SunBride

Like I said earlier, I agree about the speakers, it seems unfair to pay it twice. However for the tulle I kinda understand as it seems like something they specially order/go out and buy just for the person asking for it. I have noticed that Dreams prices are much more reasonable when they are providing something themselves compared to when they are using outside vendors (exp: tiffany chairs, fire dancers, lounge furniture). For the music you can definitely have the music on the beach or by the pool. Several brides have asked and have all been confirmed. I think when the guide says private events or ballroom only, what they were trying to say was that you could not have music in a restaurant if there are other guests in that same restaurant (which makes sense). It used to be that the outside terrace of El Patio you didn't pay the 750$, as long as your group was outside while other resort guests were still able to eat inside. Maybe they have changed that... It's true that the guide is not always clear, that is why the "unofficial guide" was put on page 1, because brides were being told stuff that was different from what was in the guide or from what you would interpret the guide to be saying. I would go with what is on this forum, and then try to confirm with a coordinator.

Quote: Originally Posted by ashjanbro Ok girls, I am very confused about something. I know we have talked about reception locations and music in the past but I still just don't get it. The wedding guide (2009) says that you don't have to pay the private event fee for the dreams of love or ultimate packages for outside locations. I assumed this included the terrace of el patio, pool side, etc. If you are interested in the terrace of the restaurant and not inside the restaraunt, does the 70% occupancy requirement apply? I asked Anabel about the terrace of el patio and she said that it did which is not what I understood. Furthermore, one of my e-mails that Lizet sent (I think), states that music is only allowed at private events or in the ballroom. So if I have my reception on the terrace or poolside I can't have music without paying $750 for the private event fee? Someone else also mentioned about the speaker. I too was not under the impression that you had to pay $150 for the speaker system for the wedding plus an additional $150 for the reception. It seems to me that Dreams is really trying to "milk" us for our money. $200 is ridiculous for tulle. I mean what the hell? Is this right? Can someone totally clarify this for me please? Like I said earlier, I agree about the speakers, it seems too expensive. However for the tulle I kinda understand as it seems like something they specially order/go out and buy just for the person asking for it. I have noticed that Dreams prices are much more reasonable when they are providing something themselves compared to when they are using outside vendors (exp: tiffany chairs, fire dancers, lounge furniture). For the music you can definitely have the music on the beach or by the pool. Several brides have asked and have all been confirmed. I think when the guide says private events or ballroom only, what they were trying to say was that you could not have music in a restaurant if there are other guests in that same restaurant (which makes sense). It used to be that the outside terrace of El Patio you didn't pay the 750$, as long as your group was outside while other resort guests were still able to eat inside. Maybe they have changed that... It's true that the guide is not always clear, that is why the "unofficial guide" was put on page 1, because brides were being told stuff that was different from what was in the guide or from what you would interpret the guide to be saying. I would go with what is on this forum, and then try to confirm with a coordinator.

I uploaded the dress photo to photobucket for you, because using attachments really takes up a lot of the server's resources so we try to limit attachments as much as possible. And since I was doing that one I figured might as well do the flower girl one at the same time! I love how the dresses are so similar! You should get a photobucket account to upload your pictures. It's really easy to use (there is a thread of instructions on this forum. see below). Then you can upload the rest of your planning stuff, and also post pictures of your wedding. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t16832

Upload them here: 4shared.com - free file sharing and storage I had never used this site before but needed something to upload my newletter as it was too big to attach. It was pretty easy to figure out.

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz I guess I dont understand the buffet option-we are willing to pay for the 50 people even though we are only going to be 40-what is the big deal? Also-$200 for Tulle?? REALLY I think that is a bit insane... Quote: Originally Posted by maxandkatie First, thanks for sharing these answers! Second, $200 for tulle!?!? That is crazy! Sunbride posted this link where she got her tulle: Idea Ribbon- Wholesale organza bags Organza Ribbon Organza Bags wedding tulle accessories $.09 Each Start- POWERED BY WEB 2.0 and it is not too expensive at all. Also, my mom is making my veil and we bought about 2 yards of tulle at Joann Fabrics for $4, so that is an option as well. Lastly, I think I'll go with the FREE welcome dinner in the Internaitonal Buffet! Not sure I want to spen $55 or $65 per person for the welcome/rehearsal dinner! I'm sure if you want to PAY for 50 people, then they will let you do the buffet style meal. She probably didn't understand that. Yes 200$ for tulle is nuts. I know Can't Wait paid 300$ for tulle for the seaside grill, although there seemed to be way more than needed for the gazebo. They mentioned the 55$ (silver menu) and 65$ (gold menu) dinner options, but what about the 20$ basic menu (i.e. the regular restaurant menu). As per what I wrote on page 1 (excerpts) 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. Your locations options for this would be either ballroom 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) 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) It sounds like your group is more than 25, so I guess your only options would be the ballroom or the wine celar of portofino if you want to try the 20$ option. I think the wine celar would be an awesome option if your group can fit.

It's very generous of your parents to let you take over their house, but it definitely kinda kills the generosity when they are reminding you about it and using it against you all the time. That really sucks. I hope now that you've talked to your mom her attitude/actions/words change.

Quote: Originally Posted by sgbrown Haha! Thanks for the clarification SunBride. We're going to hire the Mexican Trio for our ceremony and rent the speaker system (which will connect directly to my ipod) for the reception. Our group is at 53 (and counting) so I think we'll need to rent the speaker system for better sound quality. Thanks again! I owe you one (more like 1,000)! But keep in mind that you probably want the sound system for the ceremony anyways otherwise nobody will be able to hear the ceremony and your vows. You need the sound system to be able to hear over the sound of the crashing waves. I went to a destination wedding where the bride and groom didn't get a sound system and it sucked, I couldn't feel anything! Considering your guests are traveling so far to be able to attend I think they deserve to hear the ceremony. It sucks that DT is charging 150$ for this now, when it use to be only 5$. But I bet other resorts charge way more... Also, you may want to consider having the band for after the ceremony rather than during. Their set is only 45 mins, so if they play during the ceremony (which lasts approx 20-25mins) then they will only play 3 songs during that time (entry, signing, exit) and then will play approx 20 minutes after. So you get more bang for your buck if you have them play after for a full 45 mins. But I do understand the appeal of having that type of music play while you walk down the aisle. Just thought I would mention my thinking. I too wanted them for the ceremony (in fact it was like THE most important thing to me after photos) but then at the last minute I changed my mind. If I had had a bigger group of people there I definitely would have gotten them for after the ceremony, but based on our small group and schedule it wasn't worth the cost (seeing as I was using the free package and had to pay for the band).

Quote: Originally Posted by sgbrown Hi girls, Alright - I know we've all been through this conversation a dozen times, but I still don't have it straight in my head! In terms of playing music at the reception, I will need: 1. To pay $150 to rent the speaker system (?) 2. To use an ipod docking station to hook up to the speaker system (?) 3. To bring AAA batteries with me for the ipod docking station (?) If anyone can clarify this once and for all, I will be eternally grateful! I've read a couple of times that the ipod docking stations are not removable from the guest rooms, so I'm unsure about whether I need to bring one down with me and whether it'll easily hook up to the speaker system. I'm hoping to have my reception at the Seaside Grill. Thanks for any clarification that can be provided. And sorry for being so dense about this... I just feel a bit confused! Yes you have to pay 150$ for the ceremony, and another 150$ if you want it for the reception You can burn your music on CD OR bring you ipod (which they will hook up to their speaker which you paid 150$ for). ALTERNATIVELY, if you don't want to rent the speaker system, you could use an ipod dock which is really just a small speaker, so you can only use that if you have a small group (in my opinion, it would be good for a small dinner, but not so good for a large group at dinner, or for having a dancing at your reception). You would have to bring your own ipod docking station because the ones at the resort are now wired into the wall (this did not use to be the case). So after all the time we spent trying to figure out the type of batteries required, it doesn't matter, cause the docks cannot be removed from your room!

I said 2 pages ago that my wedding was a thursday and that was mexican fiesta night, but I was wrong (man, how much we forget in 10 months!). My wedding was a tuesday (thursday was my arrival/departure day). So it looks like the mexican fiesta is likely always on tuesdays based on mine and Lulu's experiences.

In my opinion (and this is totally my opinion) most of the pictures I have seen of the resort photographer are pretty much the same, regardless of which actual photographer was used. The second thing is that you may not have control over which photographer you get, it may depend on who is working that day. You could try to get a specific one but it may not work. I still agree it's a good idea to get more info about the different resort photographer's (know the difference between them and associate people's photos with a specific photographer) but I guess what I am trying to say is that if you are not totally happy with the other photos that other people have posted, it's probably best to book an outside photographer rather than hope you get one of the better resort ones and risk being disappointed. But if you are happy with what you see of the other brides photos, than stick to them! It is a hard decision though, I totally understand that. Keep in mind that you will have to pay 350$ or whatever it is for the CD with the photographer (plus more for the actual photos if you are using the Wedding in Paradise Package). So if you can manage about 1000$ instead of 350$, you can get one of the cheaper local photographers. Cecelia Dumas is one of the ones that comes to mind that does really nice work but only charges 1000$ for 2 hours including CD. Alternatively, how about printing out a bunch of inspiration photos to show the photographer. Also, have a friend in charge of photography but making sure that the photographer gets all the group shots that you wanted, and ask them to try to have a critical eye of the poses (for example, I remember Callie mentioning that the photographer always made them look down at him and it gave them a double chin!). I personally would tell him to take the group shots closer-up, as I notice he always takes the group shots from farther away, and I personally think it looks so much nicer if it's a shot that is like from the waist upwards (when possible). And tell him to take several of each group, because you often notice that there are people looking away or blinking in the resort photographer's photos. If you do a bunch of stuff like that it might help ensure you are happy with the resort photographer's results.

Quote: Originally Posted by ERnurse Hey so I've read a lot of mixed reviews on the makeup application that they offer in dreams... has any bride on here had the makeup applied and was 100% happy with it? My other question is that I know before it seemed like they offered the speakers and microphone for free for the ceremony... and only charged if you wanted the speakers for your reception.... are they now charging to have speakers and mic for the ceremony too how much? I don't know if I've ever read anyone who was happy with their makeup, I think most were unhappy. Keep in mind that most past brides aren't around anymore, so you may have to dig around the reviews for more info on that. Yes they now charge for the ceremony too. I think that started around the time the new guide came out Quote: Originally Posted by ERnurse I forgot to mention one favor.... I know a lot of brides will be having their weddings soon and I know that you girls have other things on your mind during your actual wedding (like enjoying yourselves!) but it would be a HUGE favor to all the brides that are considering to have resort photogs.. to maybe get a couple of names especially the really good one and ones that really suck from the brides that are using the resort photogs in future! I know I have seen at least 3 brides on this forum that had amazing pics taken by resort photogs and 2 were recent, but there were some brides that stated in their review that the pics were AWEFUL.. So far we have one name provided to us by BC Bride2be his name was Philimino sp? And Amesharps photographer was pretty awesome too... we don;t have a name but he wore a headband the entire time... and Tremendous thanx in advance to all the brides that can get some more info for us That is a good point, it would be usefull if people wrote in their reviews their photographer's name. But something else to keep in mind is that some brides are happy with a certain photographer and tell you they love their photos, and somebody else using the exact same photographer and same photos won't be happy. It's such a thing of personal opionion. Seeing as their seems to be so many mixed opinions on the subject, if I were you I would focus on the photos brides have posted and decide for yourself if you think they are good rather than how that bride feels about her photos. This is why it's so so important that brides who use the resort photographer post their photos, seeing as unlike with other photographers, there is no other way to see his work (i.e. website, talking to brides from other resort etc).

Congratulations! I'm sure you will make a beautiful pregnant bride! And it will make your wedding day that much more special.

You are right that a review is such a great way to give back to our community! Thanks for posting one even though you did not post a lot of message before the wedding. Sometimes even the people who are on our thread and forum a lot before the wedding can't be bothered to post a review or pictures and that is so disappointing (and rude in my opinion)! Anyways, end of rant, THANKS! Can't wait to see more pics!

Here are some new reviews for anyone who missed them: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t36834 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t36809

So happy to hear you loved the resort! Congratulations!

wow, what a great idea!

Oh yeah, I don't think I posted this before leaving, a whole bunch of changes have been done to page 1, I have updated a bunch of sections of the guide based on the info people have been posting. A big thanks to Carly, our moderator who makes the edits for me (it used to take us so long but now we have come up with a really quick system). The only thing that is not up to date is the bride list and detailed bride list. We updated them in January but there were more new brides after that so it needs to be updated again. Anyways, all this to say it might be worth it for upcoming brides to have another look at page 1 if you haven't in a while. Also, try to check there for your answers before you post questions because often the answers are there but otherwise feel free to ask away

Oh yeah, I don't think I posted this before leaving, a whole bunch of changes have been done to page 1, I have updated a bunch of sections of the guide based on the info people have been posting. A big thanks to Carly, our moderator who makes the edits for me (it used to take us so long but now we have come up with a really quick system). The only thing that is not up to date is the bride list and detailed bride list. We updated them in January but there were more new brides after that so it needs to be updated again. Anyways, all this to say it might be worth it for upcoming brides to have another look at page 1 if you haven't in a while. Also, try to check there for your answers before you post questions because often the answers are there but otherwise feel free to ask away

Hi everyone! I've been MIA for a week as I was on vacation in Jamaica! Unfortunately, we got crappy weather and so the vacation was a bit of a disappointment. Obviously still better than being at home but not good enough for all the money we spent! I will be posting a review soon in the Jamaica section. Anyways, just spent an hour looking over the past few pages and here are answers to some of the questions that weren't covered. Thanks to everyone helping out with the answers as there has been a lot of questions lately! Saves me some time and also, I'm starting to feel like I'm not as good at answering questions as my wedding was now almost a year away!!! Quote: Originally Posted by jerzygirl85 Has anyone had the tres leches cake as their wedding cake? I know that type of cake is really moist and is usually very liquidy at the bottom. I am wondering how it would hold up as a tiered cake. Is it firm enough not to fall apart or start leaning to one side...idk I had a tres leche, 2 tier and it didn’t sink at all. It was not that liquidy, more like a pudding in the middle. Quote: Originally Posted by jerzygirl85 Hi everyone, what night does the mexican fiesta usually take place? Also, I was wondering if anyone had a picture of the regular table set up? I have seen the pics in the wedding guide but am looking for a better picture, something more close up. Thanks everyone! There are a few pictures of table set-ups on page 2 Quote: Originally Posted by Denise L I too have a few questions as it gets closer!!! Just wondering what the order of the ceremony was. I would like to make programs and would like to include the items of the ceremony but am not too sure what the order is. If any past brides have a program that I could look at that would be great!!! The order of the ceremony for both the legal and the symbolic is on page 1 (the symbolic one was just recently added in updates last month). The symbolic one is right in the text of the ceremony part of the unofficial guide whereas the legal one is in the attachment section Quote: Originally Posted by Mixie23 Sunbride (or anyone else who may know) how much fabric did you need for the sticks (the "gazebo" as they call it)? I know my mom purchased some white fabric (organza??) but I would like to also order some purple tulle or something to just add a little color. I don't want to order too much, or get down there and have it not be enough. I’ve posted this info like 1000x in the threads and the Q&As of my picture thread and review thread but obviously I should add it to page 1 as people still ask all the time I should have posted it right in the review as I guess people don't read the Qs and As I ordered my tulle from idearibbon .com For the gazebo, I bought one bolt of turquoise 54” wide and 40 yards long. They had their own white tulle that they used which I would guess was about as long. So I guess the total amount needed is approx 80 yards (including the resort’s white tulle if you want to use that, and if it is still available). For the chairs, I brought the small rolls that are 6” and 25 yards long. That was enough for 8 or 10 chairs, but the ends were really long so if they had cut it a little shorter it probably could have done 12 chairs. Quote: Originally Posted by rachelannmartin I REALLY want to have our ceremony at the massage hut but we may be pushing it as more people keep telling us their coming HAHA Natalia said that it could only accomodate 15 people or less and we're pushing 30 now I haven't heard anyone having their ceremony there but if you really wanted your there, I am sure that they would accomodate you. Couldn’t you guys and the judge be in the hut and your guests standing just outside it? It would be like using the hut as the gazebo. Quote: Originally Posted by JeninVirginia A few questions for those that have a minute and have the answers. Is there a set day of the week that the hotel does the movie under the stars, the themed shows, fire dancers? I am trying to get an idea of what to coordinate for all of my guests? Also has anyone had their reception on the beach with candles? Do they stay lit? Has anyone had the Three Milks Cake option as their wedding cake? I leave next Thursday for Dreams and am trusting per all the other posts that everything will be wonderful but I still have so many what ifs. I dont really want to pay $150.00 for the speaker system if the ipod docking stataion works but I think I read on one of the posts that some were wired in the room. Anyone know of a place that I can go buy a small speaker system that works with an ipod touch? I just want to have music playing during dinner, etc. Thanks!!!!!!!!! I can only answer only one of your questions, as unfortunately I threw out my event schedule (and it probably has changed in the past 10 months so maybe somebody else can answer). For the candles, mine did blow out. You would have to put them in holders that are high enough to shield them from a wind. I would guess that having the holder approx 3 or 4 inches above the flame would probably be enough. My wedding was a thursday and that was the night of the mexican fiesta. Not sure if that's still the case. They had movies every night I think. Definitely more than once. We missed the fire dancers

Quote: Originally Posted by Chanti Hi everyone, I went from being a "Secrets Maroma Beach" bride to a "Dream Tulum" bride during the week! Now I have to start all over again (my research RE: best building, which rooms to request, upgrades, wedding packages, etc...) so I'm feeling quite stressed out! Any advice, recommendations, reassurance, etc... to share? The best advice is just to check out everything on page 1, and then read through all the reviews! There is so much useful information there.

Quote: Originally Posted by danispence13 Hi Girls, I am fairly new with this website. However I have also decided to go with Dreams Tulum, for February 2010, however I am having trouble obtaining pricing the two TA I have consulted with, they say its too early. I will be flying out of Toronto, Ontario. I see two girls have already had some luck securing rates and I was just wondering if it would be okay if I contact you for more information. Another question I have is did you put your deposit down for your wedding package prior to booking your trip I am afraid reserving a day in February and then the prices being too high for this resort. Not sure if they would be fairly flexible at moving your date after you paid the deposit. Or if anyone knows if you decided not to got with them if you would receive your deposit back for the wedding package. I only wanted to pay at the most $2,000 taxes in per person, is that realistic flight and hotel for a week? I think 2000$ per person is definitely do-able, especially from Toronto. The only time it might be challenging is Christmas vacation. But for February from Toronto I would guess you will pay anywhere from 1500-1700$ per person including taxes. Try out some other TAs. It's not true that it's too early, many people make their reservations a year or two in advance. Why don't you try contacting one of the BDW TAs? See the banner above. Tammy Host is the host of the forum and a TA in California. There is also a TA from Canada (but I think the U.S. TAs can help you too).

Today is the last day!

Here are some more pics

There was another DT bride who was allowed to break the rule and was only there for I think 2 days (maybe 3). So there is a small chance they will let you. Can't you just leave earlier to make it 4 days?

They serve the fun drinks in nice fancy plastic glasses. Beer I can't remember, but definitely not bottles (dangerous if people break them and leave them around on teh beach). I brought mugs and nobody used them, but I'm sure some other people would get use from them, just not my family. Here is an example of how a daiquari was served on the beach I know I have other pictures, I can try to remember to post them later