but in MY opinion, they are SUPER unreliable and slow, and a disorganized mess! I DO NOT recommend them for ANYONE. The stories I have I tell ya.....from the owner down to the agent. smh.  (Ok venting done).  

I cancelled with them, and went with a Marlin Travel agent who has been AMAZING.  I will surely book with him from now on when I plan to travel. He got me an amazing quote/deal for my guests and what I love most is his professionalism and he's super quick to get back to me.  

hey eberry! awww this is awesome!! so we'll prolly run into each other as we will be arriving November 4th.....the wedding date is still pending on confirmation but Carolina gave us Nov 8th at 4pm and I sent her the agreement form and hoping she will change the time to 3pm instead of 4...just cuz I think 4 is too late to do pictures (depending on when the sun sets at that time of year in DR). I want sunny bright pics, not sunset ones. But whatever I get, I'll be happy.  I originally went thru a wedding specialist company called AbsoluteWedsite.  But this week I cancelled with them (long story that will turn into venting lol) and booked with marlin travel (SO much happier).  

wow so 33 people confirmed huh! how many people did you invite in total? and how long ago did you send out your invitations?

I'm gettin a bit concerned because we are now goin into Feb and I STILL haven't even confirmed a date....I sent an email to Carolina this morning to confirm the date (I know and understand she takes a couple days to reply) so that i can ship my invitations to the printer.  I already have the design and everything I just need to plug in the info....So by the time my guests get their invitations it'll probably be mid Feb!! and that only leaves them with one month to soak it all in and make their first deposit (end of march)....*sigh*  patience, patience lol 

How's Luxe Destination? I've seen their ads everywhere lately! Are you being well taken care of with them? 

You'll def be hearing from me for the next few months!! i'm so glad i found this website!

hey BRIDE2B1130 and eberry!!!! I just booked for November 2013 as well What day are you booked for?? Carolina emailed me saying nov 8th was open at 4pm but I believe that's too late....I kind of wanted it earlier than that.  Do you have an idea of what package you are going to pick? 

i feel the same...and I'm usually a control freak so this is definitely testing my ability to "let go" LOL.  I just got an email from Carolina answering some of my questions but I think i'm even more confused.  What PACKAGE did you pick? I find it odd how the Silver package is the only package that has a max of 20 ppl included.  and it's the cheapest, and includes a semi-private dinner.  whereas teh other ones are higher in price but only include 8ppl and NO dinner? can someone clarify this for me.  I want the Silver package but Fiance wants the WAVES OF LOVE.  

Also, I know the beach party is only 3 hours max.  but what is the cut off time? Cuz i'm sure they have a noise policy so we can't be there all night.....

for those who have had the PRIVATE BEACH PARTY, after the 3 hours, did your guests feel it was enough or did they continue partyin at the disco?

Thanks in advance!  

hi electrokitty!!!! Do you mind sending me some pictures of the photographer you used please? also...what did your guests do between the time ur ceremony ended and the reception dinner?? 

hey!! can you send me some pics [email protected] 
i just booked at GPPC and need a photo/videographer. thanks!

awesome, that's great info. thank you sooo much! not sure how many guests we will be having yet but they say that you should count on one third of total ppl invited.  so i would estimate around 30 people. I cannot wait!!! thanks again Melissa!! and all the best on your marriage  

CONGRATS Melissa!! And thanks sooo much for all that Info!! That's amazing!! 
I just got an email from Carolina this morning explaining some details and costs so that's perfect.  
How many guests did you have?

I'm tryin to convince my fiance that a semi-private dinner is just as good as I keep reading on other threads that, like you said, it's more private that you think.  So that will be something to think about. As for the $1000 you said for the private dinner, do you know how many ppl that's for? I've also read the beef medallions are a great choice....
how was your dj? And i'm assuming for the private beach party, no decorations are included?

the gazebo looks beautiful!!

Again, THANKS so much for all that helpful information!! and congratulations on your wedding all the very best! 

Hello MrsJones!! Congrats! how exciting...which one of the Palladiums are you booked at? I'm in the midst of booking myself for the GP Punta Cana....(it's takin so much longer than I anticipated). Who's your coordinator at the resort? How was the whole experience thus far? my gosh two more months for you!!! I'm planning a November 2013 wedding....

Greetings!!!!!! Hoping I can get some feedback here for the GPPC! We are in the midst of booking our wedding in NOV 2013 at the GPPC.  Weddin specialist sent me some packages but still so confused and have MANY questions! 
brides who have already started or in the middle of the whole process, who's your coordinator?? How quick/slow is she to reply to your emails?

How much is a SYMBOLIC ceremony? What kind of decor is included for the gazebo?

We are looking for a private dinner and then a private party thereafter....has ANYONE done this and if so, how much are we looking at? what restaurant options and what does the menu look like?? Tryin to get an estimate of how much it's goin to cost us! we are estimating around 30 people attending plus 4-6 kids. 

HEEEELLLPPP!!!??? THANKSSSSSSSSS IN ADVANCE. hoping to hear from you ladies soon!  

Hey ladies! I'm new to this site and love it already.  All the help and info is awesome.  My fiance and I are not yet 100% booked (waiting on coordinator for availability) for the Grand Palladium Punta Cana for NOVEMBER 2013.  We are estimating about 30-40 guests including kids. We are doing a symbolic ceremony at the gazebo. My wedding specialist sent me all the wedding packages and I'm just SO CONFUSED as to what they all include.  
1)What package did you choose for a symbolic ceremony?

2)Did you go for a private dinner? if so, what restaurant and what hours?

3) for the private beach party, what are the hours?

4) how many ppl are included in the package for the dinner/party? how much is it per person if over the max amount of ppl??

5) who is your coordinator at the resort??

I'll worry about decor closer to the date but i'm just soooo confused in terms of the ceremony/dinner/party.   

HELLLLLLLLLLLLP!!!! when we decided on DW, we never thought it would be this confusing and overwhelming lol but i definitely know it's ALL we want to do!!! Hoping i hear from you guys ASAP!