43 replies to this topic

[KMK]

I just got married last weekend at the Iberostar Bavaro. The hotel and the beach are beautiful! We have stayed at other Iberostars and that was the reason for choosing this one for our wedding.
We had about 50 people attend. I met with the wedding coordinator the day after we arrived. We fianlized all of the details when we met. My only complaint was the miscommunication in pricing. I am extremely organized so I had been emailing with the wedding coordinator weekly asking many questions expecially about pricing. Then, during our meeting the pricing went up and I was not too happy. But I showed them the emails and they adjusted it!
We started with a rehearsal dinner at the La Dorado. It was great! We rented it out for just our party that night. They have a great setup.
For the wedding, we were married on the beach at 5pm, cocktail hour at 6pm, and then the reception started at 7pm. I would suggest not starting the ceremony until 6pm (depending on what time of year you go) and then not doing a cocktail hour and starting the reception at 7pm. The cocktail hour was nice but pretty expensive.
While our guests were at the cocktail hour, we took pictures. We went through the hotel for the photographer. He did an ok job. We had lots of people taking pictures so we were not that worried. A quick tip....the total price for the wedding does not include the photographer. The are paid separate.
The only thing that I would not suggest is the Saona Island excursion. So not worth it! Everyone talked it up but it is just another beach and a REALLY LONG BUS RIDE! The beach by the hotel was just a nice. I would not waste your time or money.
All in all the wedding was wonderful and all of our guests had a great time!

[mareW9]

Thanks for the review KMK! Congratulations on the wedding! I'm meeting with one of the coordinators at Iberostar Bavaro next weekend - Ivanova. Who did you work with?

I'll have to remember to save all the correspondence! Right now, I'm having a hard time choosing location so I hope the site visits next weekend make it easier!

[KMK]

I worked with her too. She was very nice. We had our reception at the Steakhouse. Now, once I arrived I was a little concerned since the Steakhouse is near the pool. But it was beautiful and private once they decorated it.
Also, when we went on our excursion we saw some other resorts and by far the Iberostars were the nicest! We have stayed at this chain before and we were happy that we chose it for our wedding.
Good Luck!

[MissNatalie18]

Congrats on your wedding!!!

Did you by any chance get to go to the Iberostar Grand Bavaro? I am thinking of having my wedding at that location. I would love any info you have about it!

Thanks,

Natalie

[andilynn09]

Congratulations on your wedding! My fiance and I are deciding between the IB Bavaro and the Majestic Resorts for an April 2011 wedding, but I am leaning toward IB Bavaro because I've had two previous trips to other Iberostars in Mexico that I just loved. Did you do your ceremony on the beach or elsewhere, and were you happy with your choice of location?

And did you do a private reception at the Steakhouse?

Thanks for any info you can share!

[cheshire_moon]

Thanks for the review! We are leaving on May 23rd for our wedding at the Iberostar Bavaro. Did you not do a civil ceremony? They would only give us a wedding time of 2pm, since that was then the judge was available.

I am interested to hear more about the pricing problems you had - how did they try to change the prices?

How was the food at the Steakhouse? Thanks again for posting! I hope you put up some pictures! =)

[Mom2Bride]

@KMK,

What photographer did you use? I noticed that many people hire their own photographer and don't necessarily use the resort photographer. Please let me know what your experience was with the photographer.

Thank you!
Mom2Bride

[JlAllen]

Hi Everyone! I am having my wedding at the Iberostar Bavaro on March 25, 2011. I am a little stressed because the ceremony is at noon!!! And my reception isn't until 6:30....I am trying to move everything up but it is all up in the air! I have Ivanova as my coordinator as well...any other feedback from anyone?

[Train13]

I'm at the Bavaro too- June 16, 2011 at 2pm. The times are a little ridiculous, but what can you do? You'll have PLENTY of time for pictures and to freshen up/relax before the reception starts.

I've been mostly in contact with Ivanova also- so far she has been extremely helpful with all of my questions, so you're in good hands

[DoreenF]

I'm getting married at the Iberostar Bavaro on March 15, 2011.  I too am finding Ivanova to be very helpful and quick in her responses.  I'm trying to connect with the photographer, Nicola Bisogni.  Does anyone have any experience with him?  He said he has problems with his website so his photos are on facebook, but I'm having a tough time seeing them.  I'd love to see anyone's photos that he took!