17 replies to this topic

[KJT1985]

My name is Katie. My fiance and I are planning a destination wedding for February 23, 2010. I'm from Colorado, my parents live in Kansas and he's originally from Toronto but living here now. I think that a destination wedding is really the only fair way to do it since somebody will have to travel no matter what - might as well make both sides do it so there's not a chance for bitterness of why one side got to host over the other. So there's that AND the fact that my parents haven't offered to help financially and this will be much cheaper to do ourselves (at least i'm hoping!).

LOCATION: We're not yet decided on a location and trying to pick a specific resort is even harder. We're leaning toward Punta Cana, DR or Negril, Jamaica. Our total wedding/2 wk. honeymoon budget is $11,000 including my dress and all that (don't' need to worry about tux rentals for a Caribbean wedding!) I've been emailing a local travel agent who does this sort of thing (at least she says she does) and here are the resort suggestions she's made:
Dominican Republic:
1. Occidental Grand Punta Cana $4089/2/14 days Occidental Grand Punta Cana, All Inclusive Dominican Republic, All inclusive Punta Cana Vacations
2. Dreams Punta Cana $6716/2/14 days Dreams Punta Cana Resorts & Spas: Plan Your Wedding
3. Gran Bahia Principe $4200/2/14 days Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana

Jamaica:
1. Point Village $2100/2/14 days Point Village | Home
2. Sunset Beach Resort $4424/2/14 days Sunset
3. RIU Negril $5544/2/14 days Wedding Packages by Destination. Honeymoon Holidays. Weddings by Riu
4. RIU Tropical Bay $7394/2/14 days Wedding Packages by Destination. Honeymoon Holidays. Weddings by Riu

*prices for two weeks, two people, no air.
I didn't want to go with the most expensive nor the cheapest options so her suggestions were narrowed down to the Occidental, Gran Bahia Principe, or Riu Negril. I have heard wonderful things about Negril's beaches and was leaning toward that resort since it was cheaper overall than the Occidental. Gran Bahia is still being considered but I haven't heard as much about it. However, after hearing some people's stories about Riu Negril and personally having a problem with the wedding coordinators communication (seems like she doesn't care to help me) i'm starting to think it might not be the best option. There's so many things to consider - not just the expensive the stay but also the flights, packages, what's included, what we'd want to add and how much THAT would cost. I wouldn't be so picky if it was just a vacation but this is a once in a lifetime deal and I want to be as close to perfect as it can be. I'm also afraid that I will pick a resort and start thinking of all the things I want that aren't included and the cost will spiral out of control .

I'm thrilled to have a resource that let's me hear from other brides who are further along in the process than I am and can give me advice to learn from. Thanks to all!
Katie

[JessicaPV]

I think working with professionals saves you time and money. You should work with a TA that inspires you trust.

I believe somewhere in the forum I saw a thread with three TAs that have donde a lot of good work for the members of this forum.

But, hey! You are difinitely in the right place to sort out all of your questions!

Welcome to the forum Katie!

[CaboPhotographer]

Welcome to the forum Katie! It looks like you have a good start on your planning. Good luck!

[O'Driscoll Photography]

Congrats and welcome, Katie!

Best wishes,
Tod

[leahstafford]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

[MomentsThatMatter]

Congratulations Katie! Wow... that was a lot of information. Sounds like your getting it all figured out. Best of luck and have fun.

[D&ESept2009]

Congrats and Welcome to the Forum!

[dinogomez.com]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations!!!

[dolfinluck]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!!!

[big3n09]

Congrats! You have plenty of time to narrow down your choices and even take a trip there to do a site visit. If you search around on this site you'll will probably get some other information on those locations and a TA. Good Luck!