Married or going to be married at Grand Palladium Punta Cana?

[kitty25967]

I am so distressed about airline flights for my guests!  Everyone has put their deposits down but barely anyone has booked their flight.  Why have the flights to Dominican gone up so much?  I was just there in July and the flights weren't that bad, now they are almost $1000 from Alabama!   Is anyone concerned about the outbreak in Haiti and how they shut down the flights there.  ...just when I start to get excited about the fun details to the planning, I get stressed about something else...  I know it is "my time" and every girl gets "their time" but I just feel so guilty with showers and things when people are already having to fork out so much for the wedding.  Is anyone else experiencing these delimas? 

[richarsd]

Aww Kitty don't stress yourself too much. It will all work itself out. Remember that flight prices are going to be cheaper in July as it is off season...prices get hiked in the winter because demand goes up - the weather gets colder (although it probably isn't too bad in Alabama...at least not compared to up hear in Canada and people want to escape and the airlines know it! Why is it though that people have put down deposits but they don't have flights?? Are you booking flights and rooms seperately instead of as a package?? Packages are usually cheaper unless you wait until the last minute to book flights (because flight prices will drop a couple weeks before but remember that these are usually discount seats so they're limited). Maybe I'm misunderstanding the whole deposit thing for your guests?

 

Regarding the whole cholera outbreak, there was another forum about this in the DR thread. Personally, this is the last thing on my mind but there are other brides concerned about it. You may wanna check out that thread. Keep in mind, Cholera is generally transmitted through water and the water is filtered. Technically, it could still be transmitted from someone infected but the chances of getting cholera on a resort in Punta Cana are about the same as getting Hepatitis from a waiter or chef here in North America...always possible but unlikely. The hygiene and healthcare is MUCH better in the DR than in Haiti.

[kitty25967]

I looked into possible "group" options for flights.  This is pretty much the only way to hold a "package" rate as the flights change frequently.  My problem is that we have people coming from all over...CA, AL, GA, CO, NY, FL, LA.....It was just going to be too complicated to do this.  Plus I had people telling me that they might want to use miles, etc. etc.  So I told them that my TA would be happy to assist them and would probably provide them with the best rates, but some chose not to go this route.  Also, with the hotel through the TA, you can make payments, with the flights, you have to pay up front for the whole flight.  Bottom line...I'm booked, my FI is booked, & my parents are booked

[richarsd]

Ahhhh gotcha! When is your wedding?? Flight will go down a bit closer to the date...If your wedding is April or after, then I'd say they will definitely come down! And if lots of people are leaving from different places, the fact that the seats are more limited shouldn't be too much an issue.

[sheila2011]

Chicago, I'm sorry it took me so long to reply! I for sure don't mind sharing the script for the symbolic ceremony! Do you want me to PM it to you? Or PM me your email address and I can email it to you. I think it sounds pretty good! But if anyone else wants it too, let me know!

 

We're going to just have Carolina or someone else from the "animation team" read it. That way we don't have to tell people it's symbolic. 

 

 

As for the whole Cholera thing, we are going to a travel clinic today to chat with them about what we need. The CDC website recommends bringing antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea (like oral Cipro), malaria pills, and the oral cholera vaccine. Health Canada also recommends the oral cholera vaccine. I can let everyone know what the travel clinic here says! The chances of getting cholera (or malaria) is slim in  my opinion, but if people are worried this is an option. We're not concerned, but have decided to go in anyways. 

 

Heath Canada site: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/thn-csv/rep-cholera-eng.php

CDC site: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/dominican-republic.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Chicago 

@sheila

Ohh, you're sooo lucky!! I'm glad she'll be there for you. I am sure Kenia will do a great job but I have just gotten used to communicating with Carolina.

Do you mind sharing the script? That's actually one thing that I am currently working on.

Will any of you have a friend or family member read the script?

 

 

[roxy1122]

Msredbird: Do you have any pictures of your wedding yet?? I would love to see them if possible :-)

 

I booked the travel arrangements for mine next year and can't WAIT!!! I want to fast forward to July already!

[sheila2011]

To echo roxy....msredbird, I would also love to see your pictures!

 

And roxy, so excited for you! Booking the trip makes it feel even more real!

 

I am really starting to get more and more excited for January! Did my hair and make up trial today with a friend of mine and then found my travel mugs for the guests on my doorstep! Everything is coming together! Now I just have to get my butt in gear and make my welcome letters & a brochure of who's who for everyone. That's the after Christmas plan anyways!

 

Hope everyone has a happy holiday!

[Chule0307]

Roxy1122,

 

So excited for your booking! I booked my trip and room since November. Hope I got a good deal. Are you staying in the Turquesa Suites?

I definitely wish July could be here already too

[roxy1122]

Thanks Sheila & Chule!

 

Chule: We're staying in the Bavaro section and then after the wedding moving to the Turquesa side. Then honeymooning in another resort but not sure which one yet. Are you in the Royal?

[Chule0307]

Hey Roxy1122,

 

That sounds soooooo exciting!!!! I have been to the GP and stayed at the Royal and it was amazing!!!!!! So many amenities that they offer that I cannot resist but to stay at the ROYAL. Alan and I have a Romance Suite booked for 9 days. Last year we stayed in a Junior suite and it was FAbuloUS!!! so...cannot imagine what the new room will look like. I honestly think that once you get a

taste of the ROYAL, you will not want to go anywhere else