Newbie RIU PUNTA CANA PALACE 05/23/2011

[bklyngl79]

Quiyana,

 

I guess everytime they respond it it the same answer and they tell me one thing then switch it up. If you don't mind me asking what package are you getting. I am getting the caprice package and i could have swore someone told me that they will provide a 2-3 tier cake. now they are switching it up but I am just going to see what else i can do to spice it up. i also wanted an MC so i may get one from the outside. See I just want to budget everything out early so i know what i am working with. I thought that it was one wedding a day. I hope that all will be good when we get there. i guess i just want it to be as good as it can but not being there until the day comes is really scarry for me. Thanks for the reply!!!

[Sheree10]

Welcome and Congrats! Good luck with the planning... you will find plenty of helpful info here.

[Iamalldiva]

@bklyngl79 - I too am doing the Caprice package.  I really didn't ask about the cake tiers but if I'm not mistaken, I think 1 tier comes with the package and 2+ tiers are extra.  After re-reading the package, it actually doesn't specify # of tiers; it just says enough cake for # of people.

 

I too am like you, wanting to discuss EXACTLY what I want, if it can be done and how much EXTRA it will be so that I can have an estimated budget.  I really don't know how ppl just do all this when they arrive 3 days before.  I have added a few add-ons BUT would not have been able to financially afford them if I would have been sprung the price of them 3 days before (i.e. - private reception, fire dancers, etc).

 

It has also allowed me to modify things and do some things on my end not go thru Riu - for example, I have 6 bridesmaids, I'm not willing to pay $50 per bridesmaid bouquet, so I have found real touch bouquets for $30 each.  A savings of $120.  They also wanted to charge a fee for each chair sash (that wasn't a standard color) - I was able to find mine 10 for $5.90.

 

So as I think of things, I just send Maria an email and try to get the info.  I also am saving all my emails with price quotes so that if there are ever any discrepancies, I can just forward my email back.

 

Hey - where are you in VA, I'm in MD???

[katierenae]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!!  I've never been to Punta Cana yet, but I've been to two different Riu's in Jamaica and they are beautiful!!  You have nothing to worry about   Best of luck and happy planning/

[bklyngl79]

Hello,

 

Thank you for that information. I have been keeping my emails as well because Magnoilia and someone else change up on me sometimes.  In the beginning they said they can do the three tier cake, but now they changed up. I am wanting to probably get some decorations from somewhere for center pieces because they said that it will be extra to get centerpieces.

I live in Northern VA by fairfax.

As for the bouquets, is it here or in DR, where you will pick it up? Also what website did you see the sash or should I just go to a fabric store and get it. My colors is Horizon which is almost like a royal Blue, so I am hoping that something comes close to it. As for the DJ, I read the other girls information so I may see what he is talking about. My fiance's fam lives in Santo Domingo so she told me to let her know if I needed anything.

I wish they understood that although they are wedding planners we still want to be involved, you are right, who can afford to wait until three days before to add/drop. I really have a budget that we are trying to stay in because as you know your regular bills have to be paid regardless.

The favors i will get from favorwarehouse.com, they are really reasonable and that will be it. Did you get the discounted room price from them. Everyday its a different price too but I think the group rate we have is cool so I won't complain.

[Punta Cana Weddings]

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[Iamalldiva]

@ bklyngl79 - See the below:

 

~ Bouquets: I'm doing real touch bouquets from Wed Ideas.  I have selected the natural touch small callas bouquet.

http://store.fastcommerce.com/Wedideas/pick-the-color-natural-touch-small-callas-bouquet-ff80818126933cef0126e86cbdc13c3d-p.html

 

~ Sashes: I've selected my sashes from Wedding Linens Direct.

http://www.weddinglinensdirect.com/8xorsapa.html

 

I still need to select a DJ & photographer - next on my list!

 

 

 

 

[DRwedgal2011]

Sorry for your experience! I've been trying to do a lot of research as well to find out about extras, pics etc and have found this site EXTREMELY helpful. I believe on another forum (can't remember which, sorry) someone had listed additional prices for extras, although I believe it was for the 2010 price list:

Larger cake: $10/pp beyond what's included in the Caprice Package

Private Dinner Reception at resort restaurant: $600

DJ 4 hrs: $300

Centerpieces: $60/table

Fire Dancers: $300

I know this seems like a random list, but if I find any more concrete info, I'll post it

Good luck!! 

[FutureMrsTO]

hi!

I am getting married at the Riu Palace punta cana in less than two weeks!! I have visited the Riu in June '08 for a family vacation.  I have tons of photos and could probably answer a lot of your questions.  Please PM me anything specific you need help with.  As far as emails, when i first started planning (last aug) there was a little more of delay in the responses....as the wedding got closer, the responses got quicker.  I will make sure to post a review for all of you!! Best of luck in your planning!!!

 

[Future_Mrs._Warren]

Happy planning!! : )