Planning Mistakes to Avoid | Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana Wedding
Below are the top ten planning missteps 2025-2026 couples keep running into at Dreams Macao Beach—and the proven fixes that will save money, stress and last-minute tears.
# | Common Mistake | Why It Hurts | Quick Fix |
1. Booking < 12 months out for peak dates | December–April Saturdays sell first; popular spots like Crescent Beach disappear fast. | Reserve 12-18 months ahead or choose Mon–Wed in shoulder season (May–Jun / Nov). | |
2. Ignoring the US $150 outside-vendor fee | Each external DJ, photographer or stylist triggers the charge. | Bundle services (photo + video) or share vendors with another same-week couple. | |
3. Paying the final balance by credit card | Adds 18 % ITBIS + 10 % service/tip on every line item. | Bring USD cash or use Wise to settle on-site; ask the coordinator to note “cash payment” on the BEO. | |
4. No rain-back-up in writing | Punta Cana showers are brief but real; without Plan B you’ll scramble. | Get the ballroom or foyer listed on the contract at no cost. | |
5. Overloading the buffet | Massive spreads create waste and spike per-person fees. | Keep buffet for starters + dessert and serve plated mains (+ US $12 pp). | |
6. Skipping a same-day timeline walk-through | Vendors only get a 2-hour setup window; late décor = delayed ceremony. | Schedule a site walk with DJ, florist and planner 24 h before. | |
7. Forgetting travel insurance July–Oct | Hurricane watch season can shift flights and vendor deliveries. | Buy cancel-for-any-reason policies and keep key décor on-site. | |
8. DIY legal paperwork | Translation, notarization, judge travel = hidden US $540–800. | Use the resort’s legal package or go symbolic and sign at home. | |
9. Not reserving enough rooms | Guests book elsewhere → fewer room credits → lost “free wedding” perk. | Aim for 80 % of the group in the block; renegotiate unused nights 90 days out. | |
10. No Plan for High Humidity Hair/Make-up | Afternoon frizz ruins photos. | Schedule glam touch-ups right before portraits; request anti-humidity spray from HMUA. |
People Also Ask
How early should we book Dreams Macao Beach for a Saturday wedding? Secure 12–18 months ahead; peak winter Saturdays go first.
What is the outside-vendor fee and can we avoid it? The resort charges US $150 per external service; share vendors or bundle photo + video to pay it once.
How do we dodge the 18 % ITBIS tax? Pay the remaining balance in USD cash or via Wise on-site; tax applies only to electronic transactions.
Does Dreams Macao provide a free indoor back-up for rain? Yes—have the ballroom or foyer listed on your contract so it’s guaranteed.
Are drones allowed for the wedding? Yes, for daylight flights under 400 ft with 48-hour approval; one US $150 vendor fee covers the pilot.
.webp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fvpskymlp6aa0%2F1zclAdKY7d1BNbfuVx1BH5%2F27a0ea4f32f7acb0dfcc48db0a490e4c%2FBODA1__22_.jpg&a=w%3D167%26h%3D250%26fm%3Dwebp%26q%3D75&cd=2025-06-06T20%3A25%3A56.256Z)
