UNOFFICIAL BDW DREAMS TULUM WEDDING GUIDE 1) WEDDING COORDINATORS
Sandra Casillas was the wedding coordinator until May 2008. She is now working in a sales position. Although automatic email replies were sent out announcing the change to say that Landy was taking over, Sandra did tell one bride that should would continue to help out the wedding team by answering questions by email, but not organizing the actual weddings once brides arrive.
Landy Cahum used to be Sandra’s assistant and is now the wedding coordinator.
weddings@dreamstulum.com.mx
A new assistant coordinator Lizette joined in May/June 2008 when Sandra left.
infoweddings@dreamstulum.com.mx
It used to be that you were assigned to either Sandra or Landy you were suppose to communicate with that one person by email and when at the resort. Seeing as Lizette is new I’m not sure how it works right now (maybe Landy is coordinating all weddings until she learns more)
The coordinators are extremely busy people and response time is usually very slow. For important and urgent questions (for example confirming ceremony date & time) it may be usefull to phone the coordinators for a response 52 984 871 3333 (that is the main hotel number, as to speak to the coordinators) (it may take several tries before you reach them as they are often out of the office, and they may not phone you back if you leave a message). As much as the planning can be frustrating due to lack of email responses, all brides have been extremely happy with the service received by Sandra and Landy once they arrived at the resort.
Approx one month before your wedding you will get a form to fill out for you to indicate your choices with respect to dinner, music, photographer etc. All these decisions can be changed once you arrive on the resort (availability of musicians and photographers is not a problem, even at the last minute).
You will meet with the coordinators when you arrive at the resort (usually the 2nd day) and go over all aspects of your wedding. This is the time to choose your flowers and cake.
2) WEDDING GUIDE
Dreams Tulum has a wedding guide (PDF document) with all their info, it is attached below. They released the 2008-09 version in the spring of 2008. There are some price increases (nothing crazy) and the policies have changed for restaurant/reception locations. For people who booked the resort/wedding before the guide was released, one of the coordinators has confirmed that you will be charged according to the old guide, and you will follow those reception policies. Just make sure to remind the coordinators that you are working using the old guide.
3) WEDDING PACKAGES
There are 3 wedding packages below.
DREAMS WEDDING IN PARADISE PACKAGE ($796 USD or free with honeymoon suite for 7 nights or 5 rooms (any category) for 3 nights). I have highlighted the inclusions that differ from the previous package.
• Service of Judge or Minister
• Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator
• Preferential location of the room in the category reserved
• Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
• Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
• Bride’s bouquet
• Boutonniere for the groom
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 10 guests
• Special turn down service at night
• 15% discount on all Spa treatments (product purchases not included)
• Honeymoon Package
• Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)
• Silver framed photo of choice from stay
*use of the “gazebo” or “arbor” is included even though it’s not indicated like it is in the other packages. It is decorated with a flower arch. You get white chairs with covers and table with white tablecloth. (all free)
*although dinner is not listed, a special table will be set up at any of the restaurants free of charge for a group of 10 or less. For a group more than 10, this would be considered a “group” and costs extra (see receptions section below).
DREAMS OF LOVE WEDDING PACKAGE ($1,980 USD)
• Services of justice of peace or minister
• Wedding Organization and personalization of our Wedding Coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of the Wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
• Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
• Personal dressing assistant
• Use of the beach front arbor
• Bride’s Bouquet
•
Two boutonnieres & two corsages for parents or witnesses
•
Special Silver Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)
•
1 natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for
20 guests
•
One hour Silver Cocktail Party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)
• Special turn down service
•
Bride’s hair styling for ceremony
•
Make-up application for bride
• 15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included)
•
36 full color professional photos and wedding album
• Honeymoon Package
• Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)
• Silver framed photo of choice from stay
*The beach location is decorated just as indicated in the ultimate package even though it’s not mentioned (i.e. chairs with white covers, table with white tablecloth and flower arch). Unsure about whether carpeted aisle is included.
DREAMS ULTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE ($2,650 USD)
• Services of justice of peace or minister
• Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
• Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
• Personal dressing assistant
• Use of the beach front arbor
• Bride’s Bouquet
• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for parents or witnesses
• Special
Gold Wedding Dinner party (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)
• One natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom dinner table
•
One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests
• One hour
Gold cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 20 guests staying at the hotel)
• Special turn down service
• Bride’s hair styling for ceremony
• Make-up application for bride
• 15% discount on all Spa treatments (products not included)
•
50 full color photos and wedding with album
• Honeymoon Package
• Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)
• Beach Front Wedding Set-Up décor - chairs with white covers, ceremonial table, and carpeted walkway
•
Live Mexican music trio (1 set)
• Video of the ceremony (30 min. DVD edited)
• One Spa treatment to choose from: One Swedish massage for two or one European facial for two or one Salt Glow Body Scrub for two
• Silver framed photo of choice from stay
4) LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
There are no requirements for a symbolic ceremony (although the resort may require you arrive a few days before for planning purposes)
For a legal ceremony the bride and groom and witnesses must arrive FOUR business days (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays don’t count) before the wedding. This means you don’t count the day you arrive but you do count the wedding day ( Note that some brides have gotten around this rule, i.e. for Sunbride they also counted the arrival date even though she only arrived at 3pm and for another bride they only required 2 days!)
Legal requirements:
• Valid passport
• Tourist Cards (blue sheets that you receive at the airport)
• Blood test provided by a Mexican Official at the resort (organized by wedding coordinator. Cost of 175$ (150$ for 2007-08 ) must be paid to the paramedic in exact cash.)
• Four witnesses (family members are allowed) (if you don’t have witnesses the resort will provide them).
*note: although the website lists “apostille certified birth certificates” this is only for couples who are divorced.
Additional legal requirements (depending on circumstances):
If divorced:
• Apostille certified birth certificates for Bride & Groom
• Final Record of Divorce
If widowed:
• Death Certificate
(not sure if apostille certified birth certificates needed in this case)
Note that in order for your marriage certificate to be legal, some countries require that you have the document “apostille certified” (i.e. special stamp verifying the authenticity). This is not required in Canada (how about US ? ? ?). The wedding coordinators can do this for you for 100$ and your certificate will be mailed to you afterwards (will take a couple months) or you can do it back home at the Mexican embassy.
5) CEREMONY
(5.1) Locations
There are 3 locations for the ceremony:
a) The chapel
The chapel is very small and fits only 20-40 people (resort says 20-40 but probably closer to 20 ? ? ? ). There are 5 rows of small benches (one bench on each side of the aisle, 5 rows, 10 benches total) which seat approx 2 people each. Some people could stand in the back.
The chapel is VERY HOT as there is only one small window in the back and the open door for air circulation.
b) Beach “gazebo”/arbor located next to seaside grill (south end of beach)
The beach behind the gazebo is quite clean (the least rocky area of the whole beach) and there is a beautiful rocky area slightly farther south which is nice for pictures.
c) Beach “gazebo”/arbor located next to the aqua center (north end of beach)
The beach here is slightly more rocky than the other gazebo.
Both beach locations are at the end of the beach. There will be people sitting nearby (usually only on one side since the locations are at the ends of the beach) but not surrounding the site. Nobody has reported any problems with hotel guests being intrusive. The wedding coordinators will ask people to move if their lounger chairs are set-up to close.
For beach locations, chairs with white covers are included in all packages, as well as a flower arch on the gazebo. Chair bows are extra and available in several colors. You can also bring your own bows (or tulle) and they will put them on for free.
*** In case of rain, the back-up location is the convention center.
Although these are the official locations, you could speak to the wedding coordinators about other locations. Likely the convention center can be used as your location (not just for a rain back-up) and one bride is doing her wedding near the lobby, between the big staircase and the fountain.
(5.2) Types of ceremony
a) Civil ceremony
Only the civil ceremony is legal.
The ceremony is performed by a judge (usually female) who speaks Spanish and your wedding coordinator will translate.
The ceremony text is always the same (see link below) but you can add your own vows, readings, sand ceremony, etc.
b) Religious or symbolic/renewal of vows
For both the religious ceremony or syumbolic/renewal of vows you need to have a legal ceremony performed back home to be considered legally married. Some people choose the symbolic/renewal of vows ceremony to avoid the 4 day waiting period, the blood test, and the extra paperwork if widowed/divorced. Some people choose the religious ceremony for obvious personal reasons.
If the ceremony is symbolic/renewal of vows it will be performed by the wedding coordinator. If it is religious it would be performed by a minister.
For these ceremonies you can write your own ceremony text.
(5.3) Sound / Music
There will be a sound system (microphone and speaker) for the ceremony for free so that your guests can properly hear the vows, and to play music for your entrance, exit, and signing the certificate. You can bring your own music on a CD or the resort will provide it (not sure about all the options, but one song they use is Canon in D).
Alternatively you could get a live musician. See the prices below in the music section for receptions.
(5.4) Number of weddings per day / Timing
The resort will only schedule one wedding at a specific time, but up to 2 weddings on the same day (use to be 3). Nobody on here has ever had problems with another wedding taking place at the same time/day as theirs, in fact several brides have said they hardly noticed there was another wedding the same day.
The question of what time to have your ceremony is a matter of personal preference. Make sure to leave sufficient time for photos afterwards (unless you plan on seeing the groom before and do that before). See the following links for discussions about preferred timing of the ceremony (there are way more threads, these are just a few ideas).
What time should our wedding be? What time is your ceremony? 6) RECEPTION (6.1) Groups policies & costs
Dreams Tulum defines a “group” as being more than 10 people. Group dinner policies and extra charges apply for any event (wedding, welcome dinner, etc).
If your group is 10 or less people, none of the below apply as these are policies for groups only. So you can eat in any restaurant, using the regular menu, for no extra fee. They will set-up a nice table for your group to be together.
Any group event will have a service charge of 20$ (18$ in 2007-08 ) per person for the regular restaurant menu. The service charge is to cover to extra service required to serve a large group.
If a menu special is desired, the cost is 55$ for the silver menu (45$ in 2007-08 ) or 65$ for the gold menu (55$ in 2007-08 ).
Lobster menu is 25$ in addition to the dinner charge (I assume they mean the service charge of 20$ per person.
For all group events, the official policy is that the menu must be chosen in advance and must be the same for everyone (i.e. one menu item only). Exceptions will be made for vegetarians and children. Some brides have reported being allowed to give their guests 2 choices.
Wedding in paradise package does not include dinner officially (i.e. not listed in package) but they will set up a special large table for a group of 10 or less (because less than 10 is not officially a “group”). However for a group of more than 10 you would need to pay the extra fees per person (either 20$, 55$ or 65$ depending on menu).
Dreams of love package includes silver dinner for 20 people. Each person above 20 will 55$ for the silver menu. If you find this too expensive, you could forgo the silver menu and just use the normal menu for 20$ per person above 20 people.
Ultimate Wedding package includes gold dinner for 20 people. Each person above 20 will be subject to a charge of 55$ for the gold menu. If you find this too expensive, you could forgo the gold menu and choose the silver menu (55$) or normal menu (20$) and just pay those fees for each person above 20 people.
(6.2) Reception locations Indoor options
a) buffet
obviously not private but the only completely free option for more than 10 people (if using the free package) or 20 people (if using the ultimate or dreams of love package). They will seat you together in one section. The restaurant is divided into several sections so you may be off to the side for a little bit of privacy.
b) ballroom
The resort opened a convention center in early 2008 with three ballrooms, the Coba room (smallest), Uxmal (medium), and Chichen Itza (largest room, can be divided to make it smaller though). Chichen Itza has a stage and grand piano in the 2nd section.
c) wine cellar of Portofino
The wine cellar is a private room within the Portofino restaurant. It is small, although the exact maximum number of people is not specified (having eaten there I would guess 30-40 max). No private event fee.
d) Portofino, Bordeau, Gohan/Himitsu
Only if your group is under 25 people. This cannot be a private event (there will be other guests in the restaurant)
Open air restaurants (indoor/outdoor combination!)
The following two restaurants are “open-air”, i.e. few or no walls, but ceilings and floors and are located on or directly next to the beach.
e) Seaside grill
f) El patio
The new policy is that you can only reserve Seaside Grill or El Patio for a private event if occupancy is less than 70% (can only be confirmed one month in advance).
Cost for private event in these restaurants is 750$
Groups less than 25 can eat in these restaurants for a non private event anytime (i.e. same as for Portofino, Bordeau, Gohan/Himitsu above)
Outdoor options
***in case of rain, back-up location is the convention center ballrooms
***outdoor events must end at 10:30pm
g) Terrace of El Patio
While only your group is on the terrace, other people will be in the restaurant right next to your group. No private event fee for dreams of love or ultimate package (not sure about wedding in paradise package)
One bride said she was told 100 people is the absolute maximum
h) beach
No private event fee for dreams of love or ultimate package (not sure about wedding in paradise package)
i) next to the activity pool (between bridge and pool bar)
No private event fee for dreams of love or ultimate package (not sure about wedding in paradise package)
j) at the end of the quiet/adults pool
No private event fee for dreams of love or ultimate package (not sure about wedding in paradise package)
(6.3) Dinner menus
SILVER MENU (select 1 of each option)
Appetizers
- Spicy chicken wings with carrots
- Voul au vant filled with mushrooms gratinated with mozarella chesse
- Azteca fried tortilla with shrimps and cream
Soups
- Mushrooms Cream Soup with a touch of truffle oil
- Minestrone Soup with basil
- Mediterranean Seafood Soup
Salads
- Caesar Salad with blackened chicken
- Grilled vegetables with a aged Balsamic Vinegar
- Mixed Salad with a house dressing
Main Courses
- Grilled Flank Steak with a little spicy sauce of “adobo“
- Chicken Breast filled with spinach and cream chesse with peppers sauce
- Fish Steak with vegetables fettuccine
Desserts
- Milk Mousse with chocolate sauce
- Three milks cake filled with strawberries flambéed
- Fruits tart with Amaretto Mousse
***Buffet style is allowed for groups up to 50 people. The menu for buffet style would be 01 appetizer, 01 salad, 03 Main courses and 03 desserts.
GOLD MENU (select 1 of each option)
Appetizers
- Shrimp in puff pastry in a coriander and tomato sauce
- Bruschetta with proscuitto, tomato and fresh basil
- Portobello mushroom with a truffle mousse and mozzarella cheese
Soups
- Shrimp bisque with artichokes
- Onion Soup with a Red wine touch
- Tortilla Soup
Salads
- Caribbean Shrimp salad with mango dressing
- Fresh Green Asparagus salad with a dijon mustard dressing
- Mixed Italians lettuce with citrus vinaigrette
Main Courses
- Surf & Turf, Mignon and Shrimps with a gravy sauce and malted butter
- Fresh Salmon in a Puff Pastry with a delicious peppers sauce
- Pork medallions with potato soufflé and Oporto sauce
Desserts
- Vanilla puff pastry cake with Cognac sauce
- Dark Chocolate Cake
- Tiramisu
***For both Silver and Gold dinners, buffet style is allowed for groups up to 50 people. The menu for buffet style would be 01 appetizer, 01 salad, 03 Main courses and 03 desserts.
*One bride was told kids meals are 20$ (chicken nuggers, hot dog, etc)
(6.4) Hors D'oeuvres
Some people chose to have an Hors d'oeuves / cocktail hour between their ceremony and reception.
Hors d’ oeuvres (per hour per person) $8.00
Menu ? ? ?
(6.5) Cocktails
Some brides do a cocktail hour between their ceremony and reception. There is an extra charge for this as it is a special service (of course you can just let your guests do their own thing and go to the bar and get the drinks for free, but if you want a special service you have to pay)
Optional: you can choose a "signature drink" for your cocktail hour (either something off their menu or bring a recipe for you)
Cocktails (per hour per person) $12.00
Somebody recently said that cocktails are included during dinner only (maximum 3 hours) and that if you want your reception to last longer than you have to pay. I’m not 100% sure about this though. Also, if you are close to a bar (Seaside grill has a bar 2 steps away, El Patio, Portofino, Himitsu/Gohan and Bordeau have the Sugar Reef Bar a 1 minute walk away) your guests could just walk there and get their own drinks which would be free as part of the regular all inclusive amenities of the resort.
(6.6) Dancing / Music / Speeches
Note: the guide says “music and dancing only allowed for private events or ballroom” but when people rent the dance floor as priced below, isn’t it usually for a beach event? That’s what Can’t wait is doing. I think really what this quote means is that you can’t have music and dancing in a restaurant if it’s not private
This disco is a free option some brides use for dancing after the dinner, but it is not private (although usually there are very few people or it’s completely empty).
Dance Floor for Reception (2-50 pax) $600.00
Dance Floor for Reception (50-100 PAX ) $1000 .00
Sound System equipment $150.00
DJ services (per hour) $150.00
All music options below prices are for one 45 minute set
Live Music Band (45minutes) $700.00
Caribbean Trio (45 minutes) $450.00
Guitarist (45 minutes) $300.00
Violinist(45 minutes) $450.00
Mariachi band (45 minutes) $700.00
note: the Caribbean trio can play different styles, more romantic or lively. Or it can be a mariachi trio. The difference between mariachi trio and mariachi band is that the band has more musicians and instruments (i.e. full mariachi band, which I think is 7 people, versus just a trio).
(6.7) Other reception options (Fire dancers, bonfire, etc)
***need more info***
Fireworks are not allowed.
Fire dancers are possible (cost ? ? ?)
Bonfire is possible. Cost quotes has been 40-50$.
Renting lounge furniture - 450$
(7) PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER 7.1) Resort photographer
30 pictures and digital cd $440.00
50 pictures and digital cd $650.00
80 pictures and digital cd $890.00
See the attachments section below for samples of the photographer's work.
You can contact the photographer at:
filepictour@hotmail.com.
See the list of brides below to find those who have used the resort photographer and to see their pictures.
If you use the Dreams of Love or Ultimate package, you only get the photos, not the CD. You can pay extra (I think 300$) for the CD.
If you are using the Dreams of Love or Ultimate package (which includes photography) but you are using an outside photographer for your wedding, you cannot be reimbursed for the value of the photography, but you can substitute for something else (i.e. more time with the videographer, use the photographer for a trash the dress session or for a rehersal dinner or other event instead)
*The amount of photographer’s time you get here is not specified. Sunbride contacted the photographer and he said 2 hours of time is included for the free photography included with teh Dreams of Love and ultimate package. So it's likely the same amount of time if you are purchasing the packages seperately (if you are using the free package). She asked how much extra it would cost for extra hours (getting ready, reception, etc) and he was did not say, I guess because they don't charge by the hour but by the number of photos so they aren't used to being asked the cost for extra time.
*Sunbride also contacted the photographer about rates for Trash The Dress photo sessions and was told that the packages are the same as the wedding packages above.
*Most brides who have used the resort photographer have been very happy. Brides for whom photography is extremely important (and are willing to spend more) often get an outside photographer from the mayan riviera or bring one from home.
7.2) Resort videographer
The videographer’s website is:
Oscar Video - Cancun - Riviera Maya. See a sample of his work here:
Wedding on the Net!
Video Filming 1hr , for 2-30 pax ( Ceremony and family shoots) $380.00
Video Filming 4hr , for 30-80 pax (Ceremony , video studio and reception) $690.00
Video Filming 8 hrs , for 80 or more (Ceremony , video studio and reception) $1200.00
Video Filming 10 hrs , 2 cameras $1650.00
7.3) Outside photographers & videographers
The resort allows outside photographers and videographers for no fee, unless a meal is required for them in which you case you must purchase the day pass (see below in “other”). There are many great photographers in the Mayan Riviera (do a search of the forum). You can also bring a photographer with you from home as a guest of the resort.
( 8 ) FLOWERS
Basic Brides Bouquet $70.00
Deluxe Bouquet $90.00
Bridesmaids Bouquet $45.00
Corsages (wrist or shoulder) $25.00
Boutoniere $18.00
Dinner Centerpieces $65.00
Dinner Centerpieces with candles $75.00
Ceremony Centerpiece $40.00
Columns and Arrangements(2) $150.00
Canopy $150.00
Flower Wedding Arch $550.00
Single Flower $10.00
Bag with Petals $15.00
Basket with petals $35.00
There is a flower guide (see attachment below) but the selection is limited so many brides bring their own picture and they will copy it if possible. There are some things they may not be able to copy due to availability and also because the flowers are delivered to the resort early morning and would wilt (for example hibiscus). Bring back-up photos of other options.
The flowers will be delivered to your room only a few minutes before the ceremony. If you want them earlier (for pictures before the ceremony) just tell the coordinator (the flowers are always delivered at the resort in the morning so it shouldn’t be a problem).
(9) DECOR
Tikki torches decoration (per event) $150.00
Linen (per table) $18.00
Overlay (per table) $18.00
Overlay organza(per table) $15.00
Special Color napkin (per pax) $4.00
Bows for chairs ( different colors)(per chair) $5.00
Reception tables are 60" and fit 8-10 people. A rectangular table is allowed for the head table only.
Many brides choose to bring their own décor but this can take up lots of space in your suitcase so choose carefully!
You will not be charged for the coordinators to set-up any decor items you bring with you.
(10) Esthetics (Hair, Make-up, etc)
Dreams has a great spa to make you beautiful on your wedding day! See the attachments section for a menu and price list (2 documents).
Brides get 15% discount on spa services.
*Sunbride was able to get the discount for all her bridal party by paying for them. Not sure if they would usually get the discount if the bride isn't paying, but it's worth asking (I suspect they would give it)
Hair: 35$+
*Sunbride and a few guests were all charged 45$ (Long hair up-do, short hair up-do, and very short hair just normal style not up-do). so it seems like 45$ is the set price.
*It seems almost all brides are very happy with their hair. One of the stylists used by a couple brides was Trinidad and she was great.
Make-up: 45$+
*Most brides are very happy with their make-up, although I think one or two may have mentioned not being completely happy.
Full Manicure: 65$
Full Pedicure: 75$
polish only (hands or feet): 25$
*one or two brides have mentioned being unhappy with their manicure/pedicure. I don't think any have mentioned positive experiences.
Massage 50min (various types): 125$
Stone Massage 50min: 145$
*everyone says the messages at Dreams are the best ever!
(11) PAYMENT
Cash, credit card or travelers checks accepted. For credit card payments, your card will be charged in Mexican pesos (i.e. the prices listed in the wedding guide will be converted to Mexican pesos and will be charged to your card this way, your credit card company will charge you a small fee to convert it to your local currency).
Some brides have noted not being charged for some items they should have been charged for (exp: upgrade to deluxe bouquet, additional flowers or bag of petals, 2 tier cake with Wedding in Paradise package, etc).
TAX/GRATUITIES
It sounds like as of late 2008 they will be charging 10% tax and 15% gratuities on everything. Prior to this gratuities had always been optional. Many people choose to tip the wedding coordinators (and others involved in the wedding) for all their hard work.
(12) OTHER
12.1) Guests Staying at Other Resorts / Day Passes
If you have guests staying at other hotels they have to buy a guest pass. This is in addition to the cost you have to pay for their dinner as part of the group charges. While it may seem ridiculous you are being double charged, remember that your guests at the hotel have paid for all-inclusive meals, and you have paid for their special dinner as an upgrade option so buying the guest pass (i.e. paying for the use of the all-inclusive facilities) and then dinner charge is the same idea.
Day Pass (Lunch and Dinner)(per person) $55.00
Full Day Pass(Breakfast , lunch and dinner)(per person) $80.00
The new Dreams Tulum thread! (Post all DT Qs&As here) 
