CanadianBride.com Talkboards / CanadianBride.com Talkboard / Destination Weddings

Questions about Iberostar Varadero

Pkaren — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:51:31 GMT

My wedding is booked at the Iberostar Varadero for May 9, 2011. So excited!!

I'm so confused about the whole process of everything and I don't think Belkis is understanding what I'm asking. I do have a wedding planner here at home as well, but I would like some advice/answers from brides who have gotten married here.

Our wedding is at 4pm, then the dinner is not until 7pm. What happens in between? I feel like that's a really long time to wait and people will eat and start drinking really early. And the dinner is only 2 hours long? when does dancing happen? I'd like us to have at least a few dances with just our group before heading to the disco. I feel a little disappointed that our wedding is over at 9pm?

We're going to use the photographer at the resort...has anyone used her? Does anyone have any pictures about what her photos look like?

We're doing the poolside dinner. How were the decorations? Did you bring your own decorations? Did you ship them or pack them?

Did you do you own hair and makeup or get it done at the salon?

Basically any advise or hints? Thank you SO much for your help and pointers!!

Wedding Favors

Angel8eh — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:46:45 GMT

Hi DW brides,

I am getting married in 9 weeks and I am looking for any suggestions regarding favors. Did any of you make your own? I don't want anything to bulky since suitcase space with be an issue. I want to try and bring alot of stuff to give to the Cubans. I went to a party store yesterday and there was nothing! I'm starting to panic! I was all set to order some stuff with our resort name (PRDO) and date but then Ike came along and we weren't sure if we could get married there. Now we can and I have nothing ordered! Help!

Going to Jamaica

kblair — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:41:40 GMT

My fiance and I are planning a destination wedding for November 2010. We are interested in Jamaica, possibly the Riu Negril Tropical Bay resort. Has anyone had a wedding/been to a wedding there? Any other suggestions for Jamaica?

Married in Mayan Riviera

wendyalana — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:42:02 GMT

Hi ladies,

Thanks for all the love! We are back and although the weather was a bit chilly the first couple of nights, our wedding day and night was perfect...warm, breezy and dry....I loved every minute of our week..we did a welcome dinner for our guests in Playa at La Parilla and that was wonderful..everything about the trip was so easy and flawless, transportation, our flight, our dinners, our rooms...the wedding coordinator was fabulous and the ceremony was just gorgeous at sunset...the only thing that distracted me was the beer chugging loud competition that was going on at the main activity pool as I was getting ready to walk down the aisle (sand) but as we got to the ocean, the waves and our music from the speakers drowned it out....I am so happy and Michael did not stop crying the entire day! We went to Bahia Principe lobby bar for some dancing and then the disco...everyone had such a memorable vacation ad we brought down Wanda and Brian from Studio 67 who also shot a trash the dress session with us...we sure kept them busy for the few days they were there....here are just a few pics from our day! :)

Add a caption

Considering a destination wedding...

igloe — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:14:02 GMT

What made you decide on it? My FH brought it up. Does it cost average, more or less than a traditional wedding at $20k? How about people? Would it be ideal if you don't have a lot of friends/family?

How did you decide on your location? How long did you stay at your destination (did you do your honeymoon there too?).

Destination Wedding

mwilson259 — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:08:32 GMT

Has anyone had their own wedding or been apart of a wedding at a Riu Resort? I just wanted to get some feed back on how it went and where you had it.. I have narrowed our picks down to 3... Riu Palace los Cabos, Punta Cana or Mayan Riviera. We stayed at the Riu in Cabo in Jan 2009 and loved it. The sand isnt as good as the DR but it was beautiful.. Please send me what you think!!

Martha

Gping to a destination wedding in Barbados

SophieBomb — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:22:03 GMT

I have never been to a destination wedding before and my first is coming
in Barbados, this coming December . I was wondering what to give or bring as a wedding gift...

What is traditionally given in such a case? I need help...

Photographer in Cuba

alisonlee1 — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:12:02 GMT

Does anyone know or can anyone recommend a photographer in Cuba or a photographer that they are going to be taking to Cuba in July?:)

I'm getting married in July and I want to have a professional take our wedding photos.

Thanks!

Destinations that aren't south?

KMD — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:52:20 GMT

We are interested in having a destination wedding, but we aren't really sure if we want to head south.

We were more interested in Europe or something a bit different.

Any ideas for destination weddings that aren't going south? Also we need something that isn't going to totally break the bank!

selling my beach wedding dress.. and shoes.. and hair flower

jen2000 — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:38:03 GMT

full details in the for sale section.. I just updated it with photos and prices of accessories

Weddings by Oceans

Gwared — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:37:16 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has used weddings by oceans? My fiance and I are doing a destination wedding and have stumbled across this company. We have a good impression so far but I would like to hear from people that have already used them

Thanks!

Waikiki Wedding Package

kharquail — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:25:11 GMT

Hey Ladies

I am getting married in Waikiki next September 8 and I am looking for a wedding package of sorts for my wedding. I have emailed a couple of people and nobody has emailed me back. I am getting a little nervous because I want to get our day booked before someone else does. What I am looking for is a package deal around 2500 bucks that includes, ceremony w/minister, flowers, chairs, cake.......etc. If anyone has been married there or know anything about this it would be a great help.

Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing back from you all :)

Its been a While-updates on my DW!

soontobmrs — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:11:46 GMT

Hi All!

I've been totally MIA from this site for a while! I've been soooo busy with life right now, that I just haven't had time for any updates! Started a new job, bought a new house, planning DW and AHR, Buck and Doe-you name it, we're doing it! LOL!

Soooo...we are 2.5 months away from out DW in Mexico! Dress is bought and fitted-just need final one 2 weeks before! Have shoes, veil, accessories. Have had multiple hair trials (my fmil is a hairdresser!) GM/BM outfits are in! Just deciding on ties for the guys! We now have about 40 people travelling to Mexico with us, which is crazy! I cannot wait-I think about it every day! Final payment for our trip is Monday, so we are def in the countdown stage!

Our AHR is the following Sat after we get home (I know! Am I CRAZY?!?) Favors are done (homemade red pepper jelly), working on finalizing the centrepieces. Invites went out Feb 1-starting to get lots of RSVPS back! YEAH! Lots to do, but very exciting! Just wanted to share what I've been going through. I'm gunna try and post some pics of my stuff so far today!

Let me know if anyone needs any advice!

Cheers!

One more pic for now

wendyalana — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:11:03 GMT

Right after the ceremony at Bahia Principe Akumal :)

Helping plan a DW

Bakes — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:37:51 GMT

Friends have asked for some help in findng an affordable beautiful place for their wedding at the end of Aug 2010 or beg. of Sept 2010. They were interested in Antigua but then realized it is hurricane season. Any other suggestions?>

Thanks!

Sharing the Cost of Photography for Destination Wedding

KRWJDB — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:30:03 GMT

I am getting married in mexico May 5th 2010 and was wondering if anyone else was getting married around that time that would want to share the cost of bringing a photgrapher from home. The photographer I have in mind is already in mexico doing weddings the last week in april and the first week of may. If anyone is interested I would love to talk further...thanks krystal

Photographer's Equipment

wendyalana — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:21:17 GMT

Hi,

We leave for Mexico in about four weeks for our wedding...and our photographers can't find insurance to cover their gear out of Canada and the USA...does anyone have any idea of companies that would provide this or other photographers who have travelled out of country with their gear?

Thank you.

DW at the Riu Palace in Aruba

portia123 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:46:52 GMT

Hey everyone,

my brother and his fiance are looking into having their destination wedding at the Riu Palace in Aruba next year. Does anyone have any input on the hotel? Or has anyone had their wedding there?

Portugal, Azores

porthunny — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:11:15 GMT

I am a wedding planner in the Azores, Portugal and would like to offer my help to anyone looking for the perfect destination for their fantasy wedding. Portugal and the Azores (islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean) are the perfect locations for any type of wedding... whether your dream is to get married on a beach, stunning church, tropical garden, amazing castles '- etc.

If you are interested please let me know and I will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you plan the wedding you have always dreamed of in a location as unique and beautiful as you and the love of your life are!

Jennifer

Anyone be in Mexico Nov 7th to 12th

JasonM — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:41:36 GMT

One of our photographers will be traveling Mexico on Nov 7th to the 12th and we are looking for couples interested in a free late afternoon shoot on the Monday and Tuesday.

Our photographer is traveling and will plan his trip based on interest. Send us a email with more info... (tell us which city and hotel you are at)

www.bluesixcreative.com

Since this is totally 100% free... I thought I could post in here since it's 100% benefit for the couple.

Cheers!

Jason Miles

Italy wedding?

swanee — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:51:33 GMT

Hi, I'm new, hubby to be and I are planning a Sept 2010 wedding. We'd really like to go to Italy since he's from an Italian family, but are wondering if we can afford it, how to find a good planner, etc. Any tips?:)

Looking for a DW specialist

portia123 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:35:17 GMT

Can anyone recommend a travel agent either in the vaughan/toronto area that specializes in DW weddings?

ASK for Group Rate expiry date!!!!

megz2010 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:37:46 GMT

Please be warned so this doesn't happen to any other brides out there.

We recieved our group rate from our TA in July 2009, we put down our 10 deposits to secure our group rate and I asked every question you could possibly think of. From what we had discussed I was under the impression that once we had our 10 deposits down guests could book with our group rate up until 45 days prior to departure when final payment was due and the TA didn't tell me otherwise.

So I recieved a phone call yesterday from the TA "who just realized" that our Group rate is expiring in 9 days ( it was actually 2 days but she got it extended). So this means for our guests if they don't put their non-refundable deposit now they will miss out on the group rate and end up paying the regular rate which is about $400 more per week if the decide they are able to make it later on.

This would have been fine if we'd known this in July when our invites went out so everyone had 2 months to make up their minds but instead I am now scrambling to contact all of our guests to inform them the decision must be made and deposits paid in a week, lots of unwanted stresss....:crazy:

Anyways I wanted to share so that hopefully no other brides run into this problem.

Fees for Travel Agent

kinenurse — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:55:34 GMT

My girlfriend is planning a destination wedding. Just wondering-are fees normally charged from the travel agent? She was quoted $375 for a middleman to organize her wedding.

Panama anyone?

thaele — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:04:35 GMT

Someone at my work has come forth with a new idea for a DW. She said Panama is beautiful, and well priced.. She had seen 5 weddings take place while there. It was at the Royal Decameron. Anyone know much about this place? I'm not finding the surplus of info on it like I did with Jamaica. All the wedding info I can find is "please enquire" lol. It looks gorgeous though so I may consider it! My fh wanted to go to Costa Rica really bad but that's too expensive.. Panama isn't too far! ...I don't think? :w00t:

Thanks!

where to get corks?

jen2000 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:55:33 GMT

We have decided to do the message in a bottle wedding invites and I have the bottles (Grace's soda pop bottles) but I have no idea where to get corks for the top. Anyone??

Anyone been here?

Ticabride — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:43:59 GMT

Hi Ladies!!!

So my beautiful Auntie is getting married in Feb of 2010. She has narrowed it down to 2 resorts in Jamaica.

Has anyone been to either, had their wedding there, been a guest at a wedding there, or just been there in general?

I would love some feedback so I can help her choose! Also pics are very much appreciated!

riu negril Jamaica or riu ochos rios Jamaica.

TIA :)

Married at Barcelo Solymar in Cuba?!

megz2010 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:58:32 GMT

My fiance and I have decided that the Barcelo Solymar is the resort to celebrate our big day after lots of research...Although I am now finding myself second guessing our resort choice even though we choose it for all the right reasons ( affordability, wedding package, great reviews) for the simple reason that I can't seem to find much info online from people who have wed at the resort...what the decorated wedding venue is like and the big one for me is whether or not the on-site photographer will take quality and artistic photographs... so any info on this resort would be greatly appreciated...thanks!! :) p.s. I have contacted the wedding co-ordinator but the info she forwarded was limited...

My wedding at Iberostar varadero.

JessicaLJ — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:01:15 GMT

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Bringing meat into DR

a3dean — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:59:09 GMT

So I am exactly 8 weeks away today for leaving for our DW in DR and yesterday my fmil informs me that unless she knows EXACTLY what the procedure is for bringing in meat to DR, she is not coming.

She has food allergies, so I understand where she is coming from. But on the other hand, it's not like these food allergies are new and she certainly didn't put her foot down like this when we told her in April that we wanted a DW. Naturally I am gnashing my teeth a little today.

I already have an emergency email into the travel agent, but if anybody has had any experiences, it would be very helpful to me if you could share them.

Thanks,

Riu Ocho Rios

pilotwifey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:38:13 GMT

A friend of mine is getting married next year at the Riu Ocho Rios and was just wondering if anyone has any pictures of the restaurants?? she need's to choose one for her reception and can't get good pics online! she would love to have it at a restaurant on the beach or at least have the ocean as the background.

Thanks so much!

Wedding in paradise - ANTIGUA!!!!!!

Canuks — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:38:45 GMT

We were married last week in Antigue at the Sandals resort on the beach. We have nothing but praise fot that place and their staff. Everything was so profession, went smooth, and absolutly beautiful. Standing on a white beach in front of crystal blue water was like a dream come true. Sandals Antigua is such a beatiful resort also. The staff were amazing, food was incredable and wow all the drinks!! Rooms were clean, as were the whole grounds. We went wiht 25 other people so it was a fairly large group, and they took complete care of everyone. If you have any questions or want ot see pictures please feel free to email us!

Good luck!

Jen and Dave

An alternative to resort flowers

jen2000 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:09:04 GMT

Hello ladies,
Incase anyone is thinking of bringing bouquets with them instead of using the resort flowers, I wanted to let you guys know how happy I was with my florist.
At first I was going to do my own bouquets using Michael's flowers but I couldn't find want I really wanted in the colours that I wanted. I started looking around for someone that does real touch bouquets (really high end artificial flowers.. they have latex or something in them). Anyways, after getting 5 or 6 quotes I found that Judi from Special Days Designs in Alliston was the best deal and after working with Judi I am SOO HAPPY that I decided to do this. I LOVE my flowers and now I can keep my bouquet forever.
Her website is: http://www.specialdaydesign.ca/

If you want to see my flowers click below.

http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/yy182/gowan2000/?albumview=slideshow

DW brides: Post your dress

lizap — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 15:06:31 GMT

C'mon, ladies...show 'em off!!!

Liza

Planned events/activities?

jen2000 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:34:30 GMT

I was talking to my sister and she mentioned that I might want to have some planned activities for my guests during the week that we are at the resort.

Is anyone else doing this? What kind of activities..? We are going to be in Varadero Cuba. Day trips are an option, but they can get expensive and I think it might be weird to organize something that people HAVE to do at a SPECIFIC time and then expect them to pay for it... Day trips can run $50 per person.. and with over 30 people we can afford to pay for them.

Any other ideas?

Also, did anyone or is anyone renting a vitage car for wedding photos? I would really like to rent one for a drive and pictures after the wedding but I don't know if this is something that is done.

DW Invitiation Ettiquite and Majestic Colonial info

drbride10 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:02:30 GMT

Hi, I'm new to the board and am planning a destination wedding in Punta Cana June 2010. I'm curious to know what the proper ettiquite is regarding when to send invitations and what the rsvp time should be?

I would also like to hear tips from brides who have gotten married at the Majestic or know someone who has regarding the wedding party - best place to do it, did you pay based on the price list or negotiate prices? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Marriage Certificate Translated

farrsie — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:45:18 GMT

Has anyone had their marriage certificate translated into English? If so, which company did you use near Toronto?

How do you register your marriage in Canada?

Thanks!

Newly engaged

DEH83 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:35:02 GMT

There's a ton of great information on here! I'm just wondering about people's recent opinions on Resorts in the Punta Cana region. We are in the absolute beginning stages of this, but we would like to nail something down soonish. We are looking at something between mid April to mid May 2010.

We have a variety of guests with different pricepoints. We are hoping to find something for around 1500 per person.

Any suggestions about your own experiences with resorts in this area would be so greatly appreciated. It's a little overwhelming at this point!

Wedding insurance for destination weddings

simmshe74 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:39:45 GMT

Hello all,
My fiance and I are getting married in Scotland in July, 2010. We have a wedding planner and everything is booked. We have already made a fairly sizable down payment with the remainder due a few months before the wedding. We would like to purchase wedding insurance to cover these expenses in case something should happen that we can't go, or to cover the cost of the dress in case it is damaged, during travel, etc. I have looked but the only company I can find that provides wedding insurance is PAL Canada but only for weddings that take place within Canada. The companies I've found that cover destination weddings elsewhere are only offered to Americans. Has anyone had any experience with a company that does this for Canadians?

If not, does any insurance company want to start???? Looks like there might be a market! Especially in this economy. :)

Thanks.
Shelley

Need some info..

lilustar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:12:11 GMT

Hey All.. its been a long time since I've been on the CB site (been busy planning, graduating, working crazy hours). Anyways.. FH and I have decided to do a DW, and would like to go to Las Vegas for it.

Can't seem to find any info about what I will need as far as a marriage license. Do I get one from here, there, or both? Will our marriage be valid here.. etc. I've searched for answers online, but can't seem to find anything. Also wondering if anyone has been to the Tropicana for a wedding, or any other Vegas chapel. Any info would be great. :)