2013 Grand Palladium Punta Cana BRIDES!

[Jenn963]

Greetings!!!!!! Hoping I can get some feedback here for the GPPC! We are in the midst of booking our wedding in NOV 2013 at the GPPC.  Weddin specialist sent me some packages but still so confused and have MANY questions! 
brides who have already started or in the middle of the whole process, who's your coordinator?? How quick/slow is she to reply to your emails?

How much is a SYMBOLIC ceremony? What kind of decor is included for the gazebo?

We are looking for a private dinner and then a private party thereafter....has ANYONE done this and if so, how much are we looking at? what restaurant options and what does the menu look like?? Tryin to get an estimate of how much it's goin to cost us! we are estimating around 30 people attending plus 4-6 kids. 

HEEEELLLPPP!!!??? THANKSSSSSSSSS IN ADVANCE. hoping to hear from you ladies soon!  

[Melissa Epple]

Congratulations!! I actually just got married on January 16th at the Grand Palladium! Our coordinator that I talked to through meals was Carolina, she is really good at answering questions but sometimes it ca take a few days to hear back from her. She is super busy but I didn't think waiting a few days for a response was too bad. She is really thorough and does try to do everything possible to make sure your day is exactly how you want it. Once we got to the resort, we met with Kenya who is the one that will set up all extra decorations if you have them and this is the main person you will deal with. I only saw Carolina for a few moments on the actual wedding day but Kenya is amazing too! We went with the $1525 wedding package (either the diamond or crystal i cant remember) and she asked wether we wanted a symbolic or civil ceremony. We did civil, but she asked us when we met with her which we wanted so I don't think that changes the price at all. I can try and post a picture of the decorations that were included with that package. You also get to choose the chair color sashes as well which are also included. My bouquet and husbands boutonnière were also included, however we did pay an extra $140 for 2 bridesmaids bouquets, flower for my hair, cake flowers and 2 boutonnières for the groomsmen. I didn't think that was too bad, the bouquets were amazing. We didn't do a private dinner but the cost is 1000 to rent out a restaurant for the dinner. We just did semi private and honestly it was a smaller restaurant that we had it in and there was maybe 15 other people in the room. They put out a head table and decorate them they way you want and it really is more private than you might think just an FYI when considering costs. We did set up a private beach party which was moved in side to the conference centre due to weather but the cost for that was 300 for a dj plus $15pp for drinks due to the fact that the beach bars close at 6 so you are paying for them to open the bar and serve you. We went back and forth on this but we are so glad that we did the party after. It was awesome and gave time for speeches and a private area to party with your friends and family. I will post a copy of the menu for dinner! it doesn't matter what restaurant you choose the menu is a set menu and you choose the same thing for all your guests. I don't know if I missed anything, but if you have any other questions I would be happy to try and help or answer questions! SET MENU OPTIONS 1 appetizer, 1 main course and 1 dessert - for everyone the same Services are subject to change Appetizers • ONION SOUP AU GRATIN • MINESTRONE (soup with fresh vegetables and pasta) • PASTA (served with shrimps, tomatoes, spinach and curry) • LOBSTER BISQUE (with shrimps, Macedonia and a touch of sherry) • CAESAR SALAD • CAPRESE SALAD • MOSTACHOLLI (with 4 cheeses) • SEAFOOD SALPICON Main dishes • PORK MEDALLION IN DIJON SAUCE (served with steak house potatoes and fresh vegetables) • BEEF MEDALLIONS CORDON BLUE (served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables) • GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST STUFFED (with shrimps in Florentine sauce and vegetables) • TURKEY BREAST IN APPLE SAUCE (Served with golden potatoes and fresh vegetables) • BEEF STROGONOF (served with risotto and vegetables minestra) • LOIN OF PORK WITH MARSALA SAUCE (served with roast vegetables and potatoes grilled. • SALMON FILET (with a provincial sauce, baked potatoes, carrots and fresh green beans • GRILLED BASS FILET (served over parsley and garlic oil with vegetables Desserts • TIRAMISU • CHOCOLATE LASAGNA • FRESH FRUIT MOSAIC • CHOCOLATE BOMBON WITH PEPPERMINT FLAVOR • BROWNIE WITH VANILLA CREAM AND ICE CREAM • PUFF PASTRY CAKE WITH SWEET APPLES AND CHOCOLATE SAUCE Gazebo with decorations

[Jenn963]

CONGRATS Melissa!! And thanks sooo much for all that Info!! That's amazing!! 
I just got an email from Carolina this morning explaining some details and costs so that's perfect.  
How many guests did you have?

I'm tryin to convince my fiance that a semi-private dinner is just as good as I keep reading on other threads that, like you said, it's more private that you think.  So that will be something to think about. As for the $1000 you said for the private dinner, do you know how many ppl that's for? I've also read the beef medallions are a great choice....
how was your dj? And i'm assuming for the private beach party, no decorations are included?

the gazebo looks beautiful!!

Again, THANKS so much for all that helpful information!! and congratulations on your wedding all the very best! 

[Melissa Epple]

Thank you!! So glad I could answer some of your questions! We had 27 guests but with the wedding package you choose it is good for up to 40 or 50 guests and that is the same with the dinner. if you have more than that I believe it is an extra 20$ per person. I have heard the beef medallions are good too, we went with the pork medallions and everyone loved them as well! Btw, usually the dinner is 6pm until 8pm and then if you go with the beach party it is from 8-11. The Dj was really good, we brought our own music on an Ipod and some Cd's and they can just plug it in and play whatever music you want! It is worth it otherwise there really isn't anywhere to go that has music and a large enough space for all your guests slid you are looking to have some sort of reception it is a good idea! There was a bit of decorations at the reception.The tables had rose petals on them and my centerpiece of flowers from the dinner was brought over as well as I brought little diamond confetti and had them sprinkle that on the tables. My beach party was moved inside though, so I can't be too sure what they do on the beach but I would assume its the same thing. Hopefully this helps answer some more questions! Happy Planning! Congrats again!

[Jenn963]

awesome, that's great info. thank you sooo much! not sure how many guests we will be having yet but they say that you should count on one third of total ppl invited.  so i would estimate around 30 people. I cannot wait!!! thanks again Melissa!! and all the best on your marriage  

[Jessica1005]

Congrats ladies! I'm booked for April at GPPC....I'm still very confused how it will all work out, especially a timeline for the day and how to set up music or how long the songs should be. There will be 20 of us altogether. I'd really like to do our first dance there since we won't have a private reception or beach party. Then my dress has a train I'm debating getting shortened but might be great for TTD pics too. I feel so confused about everything....lol.

[Jenn963]

i feel the same...and I'm usually a control freak so this is definitely testing my ability to "let go" LOL.  I just got an email from Carolina answering some of my questions but I think i'm even more confused.  What PACKAGE did you pick? I find it odd how the Silver package is the only package that has a max of 20 ppl included.  and it's the cheapest, and includes a semi-private dinner.  whereas teh other ones are higher in price but only include 8ppl and NO dinner? can someone clarify this for me.  I want the Silver package but Fiance wants the WAVES OF LOVE.  

Also, I know the beach party is only 3 hours max.  but what is the cut off time? Cuz i'm sure they have a noise policy so we can't be there all night.....

for those who have had the PRIVATE BEACH PARTY, after the 3 hours, did your guests feel it was enough or did they continue partyin at the disco?

 

Thanks in advance!  

[Melissa Epple]

Congratualtions!! So exciting! But first of all don't worry! I was very confused as well before I got to the resort and had my meeting with Kenya. Its hard because your planning everything through email so its hard to imagine how it will all turn out but try not to stress over it at all though, it honestly all works out She does send an itinerary to you a few days before the wedding so you know what time you have to be ready, when your guests have to be at the wedding site and what time the groom and groomsmen need to be there. it all depends what time your wedding is, which could change because K was told 1pm for my wedding but it was moved to 3pm once we actually got to the resort. Ae you wondering about your music that you will walk down the aisle too? Just out any music you have on an iPod or cd and they will play it for you. I was. married at the ocean view Gazebo and we just had the song for us girls to walk down the aisle too and then a couple more to have playing after the wedding because they do hand out champagne and everyone kind of stands around and chats and takes pictures so you just need a bit of music to play while all that is going on. Plus they do have music that they can play as well. Hope that maybe helps a bit? Congratulations again!!

[eberry]

Hi Ladies!!

I'm also getting married on the Grand Palladium property in Punta Cana, but we're doing it on the Bavaro side. I'm excited to chat with you all as we all go through the prep and planning stages!

Is anyone considering doing a beach BBQ after the ceremony?

[Jessica1005]

I'm confused about the packages too! What she sent me does mot match the website. Wondering what that crystal package is. Anyone do their first dance there at the ceremony location? Debating on which songs to pick, I have only 2 picked out. Anyone getting married in April?