candacey

@, I ordered them on Beyond the Rack. I'll try to upload a picture so you can see how each girls wrapped them differently

@Huskergirl9 - you could always email Hildebranda whenver you like if you have ideas of things you want included. She should send you a questionnaire to complete before you go as well.

We found the Wi-Fi worked fine... sometimes you would get logged out and just have to log back in. Ours was included, however, my mom thinks they paid about $45 for the week.

As for the wedding packages, they did go up. We paid $4200 US for the Tangerine Package but the 2013 price was $4000. Also, the prices for Tropical Pictures went up.

Best of luck to all future brides!

@tricia-m: Yes, good old Winterpeg!!! It was so nice to get away for 2 weeks of sun and relaxation. Hildebranda was awesome, and she worked with Elizabeth, who was very sweet (not sure if she is new?). The Master Suite is incredible, but if you get upgraded, I'm sure it will be even more amazing!

The couples massage... how could I forget??? Was soooo great! My hubby has never really been for a good massage before and he loved it! They did a really deep one for him and he wanted to go back! We saved our massage for the second week as our first week was so busy (with 2 weddings, etc and most of our guests left after the first week). Bring your bathing suit and spend some time in the pool, steam rooms, etc. afterwards. He thought it was hillarious running from the steam room to the ice cold pool to the boiling hot pool - some entertaining camera footage from that experience!

The kids loved the trip too. My son said he did not want to come home until summer time and it was such a treat not to have to suit my daughter up in her snowsuit every morning! Typically, our routine was to head to the buffet for breakfast (ate made to order omlettes, fresh pancakes and fresh fresh fruit pretty much every morning), go for a swim (either in the ocean or in the pool), have lunch (usually buffet), nap, swim, have dinner (usually a la carte at 6:15 PM).... very laid back and relaxing! Because our room opened onto the adult-only pool, my partner and I would hang out there while the kids were napping. It was awesome! Bring a baby monitor, if you have. We did go to the free kid's pool several times as a few of our guests with kids had rooms there... it is great! We only went to the Pirate's Waterpark twice as noone else in our party were Club Premium and therefore had to pay to go there. It was cool but a bit much for my baby girl. My son loved the mini golf too. I am sure your son will love it!!!

Another wedding review (from Jan. 10, 2014)... sorry, it's lengthy!!!

Our wedding story is a lot different from many on this forum. My partner and I have been together for twenty years (since high school) and have two amazing children together. We decided that before I returned to work from Maternity Leave, we wanted to go away somewhere hot to FINALLY  tie the knot. We live in Canada, where we have been enduring a cold this winter that, with the windchill factored in, has  felt like -48 C (-54.4 F) on several occasions. We wanted our friends and family to join us on our vacation so we booked the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe to stay at. This resort is fabulous and has everything for people of all ages! 

I am in the process of writing a review of BBPD to share on Trip Advisor. I am also hoping to create a planning thread for the BDW site to share photos of OOT bag items, our vows, etc.

As for the wedding part, don’t worry about planning everything before you go. While I did communicate with my WC (Hildebranda) before I left (sent pictures of cakes and bouquets I liked), you meet with the her before the wedding to confirm colours, set up, etc.

We had almost 60 guests at our wedding and prepared 26 OOT bags. We gave them out at the airport , before checking in, so we did not have to carry all that extra weight. We had enough luggage to worry about as we were 2 adults and 2 children (aged 10 months and 3 years).

When we checked in, we were upgraded from Jr. Oceanfront Club Premium to Master Suite, which was awesome! I recommend Club Premium as it is just so much easier for booking restaurants, getting room service, premium drinks, etc. Our suite was beautiful and big and the best part was my hubby and I had a separate room from our kids! The maids made the couch into a bed for my son, and my daughter slept in her playpen. Our room was on the main floor and opened into a fairly large backyard, followed by the adults-only pool.

We were the only ones in our party to upgrade to Club Premuim and our guests were spread throughout the resort. Those with kids were in the family area and they seemed to group some of the other guests together. It was easy enough to find people at the pool or on the beach during the day.

After we checked in, we ordered room service and went for a swim. We did not realize the pool closed in the evening nor that we were in the adult pool with our kids!!

The next day we met with our wedding coordinator, Hildebranda. She was wonderful and had all of the details I had sent her on hand. We had chosen the Tangerine Package and met with her to confirm colours, table and huppa set up, food, flowers, etc. I gave her our cake toppers, guest book, flower pail, ring pillow, wedding party information, etc. I did not bring my own decorations or flowers.

Then we met with the photographer from Tropical Pictures (Michaela) and selected our package and outlined pictures we wanted included. Later that day, I went for the Tangerine Facial – the spa is amazing!!! They even fixed one of my nails that had chipped, at no cost. 

That evening, we had our rehearsal dinner at Coral Seafood Restaurant. As we could only reserve for 20 people, we invited our wedding party and their partners. Upon arrival at BBPD, our other guests booked tables at Coral at the same time, so many were able to eat with us. Unfortunately, this was the worst meal we had. The seafood in the buffet was rubbery and several meals were undercooked.

The following day was the big day! We woke up to a short rain shower (good luck?!!) and went for breakfast  and a swim with the kids. Then I went to get ready in the spa - I had my hair and makeup done. I asked for my makeup to look very natural, and was really pleased with how it looked. Originally, I planned to have my hair down but our wedding was on the windiest day so I decided to tie it back. I was actually super happy with the way it turned out, however, my hair clip kept falling out. We had to make a stop at the spa on the way to the reception to have it put back in securely. 

After my hair & makeup were done, the photographer from Tropical Pictures came to take pictures of me getting dressed, etc. She did a great job. We went with the Bronze package and later got sucked into spending another $600 to buy all the photos on CD. We did not want to waste any time out of the sun selecting which pictures to keep and which to get rid of.

We had our wedding on the beach – it was beautiful despite the wind.  I was really surprised by how many bystanders were taking pictures and even filming (weird). Thankfully, there was security preventing them from getting too close.

I had written our vows (with lots of help from this site) and a good friend of ours performed the ceremony – he was wonderful and added his own special, humorous touches. 

After the ceremony, we served sparkling wine on the beach and had a toast. Then TP took more pictures. I was choked that they charge an extra $100 just for having more than 10 (I think it was 10) people to photograph. I felt I didn’t even need a picture of everyone – I could have had a stranger on the beach capture that shot! Anyway, like I said, they did a good job.

After the pictures, our guests headed to Bar Higuey on the train while my partner and I stayed for more photos of the two of us on the beach and pier.

Then, after a quick stop at the spa to fix my hair, the WCs took us to Bar Higuey. I cannot say enough about this place – it is beautiful! We paid for DJ only (no idea if it was DJ Mannia but he played great music. Even my music-snob guests complimented the music and asked if we made the playlist). We did have the DJ play “Thunder Clatter” by Wild Club when we walked in – we felt the end of the song was appropriate: 

“I hear it call in the center of it all
You're the love of my life, the love of my life.
I hear it all in the center of my heart
You're the love of my life, the love of my life.”

Our first dance was almost immediately after – we danced to “Marry Song” by Band of Horses. Our friend who performed the ceremony also acted as our MC and the WC told him when to do things so the evening ran smoothly. We had enough time to get everything in in 3 hours without having to pay for extra time. 

My dad, sister and brother-in-law all did speeches, which ended with my brother-in-law welcoming me into the family and asking  the DJ to play the “Pollo” Dance – which was absolutely hilarious! Everyone got up to dance to the “Chicken Dance” song – it was awesome! I recommend everyone does it!

For dinner, we ordered Caprese salad, Fish medallions (which was actually filets) and crème brulee. We really enjoyed our meal, however, a few people said their fish was undercooked. There was also some confusion with the kids’ meals as two children were under age one... we did not have to pay for them, however, we did order pasta for them. The mix up meant my son did not get his meal until much later than everyone else, however, things did get sorted eventually. Children under 12 (I believe) were half price.

After dinner, we cut the wedding cake. It was a rectangular three-tiered wedding cake (each a different flavour), decorated with fake sand and shells I had brought. It was so delicious but no one was really hungry, and we felt terrible that most of it was wasted. We also did the garter and bouquet toss. 

Following the reception, we took the train back to the main building. Our guests went to Bar Carey and I went to help put the kids to bed in my parents’ room. My dad and nephew then walked my back to Bar Carey, where I joined our guests for a drink. The pianist played “Here Comes The Bride” as well as “O Canada”, which we all sang to!

After Bar Carey, we headed to Strikers and then to the disco. I was certainly the centre of attention in my wedding dress at the disco, and to make it more obvious, my partner’s uncle pulled my onto the dance floor and spun me around like a princess. It was a lot of fun!

At the end of the night, we walked back to our room to find it beautifully decorated with rose petals.

My husband’s sister got married at BBPD three days after we did. She had her wedding in the Ocean Front Gazebo. The guests sat outside the gazebo and the location was very close to where ours was on the beach. They went with Mint Breeze package, but because they had more than 20 guests, the dinner was held one of the private banquet rooms (not in a restaurant). The room was closed in and nowhere near as nice as Bar Higuey. Also, the only beverages served were beer and wine (as opposed to International bar). The appetizers and cocktails on the beach were yummy, however, their wedding was on another windy day… and it started to rain while we snacked! For dinner, they ordered the steak and molton lava cake, which were both delicious. 

Overall, it was an amazing, memorable experience for everyone! I would not have changed a thing. Please let me know if you have any questions.

LovelyGemini, my FI ordered his pants from Tommy Bahama, which I am totally nervous about as they still have not arrived (we leave in less than 3 weeks and the 1st pair were not the color he wanted). I ordered his & the groomsmen's linen shirts from the Gap, but not sure if they still have them. Good luck!!

Love the idea Slaughter2be... My bridesmaids went with Transformer dresses in the same color... Each will tie them in a style that suits them. My MOH even had hers cut into a high-low (which my wedding gown is)!

I have not been on here in quite a while as I am no longer able to access the BDW site on my cell... However, my wedding is 28 days away! EEEKKKK!!! I am just now filling in the questionnaire from BBPD and still have not decided what I am going to do about photography (Tropical Pictures or HDC with outside vendor fee). I am also a little panicked as I have so much to do (finish OOT bags, iron on bridesmaid tanks, write our vows, choose our first dance song)!!! Obviously, I am a big time procrastinator... and we have two wee kiddies keeping us busy. Nonetheless, I am confident it will all get done.. and I am soooo looking forward to getting to our tropical destination (it is currently -31 Celsius). Thank you to the recent brides who have posted your reviews... they truly are soooo helpful! I promise to do the same... although it will probably come late

Sorry Candace for not replying sooner... It's been a busy few months. We just had our social 2 weeks ago . I am getting married at Barcelo Bavero Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana in less than 2 months!! I'd love to hear where you decide on!

Samantha2, how much is the outside vendor fee again? Sis of bride, we are from Winnipeg and using a travel agent (which offers us some perks), however, when we went to DR a few years ago, we booked through Air Canada Vacations and were happy. Maybe just ask a TA just to compare costs...

Thank you all for the kind feedback! I must say that breast feeding has been a huge help in my weight loss... Now just to tone up!!

I ordered my dress yesterday!!! It is a high-low and needs a few alterations. I would like to make it into a modified sweetheart neckline (as pinned in picture) and shorten/pin up the train. I hope the sweetheart neckline will still look good for the wedding in January as I won't have much cleavage... I plan to stop nursing my daughter before then (5 months now, pictured in background). What do you all think of the appliqué on the side?

Your photographer did an amazing job of capturing your special day! Some very unique shots! You looked beautiful and so happy and I love the colour of your bridesmaid dresses. Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the review pclama2013! You have given me some more food for thought! I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind. What room type did you originally reserve to get upgraded to the 2 story? Also, how much extra did Tropical Pictures charge for the additional 50 photos? What do you recommend guests do during pictures/ between ceremony and reception? Are you happy you paid for the DJ and MC? What did you and your guests do after the reception? Thanks and congratulations!!!

Hi Parrish, for your group Palmera excursion, did you book the Marinarium or Reef Explorer? Did you have the boat to yourselves? Did any kids go? Thanks!

MissJali, thanks for the review and the pointers! My FI will be happy to know where to find good calamari! Parrish, congratulations and thank you also! Your pictures are great and you look beautiful!! I love the look of the beach reception! I have a couple questions for you, if you don't mind... Did you book your snorkeling excursion online? Did you supply the blue ribbon on your cake? Did the resort provide the vases filled with water & flowers? Was the champagne toast during the ceremony part of your package or something extra? I like this idea! Thanks again!

Help! I am trying to decide between ordering the double-walled plastic tumblers with straws and the double-walled travel mugs from Dollar Tree for our OOT bags. While i think the tumblers with lids would be better for slushie drinks (margaritas, etc), I am leaning towards the travel mugs, as many of the guys don't use straws, especially with hard alcohol. The mugs could also be used for coffee. Opinions?

For all Canadian Brides, Beyond the Rack is featuring Convertible Dresses, both short and long in TONS of colors, starting at $49.99. They call them Transformer Dresses. Here is the link      http://www.beyondtherack.com/event/showcase/34373?category=

Oh wow Candace, that is amazing! Good for you, were you seeing clients before you had your baby (e.g. all finished with your supervision hours?). 7 weeks ago, you must be so happy (and tired? lol). I am sure your body will work hard for you to be where you'd like by January. Where are you from if you don't mind me asking? 

Ah yes, the sweat factor! lol! The purple is beautiful too... I am just thinking my bridesmaids will wear blue. On another note, thanks for starting the fitness thread! I had a baby girl 7 weeks ago, so need to get back in shape by next January. It is tough to find time though, as I also have a 3 year old son! But I am working on it... As much as I can. Oh, and I also have my Masters in Counselling!

Very nice! I love the blue curaçao color!

I ordered a bunch of travel-sized stuff (Advil, pepto, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, aloe, etc.) on Amazon.com and had it sent to a parcel service near the Canada-US border(an hour drive away). We spent $0 for shipping and will pick it up next time we drive to the States. we pay a small fee to the parcel service ($2 per package) which is cheaper than sending it to Canada. Because we'll be there 48 hours, we won't pay duty

MrsShoreytobe, where did you get dresses for $40?

Misskay, I personally would go with the later time (2 PM), as I would not be able to get ready (hair, makeup, etc.) by noon. I was originally offered a time of 11AM and insisted on a later time (although it will only be a symbolic ceremony). I also worried about what will my guests and I would do during the time between the ceremony and reception if we had several hours to waste. The girls wouldn't want to swim (and ruin their hair and makeup), so it would be a looong day in the heat. Food for thought....

Thanks natalieblev for the price list and information about the spa. NettyD, I think the reason why we are allowed to marry on the Friday is because we will already be married and are just doing a symbolic ceremony. I was originally given a time of 11 am on the Saturday but the time did not work for me. After a number of emails with Marlene and my TA, she agreed to move the ceremony to Friday at 4pm. Are you having a Catholic ceremony?