CONGRATS on your upcoming wedding!! And I don't think you could ever be too early to start planning. But I would suggest that you research each hotel very well before deciding on one and leaving a deposit. I am getting married in Aruba in July and I already had to cancel one location and book another.

Most of the hotels will give you a similar ceremony (all beautiful), but be sure to compare the prices of vendors. I found that some hotels add their own fees on top of the regular vendor prices (photographer, video, etc.) So know you prices before booking a place. You should also watch the catering prices. I thought I was getting a great price at on place for my reception (40 ppl), until I realized that drinks were not included ($100 extra per person), so get all of the details upfront. Also, my biggest concern was how well the hotel kept in contact with me. The first place I had booked never returned any of the emails I sent after I signed the contract, and I still had alot of questions. That was the most frustrating part of the whole process, so make sure you find a reliable hotel planner.

As for hiring a wedding planner, keep in mind that if you have your wedding at a hotel all of the places I contacted provided a wedding coordinator with their packages. I did contact a planner on my own and was quoted approx. $2000 just for her services, so I decided not to spend that kind of money.

After everything was said and done, I ended up booking my wedding at the Bucuti and I couldn't be happier with the way things are going. They have been extreamly accomodating and answer every email within hours.

If you have any other questions I would be happy to help you....I know I needed all the help I could get in the begining )

Kristin
kmullin113@aol.com