Guide - Dominican Republic

WEDDING & HONEYMOON GUIDE
DOM
INICAN REPUBLIC
CHOOSE THE
PERFECT
PARADISE
SANTO DOMINGO - PUNTA CANA / BÁVARO
LA ROMANA / BAYAHIBE - PUERTO PLATA - SAMANÁ
Enjoy life’s milestones on the beaches of Playa Imbert with
private dining, exotic gardens, a three-tiered cascading
infinity pool, wine cellar and lush penthouses.
Gansevoort Dominican Republic, Playa Imbert meets
demands at even the most intricate level for a
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GANSEVOORT DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PLAYA IMBERT | CALLE BRUNO PHILIP NO. 5 | PUERTO PLATA
RESERVATIONS 877 248 9850 | INFO@GANSEVOORTDRPI.COM
We celebrate
WELCOME!
“Yes I Do...” is a magical and noble phrase that sets the beginning of a new life
together and is pronounced in a special and magical moment in which the bride
and groom will always want it to be the most beautiful and unforgettable along
with their family and friends. If this is what you desire, then you have come to the
perfect destination to make your dream come true.
The Dominican Republic is the perfect scenario to live an unforgettable
romance, as well as to hand over an engagement ring, to spend few days of magical
honeymoon, renew vows or celebrate a wonderful wedding ceremony, either at
the shorelines of the waves of the blue sea, in the middle of our green mountains,
within a tropical garden or in any of the colonial churches that are historical relics
and heritage of humanity.
Our geography is everywhere full of extraordinary charm that will provoke
together with your partner to get caught in the arms of the most sublime of
feelings: love, and enjoy it in the complicity of our warm weather and the joy and
friendliness of our people, always kind and hospitable.
Discover the features that in each region this half island offers, but without
stress, whether it be in the excellent hotels or resorts that we have, or outside of
them, here you will find experienced professionals in the organization of weddings
willing to guide and assist you in the planning of a celebration to your liking and
style and allow you to celebrate the joy of loving and being loved.
In this guide; in addition to advising you about the possibilities offer by our
tourist destinations; we guide you in the preparation and planning, inform you of
the latest trends and the more common practices during the ceremony, but above
all, we wish you that this be a moment that will set the pace for the beginning of a
long and happy marriage.
making your wedding a dream come true
Close to many breathtaking
oceanview locations, with cool
elegant interiors, a relaxed
beachy ambiance and the sound
of the waves gently breaking
on the shore, The Beach Club
is the perfect spot to dream up
an inspired, passionate &
romantic wedding.
Thanks for coming to the Dominican Republic!
Elizabeth Tovar
President OPETUR
sea-horse-ranch.com | thebeachclub@claro.net.do
809 571 4995 Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Contents
14
This Guide is intended to
help you plan and prepare
your wedding at the most
complete destination in the
Caribbean:
Dominican Republic.
General information about
Dominican Republic
Relevant information about the territory,
weather, currency, religion, transportation and
culture that will avoid having any setbacks on
the way of your destination wedding.
Preparing for your Trip
Documents Required
To celebrate a wedding in Dominican Republic
is necessary to meet certain requirements as
detailed in this section.
Map of the
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic has a varied and
amazing geography comprising high
mountains, beautiful valleys, plains and
above all, a coastal landscape with wonderful
beaches.
• SANTO DOMINGO
• PUNTA CANA - BÁVARO
• LA ROMANA - BAYAHIBE
• PUERTO PLATA
• SAMANÁ
06
09
Paradise for Weddings
A list of recommendations that the
couple should consider and that no
preparation details are forgotten such
as invitations, decoration, wedding
cake, wedding dress and many others.
15
16
18
20
22
24
32 Trends
12
Nowadays people bet on the innovative and
unconventional, as well as the minimalistic,
romantic or retro.
A close-up to the most important
and amazing destinations that could
be part of the selection for your
wedding or honeymoon journey.
36 Auguries of Good Luck
Rituals and beliefs that are part of this day.
40 Embassies and Airlines
Asociación de Operadores de Turismo Receptivo de la República Dominicana (OPETUR).
Padre Billini No. 263, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.
Tel. / Fax: 809-682-1785 • E-mail: opetur@claro.net.do, www.opetur.net
Creation and Direction: Target Consultores de Mercadeo
Av. 27 de Febrero #325, Torre KM, Suite 401, Evaristo Morales, Sto Dgo, Rep. Dom.
Tel.: 809-532-2006. E-mail: info@targetconsultores.com • www.targetconsultores.com
Concept: Ayesha Abreu Text: Karina López / Yulissa Matos
Photography: Robert Inoa / External source
Design and Layout: Luis Isidor / Q Estudio Creativo Printing: Editora Corripio
4
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
5
About Dominican Republic
Territory: the country has 48,484 square
kilometers occupying the 74% of the Eastern
part of the Hispaniola Island, with a population of 9.3 million.
Climate: predominantly tropical with an
average temperature between 26° and 28° C.
Government: a democratic system with
division of the three powers, Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The seat of the Dominican
government is in the city of Santo Domingo
Capital of the Dominican Republic.
Language: Spanish.
Time: it remains the same throughout the
year.
6
Economy: is based on the exportation of
services, while maintaining a growth driven
by tourism, telecommunications and remittances, which has generated an excellent investment climate.
Currency: Dominican Peso, represented
by RD$.
Taxes: on consumption of goods and services 18% and in some places a surcharge of 10%
for legal service or gratuity charge.
Exchange Rate: is subject to change at any
time, according to conditions of local and international markets.
Religion: Predominant Roman Catholic,
YES, I DO!
More than 1,500
kilometers of beautiful
beaches bordering the
geography, which also has
mountains, valleys and
grasslands, scenarios that
are ideal for all kind of
tourism.
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
but there is a wide representation of Protestants and Evangelicals.
Tourist Infrastructure: more than 1,500
kilometers of beautiful beaches bordering the
geography, which also has mountains, valleys
and grasslands, scenarios that are ideal for all
kind of tourism. An unbeatable selection of
hotels and resorts in the most famous destinations that are: Punta-Cana-Bávaro, Puerto
Plata, La Romana-Bayahibe, Samaná, Juan
Dolio and Santo Domingo. Other important
destinations are: Constanza, Jarabacoa, Barahona and Montecristi.
Culture: the country has a cultural composition based on European, African, and to
a lesser extend indigenous influences, that are
reflected in the artistic, the gastronomic, the
language and in religion.
Handicraft expressions are diverse prevailing a vast number of object made with Taino motives in wood, amber, Larimar, leather,
horn, bone, and ceramic. The characteristic
musical genre is Merengue, follow by Bachata.
As for popular celebrations there are many,
but the most significant is carnival. The most
important Dominican pastime is baseball,
king of sport of the national culture.
Ground Transportation: there are many
tourist transportation companies, rent cars
and taxis that provide an efficient, comfortable
and safe service, as well, Santo Domingo has
a modern two subway lines system, the first
one running from south to north of the city
and the second goes from the west side to the
beginning of the east side.
Area Codes: telephone codes are 809 and
829 for residential and mobile phones and 849
for mobile phones only.
Electricity: 110V at 60 cycles (110V/60Hz).
7
Documents Required
How to get to the
Dominican Republic?
Arriving to the Dominican Republic is very
easy since its location is strategically in the
heart of the Caribbean, which allows communications by air and sea to be very easy.
International Airports:
“Las Americas” International Airport
“Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez”:
Just 25 minutes of the city of Santo Domingo
and 20 minutes from Juan Dolio Beach. For
information: 809-947-2225 / 2297
“La Isabela” International Airport
“Dr. Joaquín Balaguer”:
Located in the municipality of North Santo
Domingo. For information: 809-826-4019
8
“Gregorio Luperón” International Airport:
Located in Puerto Plata on the north coast of
the island. For information: 809-291-0000
“Cibao” International Airport:
Located in Santiago de los Caballeros. For
information: 809-587-6766 / 809-582-4894
“Punta Cana” International Airport:
Located in the eastern region of the island, in
Punta Cana. For information: 809-959-2376
“La Romana” International Airport:
Located near La Romana-Bayahibe.
For information: 809-550-5088
“El Catey” International Airport
“Professor Juan Bosch”:
Located in the Province of Samaná. For
information: 809-338-5888
“María Montez” International Airport:
Located in the southern region of the island,
in Barahona. For information: 809-524-4144
YES, I DO!
To celebrate a wedding in the Dominican
Republic is obligatory to meet the following
requirements and have the documents indicated below:
In case of Foreigners:
•
•
Birth certificate.
Passport, if it is in Spanish, and records
the marital status as single, it is not mandatory the presentation of proof of bachelorhood. For all other cases the proof
of single status issued by the Civil Registry of the country of origin or residence
is necessary.
This record statement must be legalized by
the Dominican consular authority accredited
to the place it was issued. If the document is
not written in Spanish, must be translated by a
court interpreter and legalized by the Attorney
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
General’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
Italian Case:
In the cases of Italian citizens must not
exempt the edict, must be fixed in a visible place of the Court for at least three (3) days prior
to the date that the marriage will take place.
In this regard a certificate shall be drawn up.
Requirements for a
Civil Marriage:
•
•
•
•
•
Id card of the couple.
Divorce Act (if they have been married
before).
Death Certificate (in the case of a widow
or widower).
Birth Certificate of the parties.
At least two (2) witnesses. At least two (2)
of the witnesses cannot be family or di9
•
rect or collateral relatives up to the third
grade inclusive of the couple.
If have children together, birth certificates of the children (these must be previously declared).
Requirements for a
Religious Marriage:
•
•
•
•
10
Certification of Non Existence of Civil
Marriage issued by the Office of Vital
Records located within the jurisdiction
corresponding to the parish.
Textual Marriage Act issued by the parish and legalize in the diocese.
That the civil marriage is not registered
in the Office of Vital Records corresponding to the couple.
Instrument affidavit before a Notary Public and duly legalized at the Attorney
•
General’s Office, in which the parties declare that they have not contracted a civil
marriage prior to the celebration of the
canonical marriage that is intended to be
transcribe; and the names of all children
of the marriage. It can be done by the
spouses or by their descendants, if they
have died.
Records may be deposited at the “Oficialía del Estado Civil” corresponding to
the parish where the wedding was celebrated or directly to the National Register of Civil Status (Direccion Nacional
de Registro del Estado Civil).
For more information and to learn about the
fees for marriage contact the “Junta Central
Electoral” on its web page: www.jce.gob.do
Telephones: 809-539-5419 / 809-537-0188
YES, I DO!
Samaná
Puerto Plata
1
1. Cable Car of Puerto Plata
2. Cabarete Beach
3. Fort of San Felipe
1
3
2
1. Samaná Bay
2. Los Haitises
3. Las Terrenas Beach
2
Punta Cana - Bávaro
3
1
3
2
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
1. Parasailing
2. Zipline Bávaro
3. Marinarium at Punta Cana
Santo Domingo
La Romana - Bayahibe
1
2
3
1. Columbus Alcazar
2. First Cathedral of Santo Domingo
3. Boca Chica Beach
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1
2
3
1. Church of San Estanislao, Altos de Chavón
2. Chavón River
3. Bayahibe Beach
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
13
Paradise for Weddings
Santo Domingo
The First City of
America is a city full
of charm that combines in its streets and
avenues the ancient with the modern, which
makes this combination an attractive and interesting contrast that will invite you and your
bride to explore it.
The highest area of historical and cultural
value is the Colonial Zone, first city of the
New World, declared in 1990 World Heritage
Site by UNESCO.
Here we have the first structures built in
the new continent, the first cathedral, the first
vice regal palace, “Alcazar de Colon”, the first
fortress, Ozama Fortress, the first university
“Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo”
The Dominican Republic has a diverse and
a spectacular geography including high mountains, with the highest elevation in the Antilles,
Pico Duarte; the country also has beautiful valleys and grasslands with abundant vegetation
and above all a spectacular coastal landscape
with breathtaking beaches of turquoise waters
and white sand, which are the perfect scenery
chosen by many couples to say “Yes, I Do”.
It is not a secret that to organize a wedding
the time factor is crucial, especially if this wedding is going to take place in a tourist destination. But this is an issue that should not
worry you because the country has stylish resorts and hotels that offer very complete, and
attractive wedding and honey-moon packages
for all budgets.
Within the services these hotels and resorts
offer are: the selection of a wedding coordi14
which operated in the Monastery of the Dominic Fathers, the Museum of Royal Court
where the Palace of the Royal Court was sited
and the first institutions created and established in America.
Santo Domingo is the most important financial, commercial and cultural epicenter
of the country with a powerful economic
dynamism driven by companies representing
the different areas of the national economy.
For shopping; the island has modern shopping malls that include exclusive and famous
brands and department stores where you will
surely find everything you are looking for.
Santo Domingo is also a vibrant and enjoyable city with a nightlife that offers fun until
dawn since it has a selection of bars, cafes,
lounges and nightclubs. As for gastronomy
nator, beauty treatments for the bride, spa for
the couple, photography, music, flowers, and
a suite for the honeymooners, personalized
wedding cake, banquet, souvenirs, and much
more. All this with the only purpose that the
couples be relaxed and free of stress and enjoy
to the fullest the celebration of their big day.
The future spouses may also choose the
scenarios and details where the wedding will
be to match their taste and style, such as tropical gardens, luxurious villas, and a village
recreating the atmosphere of another era, an
intimate place, exotic surroundings, or a venue with an extravagant production.
The fact is that in the following destinations of this paradisiacal island you will find
charmed places to choose for your wedding or
your honeymoon:
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
15
you will have open doors to numerous restaurants where you will taste the rich flavor of the
local food and delicious world cuisine.
If you are a hopeless romantic, the ideal
destination for your wedding is Santo Domingo, especially the Colonial Zone where
you may seal your love in sanctuaries that are
architectural and historical relics; including:
The First Cathedral of the Americas, Mercedes Church, the Dominican Convent, Regina
Angelorum Church and others.
For those that do not want a religious wedding there are restaurants and hotels that offer
wedding organization services and prepare
you an elegant and beautiful setting with a
menu and details to make that day the most
special day for the bride and groom.
from around the world who come to enjoy
everything it offers, including the opportunity
of a tropical style wedding.
Punta Cana and Bávaro are an exuberant
paradises; holders of an unparalleled beauty,
and above all, a first class hotel infrastructure
with numerous attractions, including all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, hotels for
adults, for families, big groups, and also ecological, that will prove that you are in a heartwarming place.
Punta CanaBávaro
Our main tourists
destinations
Bávaro
and Punta Cana, located on the east part of
the country in the Altagracia Province, interspersed by the waters of its beautiful beaches annually visited by thousands of tourist
16
YES, I DO!
In most of these shoreline are hotel properties ideal for a dream wedding, located in front
of the turquoise sea and embellished with the
blue sky where you will also spend unforgettable days of honeymoon.
If instead of celebrating your wedding on
the beach, you prefer a temple, in Higüey, just
30 minutes away from Punta Cana-Bávaro,
is the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, or
Higüey Basilica, one of the most important
religious monuments of the country and one
of the most visited in the Caribbean, where
beautiful and solemn wedding ceremonies are
made.
In addition to its hotels and resorts, you
will find several options for recreation and
shopping, such as: the famous nightclub Coco
Bongo, the squares San Juan Shopping Village
and Palma Real Shopping Village, the Manatí
Park, Cave Taino World, and much more. Also
it’s an excellent golf destination with world
class golf courses designed by renowned names such as Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye, Tom Fazio, and Nick Price, among others.
La RomanaBayahibe
At 110 kilometers
east of the city of Santo
Domingo is this wonderful destination bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and
its rivers Cumayasa, Chavón and Sweet River,
also known as La Romana River, and where
there are beautiful beaches and impressive natural resources.
If you want to have your wedding in La Romana with the Caribbean Sea as background,
you have Bayahibe and Dominicus beaches,
shorelines with pristine waters, fine white
sand and fine and fidgety palm trees, a famous
place because it is where the most beautiful
sunsets probably loom, making it an area of
18
inestimable beauty.
From Bayahibe, where a picturesque traditional fishing village rises, you can sail to the
lush island of Catalina or the popular Saona
Island, bordering the East National Park,
through the mangrove reserve and the “natural pool” where you can have a refreshing
swim. Once in Saona you can plunge into its
white sand beaches, walk through its narrow
streets of sand and among its colorful typical
houses, as well as buying souvenirs in craft
stores.
If you and your partner feel being adventurous, in Bayahibe you may visit its natural
springs, the archeological deposit, the craft
workshops, in addition you may tour the ecological and archeological trail of “Padre Nuestro” (Our Father) with its vestiges of pre-Hispanic art.
A walk to enjoy to the fullest is “Altos de
Chavón”, a Mediterranean paved villa built in
YES, I DO!
The St. Stanislaus Church, at
Altos de Chavón, is ideal for
a romantic and remarkable
wedding that makes it often
being chosen by couples
from around the world to
recreate a historic, elegant and
spectacular wedding and as if
had been taken out of a novel.
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
the heights above the Chavón River, which
houses the most renowned art and design
school of the Caribbean, where you will find
art galleries, a Taino Museum, restaurants,
shops, its well-known church St. Stanislaus
and its famous amphitheater.
If you choose a religious wedding, at “Altos
de Chavón” the St. Stanislaus Church is perfect for a romantic and remarkable wedding
which is chosen by couples from around the
world to recreate a historic, elegant and spectacular wedding.
Very close is “Casa de Campo”, the most
complete and luxurious resort of the Caribbean, ideal to spend a few days of a wonderful honeymoon, with outstanding comfort,
its personalized attention, and its famous golf
courses designed by Pete Dye. Its accommodation system goes from suites up to villas
with countless facilities.
19
Puerto Plata
On the north coast,
interspersed by the Atlantic Ocean is this destination call the “Bride
of the Atlantic”, perfect for a wedding ceremony or for spending a few honeymoon days,
and thus enjoy its wide complementary offer.
Arriving at Puerto Plata you will confirm
its numerous features, such as its beautiful
beaches. Amid its most famous shorelines are
“Punta Rucia”, “La Ensenada”, “Maimón”, “Cofresí”, “Costambar”, “Alicia”, “Imbert”, “Sosúa”,
“Cabarete”, “Kite Beach”, “Playa Grande” and
many others. In “Sosúa” and “Cabarete” in addition to its beaches there are excellent hotels,
restaurants and a great nightlife proposal.
20
At the Amber Coast as is also known Puerto Plata, you will have open doors to excellent
tourist resorts and hotels located on the beachfront and with a very complete variety of accommodation offers, with restaurants, entertainment, relaxation, shops, medical services,
and most importantly most of them offering
wedding planning packages.
If you prefer to celebrate your ceremony
in a temple, you will have the regal St. Philip
the Apostle Cathedral with its beautiful façade and right at the Independence Plaza. If you
wish a Jewish wedding, in “Sosúa”, 25 minutes
from the city of Puerto Plata, there is a synagogue where they celebrate Shabbat services
and other rites and where a wedding can be
celebrated.
Amid the romantic walks that the bride
and groom and honeymooners must make in
Puerto Plata is its famous Independence Plaza, where its emblematic cathedral is located,
the “Malecón”, one of the most beautiful in
the country; the “San Felipe Fortress”, colonial
monument dating from the XVI century.
Another must go is to the cable car, unique
in the country and the Caribbean that will take
you to the top of “Isabel de Torres Mountain”
where on arrival you will be greeted by the
famous Christ of Liberty. Going up or down,
you will enjoy the spectacular panoramic view
to the city and the Atlantic coast.
Other attractions in Puerto Plata are “La
Isabela”, the first settlement of the New World
established by Christopher Columbus in honor of Isabella the Catholic; the 27 natural
pools of “Damajagua”, spectacular waterfalls
with their respective pools slides style, coming from the river of the same name; and
the best and more complete water park in the
country, Ocean World Adventure Park, Marina & Casino.
Endless romance
Punta Cana | Dominican Republic
Imagine su boda en un destino espectacular,
todo lo que abarca esa experiencia quedará
para siempre en su memoria, así que inclúyalo
todo, no habrá gastos sorpresas de último
momento, y será tan sensacional que sabrá
que fue manejado por un hotel Barceló.
Como reconocido líder en la categoría de
destinos para bodas, Barceló Hoteles &
Resorts está orgulloso de ser su anfitrión
en tan trascendental ocasión y adaptamos
al gusto de cada pareja nuestros servicios,
además nuestras magníficas locaciones con
vista al mar reflejan un estilo individual y único.
Imagine a dramatic destination wedding
experience so all-encompassing that it
will stick with you forever in memories,
so all-inclusive that there will be no
last minute surprise expenses, and so
sensational that you know it was held
on a beachfront Barceló resort.
A recognized leader in the destination
wedding category, Barceló Hotels &
Resorts is proud to host your momentous
occasion. Adapted to each bride and
groom’s personal taste, our magnificent
oceanfront settings reflect individual style.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
YES, I DO!
809 227 2356
Samaná
Newlyweds or couples who decide to explore Samaná Bay, located to the northeast
of the island, will enjoy its charming beauty
with a multitude of natural and cultural features.
If you choose this destination to celebrate
your wedding or honeymoon you will do so in
an environment of sublime nature, since passing through the National Park of “Los Haitises” or when passing by the Tourist Boulevard
of The Atlantic that leads to “Las Terrenas”
you will take pleasure in its majestic sceneries
that contrast with the blue skies and its pristine shorelines.
Enjoy a delicious sun bath or take a walk
watching the sunset in some of the beaches of
Samaná, “Portillo”, “Las Terrenas”, “Las Galeras”, “Cosón”, “Rincón”, “Playa Bonita”, “El
Limón”, and those of “Cayo Levantado”, well
known islet in the northeast of the bay, that
only can be reached by boat or catamaran.
In the town called “Santa Barbara de Samaná” in “Las Terrenas”, in “Portillo”, and “Las
Galeras”, you can find some hotel proposals of
great quality, luxurious and comfortable that
are ideal for couples to stay and also celebrate
their wedding or spend their honeymoon.
A must visit in Samaná is “Salto El Limón”,
a majestic waterfall in a forest that descends
from a height of 55 meters. If you decide to
get marry between January and April, there
is a famous tour that if you are sea lover will
fully enjoy, is to contemplate the dance of the
humpback whales that come to Samaná Bay to
mate. It is an acrobatic show enjoyed by hundreds of people every year.
If you stay in the town you must see
its emblematic attractions such as the San
Peter Evangelical Church, best known as
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“The Chorcha”, brought by ship from England
in the mid XVIX century; the Whale Museum,
a space that encourages the protection of the
humpback whales in the world.
Take advantage of your stay in this destination and enjoy with your spouse a walk in
the “Malecón” appreciating “Pueblo Principe”,
place that host various commercial establishments such as restaurants and craft shops.
YES, I DO!
If you choose
Samaná for
your wedding or
honeymoon you
will do so in an
environment of
sublime nature.
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
23
Preparing for your Trip
16 or 9 months prior:
1.
When organizing and conducting a
wedding ceremony so many questions
and doubts arise from the many
details that must be prepared, such as
invitations, decor, wedding cake, bride
and groom dresses, bridesmaids dresses,
souvenirs and many other aspects, if
the couple does not have the proper
orientation and help may have a high
grade of confusion or stress.
24
To help you with the preparation of your
wedding, below you will find an orientation
list that the couple to be married should
check with a considerable anticipation time
before the wedding, having in mind that this
work should be shared by both, even though
is always the bride that is permanently more
aware of every single detail.
An important point is that it must be determine whether you will hire a wedding planner
to be in charge of every detail and guide you
through this process.
YES, I DO!
2.
3.
4.
5.
Prepare a carpet according to how you want your wedding:
On this carpet you will place everything that inspires you
for this special day (pages from magazines, pictures, ideas for
dresses, meals options, decor details, etc.).
Style, Place and Date:
Must determine the style of your wedding, traditional or different
with innovative details. From this choose the venue. For the date you should take into
consideration what the day symbolizes, month and season.
Prepare a Budget:
This will serve to determine costs and contributions that might be received from relatives
or the couple’s budget.
Best Man and Bridesmaids:
Is choosing who will be the Best Man and Bridesmaids, and the people that will be part of
the entourage that will accompany the couple.
Selection of Guests:
Always start your selection by family and close friends, and put their contact information.
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
25
6.Officiant:
Select the officiant of the ceremony and determine if whether the details of the ceremony
will be chosen by the officiant or if you want to take part in it.
8 months prior:
1.
Photographer and Cameraman:
Hiring of an excellent photographer and cameraman is very important since in their
hands are the graphic memories of this significant event.
2.Entertainment:
Determine what type of entertainment will you have, attend activities in which the bands
and DJ’s participate to see if you really like them and choose your favorite.
3. Catering Services:
See the options of at least three companies and look at the various menus in order to
choose the most suitable for service and budget.
4. Wedding Dress:
You must have at least have three options,
choose your favorite and the one that best
suits your style.
5.Hotels:
If the couple has guests from other countries
they should review at least three different
hotels that are relatively close to the wedding
venue. Choose the hotel for the services they
provide and the price.
6. Wedding List:
Visit establishments and stores you like and
make your gift list. Make sure to include articles in a wide range of prices for the different
purchasing power of the guests.
7 to 6 months prior:
Dream Weddings
C
1. Invitations:
Select invitations according to your taste and style, and send
them to the printer.
2. Honeymoon:
Start checking that your passports are updated and then choose
the place you want to spend your honeymoon always having
your budget in mind.
H
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3. Bridesmaids Dresses:
Choose design, fabrics, and dressmakers to tailored them or check where to buy them.
4.Ceremony:
Should coordinate with the officiant or with your wedding planner, and at this moment
take the opportunity to confirm the necessary documents.
5.Installation:
If you do not have a wedding planner, it is the
moment to book all the equipment you will need for
the setting of the wedding, such as lights, speakers,
dance floor, etc.
6.Florist:
You should think about the specifications of decorating with flowers taking into consideration the
season, your taste, style and budget.
5 to 4 months prior:
1.Rehearsal:
Organizing the wedding rehearsal and all its activities including family and friends.
2.Invitations:
Check that your invitations will be ready on schedule and with sufficient time to send
them out.
3. Wedding Cake:
Your wedding planner will assist you in choosing
the cake that should be of your taste and budget.
4. Shoes and Dress:
Buy your shoes ensuring they are comfortable, and
try them on with the dress to make sure the dress is
the right length.
5. Makeup and Hairstyle:
The bridge must attend several hair and makeup
tests and then choose the style she likes. We recommend to take some pictures that will help you make
a good decision.
6. Music:
Choose the music for the wedding, which will include all the music will be played before, and during
the ceremony, during the reception of guests, and during dinner, also you may indicate the
songs you DO NOT want to be played during the event.
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YES, I DO!
3 months prior:
1.
Flowers and Menu:
Make sure to have everything ready, the flowers and menu selected, and remember that
there are fruits, flowers and foods that are in season.
2.Toast:
Coordinate with your wedding planner how
beverages will be served during the wedding
and specify at what time they should do it.
3.Readings:
In case of a religious ceremony, select who will
be reading the biblical passages or some important tests you have selected to be red during the
ceremony (religious or civil).
4.Underwear:
Buy the lingerie you will use with your wedding
dress and arrange a wedding test wearing
everything you will be wearing that day, underwear, dress, shoes, jewelry, etc.
5.Rings:
Remember to engrave the rings, or make adjustments if necessary.
2 months prior:
1.Suppliers:
Your wedding planner should coordinate with the different suppliers (florist, DJ’s, catering, band, venue, etc.) just to make sure everything is in place for the wedding.
2. Photographer and Cameraman:
In order to deliver an excellent job the wedding
planner should coordinate with the photographer
and the cameraman the locations for the photos
and video.
3.Invitations:
Is time to send the invitations.
4. Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties:
Those responsible for the organization of the
bachelor and bachelorette parties should be aware
of the dates available to do these activities.
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
29
1 month prior:
1.Guests:
Resume the guest list and check the ones confirmed and
then communicate with those that still have not confirmed.
2.Documentation:
It is extremely important to check: you have the permits
to be married and the necessary certifications.
3.Dress:
Schedule the last dress fitting, remember to take the underwear and shoes.
4.Payments:
Is time to start paying each of the services.
5. Confirmation of Appointments:
Call the places you have made appointments for hair and
makeup for you and the bridesmaids.
6. Miscellaneous:
If you are thinking to cut your
hair or change its color, it is time
to do it.
2 weeks prior:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pick up the wedding dress.
Confirm the photographer and the cameraman.
Reserve manicure and pedicure for the day before the
wedding.
Three days before the wedding send to your wedding planner the final guest list, to coordinate with the hotel and other suppliers.
5. Pack everything for the honeymoon.
... And enjoy!
Remember that the most important part of it all is
your disposition to have a good time along with your
loved ones, in a day you'll never forget.
30
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
31
Trends
Soon you and your partner will make a vow
of eternal love at the alter or in front of a civil
judge and most likely you would like to know
about the present trends and what will prevail
in 2016 for bridal gowns, groom suits, shoes,
bridal makeup, invitations, wedding cake, linens and cutlery, and many more.
We anticipate that the present trends are
innovative, not conventional, and also minimalist mixed with romantic and retro.
The Wedding Dress:
In trend are the minimalist look and the fit
lines that elongates the figure. Among the fabrics used are crepe that brings great fall and
unique and unmistakable movement; lace and
guipures that add romance and Mikado and
organza that give volume, presence and full-bodied to the fit and flared skirt of a bridal
gown.
fashion in addition to the classic bride will be
the watercolor bridge, crop-top with train and
the groom in tuxedo.
The Male Garment:
In the male nuptial outfit the trend are
vests, cufflinks, boutonnieres, scarves flaps,
and of course ties, but as dictated by the latest
trends, the tie gives prominence to the neckties or bows. The groom can wear shoes with
laces and gangster type, blue and gray will
continue setting the pace.
The tie gives
prominence to
the neckties or
bows.
Backs are still the mayor protagonist staying in the open. Some of the styles that are in
32
YES, I DO!
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Makeup:
The trend is to have makeup on without
appearing to have it, in trend is the Soft Contouring, a makeup technique widespread
among the celebrities where what prevails is a
soft and romantic pink blush, also smoky eyes;
highlighting the eyes, or a soft smoked glossy
covering the entire eyelid.
It is important to keep the skin and lips
well hydrated, as well as the eyelashes and eyebrows well defined.
Bride Shoes:
Trends are adding new tones to
shoes, such as nude or champagne, as
for styles, heels, kitten heels, D’Orsay
flats, and also flats with lace.
Invitations:
What is in trend and
will stay in trend is to personalize your invitations with a carefully handmade typography.
of homemade appearance, but with a romantic touch.
Linens, Tableware and Cutlery:
Unique settings for unique weddings
Consider the important details listed below to
decorate the table on your wedding day.
1. Linen: if you do not want to overdo select
a simple and minimalist style and pick white
tablecloths.
2. Tableware: you can choose white, or white
with a touch of color.
3. Glassware: today cups and glasses of
different colors are used and combined,
but without being overdone.
4. Cutlery: you may also choose a minimalist style that will not affect the elegance
the table must have.
Wedding Cake:
Naked cakes, or cakes without any coverage, without fondant, frosting, cream or chocolate, in which the protagonist is the filling will
stay in trend, decorated with flowers or fruits.
They can be interspersed with tartlets or cakes
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MEXICO · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC · BAHAMAS
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34
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
We’re all about you
35
Auguries of Good Luck
When couples marry, they
sometimes practice some of
the rituals and beliefs that are
part of their culture or family
traditions, in search of good
luck and prosperity as well as
there be no misfortune in their
wedding day, that their union
will last a lifetime, have good
health and many more reasons.
Although it is known that
love, respect, understanding
and communications are the
foundation for a marriage
to last and for a family to
grow healthy physically and
emotionally, below we list some
of the most common practices
in search of the wedding to be
beautiful and that the marriage
lasts a lifetime:
•
•
•
•
36
Elude marrying on a 13, since is a number linked to bad luck, so most couples
reject this day, same with Tuesdays because it is associated with Mars (the
Good of War) and presumable can bring
misfortune.
Elude marrying in January because is a
bad auguries of money problems throughout the marriage.
The use of veil ensures the bride will be
protected from the envious stress and
jealousy.
The groom necktie should be perfectly
straight, as if it twisted, it is believed that
the husband could be unfaithful to his
wife.
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Enjoy all together this colonial experience!
•
•
•
Throwing rice to the couple at the end
of the ceremony will bring good fortune, prosperity and procreation, but this
tradition has been replace with throwing
flowers petals and bubbles.
The bride carrying “something new, something old, something borrowed and
something blue”. Something new auguries a happy future for the couple; something old means that the past of the bride is behind; using something borrowed
from a happily married woman to transmit the same fate to the new bride, and
something blue symbolizes fidelity and
love.
Weeping during the ceremony, it is believed that if the bride weeps during the
day of the wedding have already shed all
her tears and will not cry for no reason
in her marriage.
•
Sounding the bells, this is done to dispel
the bad spirits and have a harmonious
and happy family life.
•
Tie ribbons and cans tied to the back of
a car in which the couple will leave for
their honeymoon is to scare away evil
spirits and ward off jealousy feelings.
•
Carry the bride through the door of the
new home is believed that this practice
prevents evils spirits attacking the bride
by the soles of her feet, plus it assures
happiness to the bride that her husband
will be able to support her.
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • MEXICO • GUATEMALA • COSTA RICA
38
YES, I DO!
CUBAGuide
• PANAMA
• COLOMBIA
• BRAZIL • ARGENTINA • CHILE
Wedding
» Dominican
Republic
39
Embassies
GERMANY
Gustavo Mejía Ricart 196 esq. Avenida
Abraham Lincoln. Torre Piantini, 8vo. piso
Phone: 809-542-8950
COLOMBIA
Fernando Escobar Hurtado #8-A,
Serrallés
Phone: 809-562-1670
ARGENTINA
Av. Máximo Gómez 10.
Phone: 809-682-0976
COSTA RICA
Malaquías Gil #11, Serrallés
Phone: 809-683-7209
BELIZE
Av. John F. Kennedy, Edif. Bonanza Naco
2do nivel, Piantini
Phone: 809-567-7146
CUBA
Francisco Prats Ramírez #808, El Millón
Phone: 809-537-2113
BRAZIL
Eduardo Vicioso 46A, Bella Vista, Casi esq.
Churchill
Phone: 809-532-4200
CANADA
Av. Winston Churchill #1099
Torre Acrópolis, Piso 18, Ensanche Piantini
Phone: 809-262-3100
CHILE
Av. Anacaona #11, Mirador Sur
Phone: 809-797-2433
40
ECUADOR
Av. Abraham Lincoln # 1007, Edif. Óptica
Feliz, Suite 601, Piantini
Phone: 809-563-8363
SPAIN
Av. Independencia #1205, Zona
Universitaria
Phone: 809-535-6500
UNITED STATES
Av. República de Colombia no.57,
Altos de Arroyo Hondo II
Phone: 809-567-7775
YES, I DO!
FRANCE
Las Damas #42, Zona Colonial
Phone: 809-695-4300
GREAT BRITAIN
Av. 27 de Febrero #233,
Edif. Corominas Pepín, 7mo piso
Phone: 809-472-7111
GUATEMALA
Av. 27 de Febrero #233,
Edif. Corominas Pepín, 9no piso
Phone: 809-381-0249
HAITI
Juan Sánchez Ramírez #33,
Zona Universitaria
Phone: 809-686-7115
MEXICO
Arzobispo Meriño # 265,
Ciudad Colonial
Phone: 809-687-6444
Airlines
NICARAGUA
Caonabo no. 16, Sector Los Cacicazgos,
entre Anacaona y Enriquillo
Phone: 809-535-1230
NETHERLANDS
Max Henríquez Ureña #50, Piantini
Phone: 809-262-0300
PANAMA
Benito Monción #255, Gazcue
Phone: 809-476-7114
ISRAEL
Pedro Henríquez Ureña 80, La Esperilla
Phone: 809-472-0774
PERU
Las Ninfas no. 187 Bella Vista, detrás del
Supermercado Pola de la Sarasota
Phone: 809-482-3344
JAMAICA
Av. Sarasota #36,
Plaza Khury, Suite 304, Bella Vista
Phone: 809-620-2499
TAIWAN
Av. Rómulo Betancourt #1360, Bella
Vista
Phone: 809-508-6200
JAPAN
Av. Winston Churchill, Torre Acrópolis, Piso 21
Phone: 809-567-3365
VENEZUELA
Av. Anacaona #7, Bella Vista
Phone: 809-537-8882
KOREA
Av. 27 de Febrero Torre Empresarial Fórum
piso 14, casi esq. Privada
Phone: 809-482-6505
URUGUAY
Luís F. Thomén #110, Oficina 401, Edif.
Gapo, Evaristo Morales
Phone: 809-472-4229
AIR EUROPA
Roberto Pastoriza 158, Naco
Phone: 809-683-8020
www.aireuropa.com
AIR FRANCE
Av. Máximo Gómez #15
Phone: 809-686-8432
www.airfrance.com
AIR PLUS
Av. Winston Churchill 54,
Plaza Las Américas, 5to. Nivel
Phone: 809-541-5151
www.aircomet.com
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Av. Winston Churchill,
Edificio In Tempo
Phone: 809-542-5151
www.aa.com
UNITED AIRLINES
Max Henríquez Ureña esq. Winston
Churchill, Edificio In Tempo
Phone: 809-262-1060
www.continental.com
COPA AIRLINES
Av. Abraham Lincoln esq. Jacinto Mañón,
Torre Ejecutiva Sonora
Phone: 809-472-2672
www.copaair.com
CUBANA DE AVIACIÓN
Av. Tiradentes esq. 27 de Febrero,
Edificio Plaza Merengue
Phone: 809-227-2040
www.cubana.com
42
YES, I DO!
Wedding Guide » Dominican Republic
DELTA AIRLINES
Av. Winston Churchill # 1,
Plaza Acrópolis 3er. nivel
Phone: 809-200-9191
www.delta.com
JET BLUE
Av. Winston Churchill esq. Paseo de los
Locutores, Plaza Las Américas II
Phone: 809-200-9898
www.jetblue.com
GENERAL AIR SERVICES AIRLINES
Av. Winston Churchill, esq. Max
Henriquez Ureña, edif. Falco 2do. piso
Phone: 809-621-7777
www.paxcales@generalservices.com
PAWA DOMINICANA
Av. Gustavo Mejía Ricart 93
Phone: 809-227-0331
www.pawadominicana.com
SPIRIT AIRLINES
Av. Winston Churchill,
Plaza Las Américas II
Phone: 809-381-4111
www.spirit.com
AVIANCA AIRLINES
Agustín Lara 45
esq. José Amado Soler
Phone: 809-200-8662
www.taca.com
IBERIA
Av. Lope de Vega 63
Tel.: 809-227-0010
www.iberia.com
43
HAS IT ALL