Kerrierf

@@Meandhim to add to the list: we found little hand held battery operated fans at the dollar store - something we definitely added to the list. Also, we found a rubber chicken, so someone will be getting that (because we were in a ridiculous mood when we went).

@@Mels84 that makes sense - but I was so sure I'd read it elsewhere too! Then again, I very possibly could be making it up

Is anyone getting gifts for the parents?

Hmm I'm not overly confrontational, but I feel compelled to argue that with them... - We are presently at 45 guests - including 1 child (under 10 years old) and 2 infants (under 2 years old). What would the pricing be for private dinner on the beach? Can we also get the pricing for the Beach Bash? Private beach bash – 2 hours: included for up to 25 people, for two hours: US$ 1.400 - Additional guests may be added for an additional rate of US$ 35 p/p – children under 18 years old are free of charge. o Stylish Lounge Seating area o Glowing Paper Lanterns o Private Bar with Bartender o Sound system (speakers and microphone) o 2 Pairs of “Just-Married” Flip Flops for the Bride and Groom o One hour after-Party Snacks The private beach bash, will depend from the weather conditions, if we were to change the party to an indoor place, the decision should be taken minimum 5 hours before the event, once we change the location to an indoor place, is not possible to moved again to the outdoor place. - For the flowers, we will be bringing the bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages with us. As these are already included in the package, is there a way we can substitute the one's offered for extra decorations for the tables (or something of that nature)? Yes, instead the flowers included in the package – bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere we can add some decoration (flowers) to the tables during dinner. (maybe 2 or 3 small centerpieces) - How do we go about reserving the DJ and the musical trio for the ceremony? Is this something you take care of when we send you the filled out excel sheet? Is it previously selected music, or are there some options? Included in the wedding package you have one hour sound system for the ceremony, (speakers and microphone) the couple can bring their own music on an IPod or USB memory. We have reserve the musical trio for you. - For the sections on the excel sheet that just have titles, is there a list of items we are supposed to choose from? (ex. Beach Party is blank underneath). Or the menu section that just identifies kids or vegetarian (what are the choices)? Included in the wedding package, the couple and the group have a non private wedding dinner on the wedding day, take place in one of our a la carte restaurants located at the resort, in all places, it will be other hotel guests having dinner as well, drinks included, white and red house wines, beer, sodas and water, do not includes decoration, we will use the standard decoration from the restaurant (tables and chairs from the restaurant). For groups with more than 14 guests a set menu is required, (1 appetizer, 1 main course and 1 dessert – the same for everyone – (available only for weddings, no matter which restaurant you choose. We make some exceptions for kids, allergies and vegetarian guests. See attach file. Dress code wedding dinner and a la carte restaurant for men aged 12 years and over: Long trousers/pants and shirt or T-shirt with long or short sleeves. Sandals are allowed.

Thanks for sharing @@Mels84! Can you clarify what you mean about the $320? They charged you to play your own playlist? I thought it was included

@@Meandhim actually we're staying in the Punta Cana section Oooh I love that the pool is open late! Instead of doing welcome bags, we're going to mail out a little "get excited" kit for everyone this month. Here are some things we brainstormed: Sunscreen Fun things from the dollar store Thongs (or other weird things for guests that will find it humourous) Travel containers Fake seashells Little message Hotel map and info Menu Doorknob hangers Material for suitcase Little packages of advil Suitcase tags

@@Meandhim that's so smart! We want to get everyone together informally the first night for drinks at one of the bars - I should check out which one is close to our section and seems fun! @@Beachgirl622 we're all getting ready in the spa. I put the option out to them, as well as my step-mother and my future mother-in-law if they wanted to go to the spa or just figure it out ourselves. Everyone decided they wanted to go get our hair/makeup done, so that's what we're going to do. The 3 bridesmaids are starting at 10, myself and my future mil will go at noon, and my stepmother's appointment is at 2 (the wedding is at 4).

Nice! I did something similar, getting a bulk of my planning done over the summer before work got crazy and grad school started again. Here's an overall timeline of what I did (and when). Jan-April 2014 - Scouted out hotels and travel agents - Finalized guest list - Sent out a general "Save the Date" with our plans to get married in the DR in May 2015 - Set up our website with information May 2014 - Picked a hotel and destination - Updated website June 2014 - Wedding dress shopping! - Officially asked wedding party July 2014 - Engagement pics! - Booked our photographers! - Ordered invitations (bilingual) - Ordered favours (sunglasses) - Ordered flowers (silk) August 2014 - Bridesmaid dress shopping - Sent out invites (gave booking date with TA 2 weeks before TA deadline so that we can follow up) September 2014 - Deposit's due October-November 2014 - Decided menus and overall plans for the packages/extras - Decided guest book plans - Bought guest book (small box for post-cards that will be bought there) - Made small "personalized" details (signage) December 2014 - Bought wedding rings (we ordered them online and had to return his because it was too big, and we exchanged mine because of the size) - Starting planning music... slowly - Made spa appointments January 2015 - Honestly not a whole lot... damn bronchitis! - Phoned embassy to figure out legalities February 2015 - Final payments (our guest list didn't change much. A few people still might decide last minute to join, but we actually had 2 couples decide not to come because they found out they're expecting - exciting news!) - Purchased bridal party gifts - Arranged pet/house sitter March 2015 - STILL TO DO! - Buy accessories - Fitting appointments - Buy groom's suit - Email Carolina confirmed plans - Buy parents' gifts - Plan music - Embassy Appointment (documents valid for 3 months) - Start writing vows April 2015 - Hair appointment - Final fittings - Pack - Last minute details

Alright! All spa appointments confirmed, all food allergies listed, everyone has paid for their trips, and I just made an appointment for myself and bridesmaids for dress alterations and to look at accessories. My partner is going for his suit this weekend with his mom, and I have started a general playlist for dinner and the beach bash. Finally feel like I'm getting back on the ball here!

Hi everyone! @@Meandhim Congrats on getting it settled! We're going to have about the same number at our wedding too Planning has slowed down quite a bit. I've had asthmatic bronchitis now since early January, so everything is going at a much slower pace than I'd like... but that being said, I'm working on some signage and little details to personalize our day. What I'm currently debating is doing the open bar for the beach bash. One of my siblings tends to cause a significant amount of drama when he indulges, so I'm thinking not having an open bar could deter some of that... but I don't want the other guests to feel as though we're missing something. Thoughts?

@@Mels84 so true! I filled up my tank at under $40 for the first time ever! Normally it's upwards of 55-60

@@Mels84 it sounds like it was the most beautiful day. I wish we could see pictures! @@Meandhim I've shamelessly asked them for all the prices for extra services - which ones are you looking for? I'd be happy to share! @@shevette925 I've heard a lot of things at the Jellyfish - it seems very popular.

Hi @@MandyMc, welcome to the forum! It took us a few tries to find a travel agent we actually liked, and ended up with someone we had a personal referral for. She was able to get us a group package, and work things out for family that lived across Canada. I know our systems are a little bit different, so maybe one of the ladies that lives in the states can help? I think there's also a section on this website for vendor reviews, so I'd look into those before confirming your agent. @@Mels84 I just realized IT'S YOUR DAY!!!! CONGRATS!!! I hope your having the most fabulous time, can't wait to hear all about it! Also - @@shevette925, it looks like you're going to be there at the same time as @@MandyMc! So fun!

@@Mels84 your date is getting so close! You must be getting excited Can't wait to hear all about it! Are you ladies doing a "welcome kit"? I found this link that has some cute ideas for things you can just print off yourselfs - so cost effective! http://www.shopgirldaily.com/2012/05/wedding-welcome-kit-ideas/ My partner and I were thinking of putting them together and mailing them out a month before the wedding to get everyone pumped up. @@shevette925 any progress with the photographers?

@@Mels84 that's awful about your flowers! I used http://www.wedideas.com (on etsy) and they turned out beautifully. Can you try googling the shop?

So exciting to see how much progress everyone is making! @@shevette925 I'm with you about getting things done ahead of time! It's key to being able to relax and actually enjoy the process instead of stressing over it all. Our photographer is one of our guests. My cousin is a professional photographer and her and her husband do amazing work. We did our engagement shoot with them and had so much fun that we really wanted them to do our wedding too. We're paying for their trip, but it's actually cheaper, or at least comparable, to getting an outside photographer there (I wasn't too fond of their suggested vendor: http://www.photoshopcaribe.com/). @@Meandhim we're doing a legal ceremony. It's more of a hassle (with translating the documents and everything) but I didn't want to do a legal ceremony at home and another ceremony elsewhere. What package are you doing? I didn't know there were other ones. I'll paste the info I have for "extras" - but it's a pain to navigate (I'm with ya!). Price list for extra services 2015 Wedding day • Musical trio: US$ 160. (45 min.) • Horse & carriage US$ 160 • Bride`s and Groom wedding clothes steamed (with 1 day notice) • Extra fee for the wedding officiant and all the administrative costs for Civil or Catholic weddings :US$ 600 • Red carpet: US$ 160 • White Carpet: US$ 120 Amenities • Bathrobes: US$ 45 (Price per unit) • Sunset Wine and Cheese for two: US$ 84 • Honeymoon Sunset: US$ 35 • Honeymoon Sunrise: US$ 25 • Just Married Flip Flops: US$ 20 (Price per pair) • Bridesmaids' Tea Party: US$ 120 (services for maximum 12 people) • Groom's Lounge: US$ 240 (services for maximum 12 people) • Colorful Paper Fans: US$ 5 (Price per unit) • Pretty Paper Parasols: 10 (Price per unit) • Simple Stunning Sexy Kit: US$ 60 • Strawberries covered with chocolate US$ 27 ( 12 pieces) • We prepare your Jacuzzi with flowers, candles and the type of aroma you prefer. Imagine you and your beloved watching the sunset... An unforgetable moment. US$ 48 • Day/Night pass: US$ 65 per person Private Reception Based on availability. • Rent of the restaurant - exclusivity/based on availability, will be reconfirm upon arrival, places and prices subject to change. : US$ 1.060 (from 6:30pm until 11:30 pm) • Open bar: US$ 16 per person during 3 hours, • 4 hours MC, Professional DJ, DJ Booth, Sound System, Wireless Microphone, Robotic Lights, and White Balloons: US$ 900 • Live Band: US$ 1000 during 3 Hours Private Dinner on the beach Apply for groups with more than 25 guests, based on weather conditions and availability • Price per person: between US$ 40 and US$ 60 per person, (about the menu, please contact your wedding coordinator for more information) • 4 hours MC, Professional DJ, DJ Booth, Sound System, Wireless Microphone, Robotic Lights, and White Balloons: US$ 900 • Live Band: US$ 1000 during 3 Hours • Open bar: US$ 16 per person during 3 hours. Private Beach Bash Included for up to 25 people, for two hours: US$ 1.400 • Stylish Lounge Seating area • Glowing Paper Lanterns • Private Bar with Bartender • Sound system (speakers and microphone) • 2 Pairs of “Just-Married” Flip Flops for the Bride and Groom • After-Party Snacks • For more than 25 people, please consult wedding coordinator for price. Based on weather conditions • ** Based on availability • Upgrade for a Professional DJ, DJ Booth, Sound System, Wireless Microphone, Robotic Lights, and White Balloons: US$ 900 Bridesmaids Bouquets 1. Lily Posy: US$ 30 each 2. Mixed Posy: US$ 40 each 3. Hydrangea Posy: US$ 50 each 4. Tropical Posy: US$ 55 each 5. Dendrobium Posy: US$ 60 each Flower Creations 1. Boutonniere with Pink Gerber: US$ 12 2. Boutonniere with Red Gerber: US$ 12 3. Boutonniere with White Gerber: US$ 12 4. Boutonniere with Green Cymbidium: US$ 15 5. Flower Girl Crown: US$ 55 6. Flower Girl Basket: US$ 45 7. Wrist Corsage with white roses: US$ 45 8. Rose petals bag: US$ 20 per bag 9. Rose petals carpet: US$ 300 Flowers for the Hair *Price per flower,* 1. White Gerber: US$ 10 2. Fucsia Gerber : US$ 10 3. Red Gerber: US$ 10 4. White Dendrobium: US$ 15 5. Yellow Cymbidium: US$ 15 6. Green Cymbidium: US$ 15 7. White Cymbidium: US$ 15 8. Pink Cymbidium: US$ 15 9. White Rose: US$ 10 10. Red Rose: US$ 10 11. Pink Rose: US$ 10 12. Orange Rose: US$ 10 13. Orange Lilie: US$ 12 14. White Lilie: US$ 12 15. Pink Lilie: US$ 12 Bridal Bouquets * For upgrade * 1. Princess Bride: US$ 280 2. Island Bride: US$ 230 3. Bride Next Door: US$ 100 4. The Sophisticate: US$ 130 5. Bohemian Bride: US$ 160

Oh my gosh... I just found these garters and am a little embarassed at how excited I am... https://www.etsy.com/listing/188624658/fall-sale-white-lace-handmade-wedding

@@Mels84 that's amazing - so exciting! I can't wait to hear about your wedding when you get back. What're you doing for your oot bags? Is the final checklist different from the general excel spreadsheet document?

Picked up the bridesmaids dresses last weekend! I was so nervous because we couldn't find what they would look like in the yellow when we ordered them - but they turned out amazing!

Oh wow! Those are amazing! We got them from wedideas on etsy. They're amazing, they actually feel real. https://img1.etsystatic.com/043/0/51454705/icm_fullxfull.44199917_qfua0ka77pcwoww40g8o.jpg 1 Bride: As Shown in Listing. Light Yellow Wrap. $125 1 MoH Bouquet: 7" Wide Matching Bride. $55. 2 Bridesmaids: 6" Wide Matchin Bride. $45. 3 Boutonnieres: Calla Lily with Grass Sprays and Ribbon Wrap. $8 each. 2 Wrist Corsages: Matching Order. $12 each. 1 FREE Toss Bouquet Oops, the wrist corsages were 14, not 12

Booked hair and makeup for myself and the bridesmaid this week, and we got our flowers (the silk ones we ordered, they look AMAZING)! Yahoo! How's planning going for you ladies?

Great, thanks @@Blushrose! How long did it take? I'm assuming you sent notarized copies, not original documents?

Hey everyone, Just wondering how you're going about getting this form - the information I'm finding seems to be implying that we can just create our own and sign it in front of a notary... is that legit? LOL Kerrie

The quantities were high, but we were able to order 100. At this rate people will get 2 pairs, or we'll just have a bunch of extra, but at least it's one more thing off my checklist!

@@Dreamteam17 I used rushimprint.ca (located in Toronto) to get our sunglasses. I was able to negotiate an exta 10% with them, and they only took a few weeks to get.