SunBride

Congratulations and thanks for posting a review! I'm so glad you were happy with your choice to use the free package and use the regular restaurant menu. I keep encouraging people to do this (for those who are looking at ways to save money) because people are often complaining about the 65$ cost for more than 20 people. I'm happy that you chose this option and saved some money and were happy with your experience. Thanks for posting the prices you paid, I know other brides who are comparing the different options will appreciate getting a clear picture of what it cost. There was a hot tub when I was there (although that was almost 2 years ago!) although it closed in the evening with the other pools. That being said, myself, my sister and SIL went in at like 1am the night of my "bachelorette" party and nobody said anything even though the security guard and other resort employees walked by and saw us in it. I was happy they had one because a lot of resorts have a "whirlpool" which is actually cold water rather than a hot tub.

Quote: Originally Posted by taranyc hi everyone. i'm still trying to get through all of the pages in this feed...there is so much great stuff that i keep getting side tracked. so...sorry if this question has been asked before...many of the photos i've seen of mexico weddings had sparklers in them, but when i google it, sparklers are a big no on planes. how did you get them there? ups is about $130 to ship them...crazy. My guess is people either brought them in their luggage anyways, or went and bought them in Playa del Carmen (maybe at Walmart?). I suggest you post this question in teh general Mayan Riviera sub-forum. There are tons of other brides who got married in the region who might be able to answer that for you. Quote: Originally Posted by Mccrary Can any one suggest a photographer they used? I have already received a quote from Elizabeth Medina and have also emailed DelSol and Claudia Rodriquez. Any one use someone different? If you did do you have photos? Have you checked the bride list on page 1? You will see all the photographers all the past brides have used, there are a ton of differnet ones. There are also links to their photos but the links don't work (due to the server change) but if you do an advanced search by usernames for those brides you will find the new links to their photos. Quote: Originally Posted by taranyc hi. does the basic wedding setup (chairs, table, walkway) include the thing we stand under? or is that an additional cost? has anyone asked about floating candles in the pool for the reception? has anyone gone to the Sam's Club in Playa del Carmen to get supplies (tiki torches, etc)? Yes the "gazebo" is included with all wedding ceremonies even the free package. I don't think anyone has ever had floating candles in the pool. You should ask the coordinators about that. Many people go to walmart in Playa del carmen to get supplies. It's likely cheaper than paying excess baggage fees, or getting stuff through the resort.

Congratulations, happy to hear everything went well. Thanks for posting a review and a few pictures.

First of all, congrats to all the new brides who have joined in the past few weeks. Quote: Originally Posted by Nevesta Hi Leslie, I got married in November at 2 pm. I wanted the 4 o'clock spot, but it was taken; then when I asked about the time slot again, it turned out the 4 pm couple canceled, but we still couldn't have that slot because it was "too late" [rolls eyes]. This is, by the way, why I still haven't written my review: there were so many things I was not happy with that I'm afraid the whole review will be just that, listing the problems. One thing I've learned: be more assertive and demanding if you want to get what you want. I was too laid back a bride, and ended up being frustrated at the wedding because things did not go smoothly the whole time. So sorry to hear you are not very satisfied with your experience. You should definitely write a review, it will help other brides avoid whatever problems you had. Most of the brides are very happy with their experience and the reviews are almost all positive, so it's good to have some negative ones in a while to balance things out. Quote: Originally Posted by Dannah Is there anyone that decided not to have a reception? We are getting married in the chapel at noon, and thought of having a cocktail hour directly afterwards and then a reception on the beach or at the dolphin pool at about 6 that night. But quite honestly, it's a getting a bit pricey and stressful - which is why I decided on a destination wedding anyway, less stress and less money. Has anyone simply had a cocktail hour and dinner world cafe? How did it go? A few brides have had their reception at the World Café and have been happy with it. I think it's a wonderful idea. A great way to still have a nice fun reception but save some money. Quote: Originally Posted by cyntherella You mentioned that guests hung out at the sugar reef bar while you had photo's and then cocktails started at 5pm. During cocktail hour, did you have access to a bar? Was it a private bar for your wedding? Was there limited drinks? Or did you just use the resort bar? Maybe I'm totally crazy, but I don't understand how the bar works. I know that our reception comes with some "cocktails" and some dinner wine... but what about other drinks? My fiance is a former hockey player and 1/2 our guests are hockey boys, and they'll want to have a bar available. Am I going crazy? We've booked the Seaside Grill for our reception... not sure where the cocktails will be. I know some have already answered this but just to clarify, it is an all inclusive resort and you can always take advantage of the all inclusive options. Where you have to pay more is where you want a special service, like bartenders to serve your group for cocktail hour, or taking over half the restaurant for your reception. So yes, even if you have a cocktail hour with servers serving sparkling wine and whatever else, your guests who prefer something else can just go to the nearest bar and get their own drinks. Quote: Originally Posted by Mccrary I think I know the answer to this but I want to make sure with the ultimate package is the $750 fee included for a private party or do you have to pay this on top of the $2760 for the package? Also I am looking for a reception location not on the beach but with a view of the beach open air concept. Suggestions? Dolphin pool seaside grill? If you have a private event in a restaurant, you have to pay 750$ on top of your wedding package. For a view of the beach, without being on the beach, your options would be El Patio, Seaside Grill, or one of the pools. Quote: Originally Posted by Mccrary If anyone would like I have the 2010 package and rate I don't know how to upload them to this site but I can email them to anyone who would like. The 2010 guide is already on page 1 in the attachments section.

Quote: Originally Posted by OceanWonderland Hi girls! Thanks for your input for the music and such...not worried anymore I finally got a reply from Landy and she says that I can choose between 2 or 4 pm in November. The sun sets at 5, and I was hoping for a 3pm slot, but apparently those don't exist. But 2 seems a little early (hot?). What time do you think is best? We definitely want photos after the ceremony before the sun goes down but also don't want a 4 hour gap between the ceremony and reception. Dinner starts at 6 right? A 4 hour cocktail hour is just insane... Leslie well if you don't want to do photos before the ceremony, then you pretty much have no choice but the 2pm time slot. Once the ceremony is done and you do a toast on the beach and a few group pics and everyone congratulates you it will be 3pm. Give your guests free time for an hour or so, and start the cocktail hour at 4 or 4:30pm. By then you will be done photos and you can actually spend cocktail hour with your guests (many couples are too busy with photos to get to be part of their cocktail hour at all, at least you won't have that problem).

I would not assume that the info for Dreams Punta Cana is the same as Dreams Tulum. You can have music and dancing for a pool or beach reception. You can also have it if you have a private reception in the restaurant (which is only allowed if the resort is not at high capacity and if you pay the 750$ private event fee).

Quote: Originally Posted by aliceo Hi ladies, I am about to reserve for next June, for a ceremony at 6pm. Do you think this is too late? I don't want to be walking down the aisle in the dark.... Or is there lighting on the beach? Thanks! -a. Have you checked the sunset time for June? I would guess that it's probably after 7, so I think you'll be fine. But you'd be better off doing all your pictures before when there is still plenty of light. Stephanie

Hello brides! Well I finally got around to updating the thread, it had been months! I updated all the information in the "unofficial guide" on page 1 to reflect the new guide that was released from the resort a few months ago, and also to reflect the various things I've heard on the forum lately. I also updated the bride list. Everyone should be on there now, let me know if you're not. I've also added a bunch of pictures to our "inspiration page" of past brides receptions, flowers, cakes, etc to page 260 (it will be another page number if you aren't set up to view 10 posts per page. The post numbers are 2591-2599) (I could not add these to page 2 as there is a max of 10 pics per post and page 2 is pretty much full). http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo.../index260.html The one thing left on my "to do list" is to update the links for all the reviews and pictures on page 1, as when the forum underwent upgrades all the links were lost. Those threads still exist, we just have to search to find them. Hopefully I can get that done soon as it's such a good resource for future brides.

Great review, make sure to post your pro pictures when you get them! Just out of curiosity, the meal you ordered was part of the regular restaurant menu right, because you said you paid the 20$ per person fee (not 55$ for Silver menu or 65$ for gold menu). I am curious because I am always encouraging other brides, who are looking for ways to save money, to go for the regular restaurant menu.

Quote: Originally Posted by TaraLeanne Hi girls! I'm still fairly new to this site. I think it's amazing! Everyone has such great ideas!! Quick question about a sound system. I've notice some people have been using an ipod dock and that's been enough and others have been renting the sound system for the ceremony and reception. We have about 30 people coming to our wedding. Do you think it would be fine to just use our ipod dock or is their sound system worth paying for? Thanks guys!! and I can't wait for the new reviews!! Welcome! For the ceremony, if you want your guests to be able to hear what is going on (your vows, the Minister speaking) you need to get the sound system which comes with a microphone, otherwise people won't hear you with the wind and the waves. As a guest to a DW where I couldn't hear anything, I'll tell you that it sucks to travel that far and not hear what is going on. For the reception, if you want to get the crowd dancing, you'd need to have a good docking system to have the music be loud enough.

Definitely you need to tell her that no only will you not abide by the ultimatum, but she needs to abide by YOURS, i.e. she can only come if she does not put down/criticize your fiancé or your relationship EDIT: sorry just read your update after posting, GOOD FOR YOU and no you should not feel terrible at all for not wanting her there. (Sure, initially it sounds bad to hear a bride say she doesn't want her mom at her wedding, but under your circumstances, it's totally 110% acceptable)

WOW, crazy, no reviews for like 4-5 months and now we have 3 brides coming back at the same time and promising reviews. Quote: Originally Posted by christie_danielle Just got back from Dreams Tulum yesterday from our wedding on November 20, 2009. I have to write a more thorough review for you guys, but just wanted to let you all know that it was PHENOMENAL! Absolutely amazing time at Dreams Tulum and what a beautiful wedding we had!! To anyone getting married there in the future, you absolutely made the right choice! Congratulations! Thanks so much for reporting back to us, I'm sure it makes a ton of upcoming brides so so happy to hear that. Can't wait for your review. Quote: Originally Posted by BrideBarbie Thanks for the reassurance. I look at it as, there are probably better venues and worse venues, but once we have made up our mind on Dreams Tulum, the only fun and healthy thing to do is embrace the positive. I am so excited to have my wedding there and can't wait! YES, this is the perfect way to put it, I 100% agree. It's all what you make of it. Dreams Tulum may not be the best choice but it is a very very good one. Quote: Originally Posted by Nevesta Hey guys, So we got married at Dreams on November 14. Some things I wish we'd done differently, some were perfect... Waiting for the pics from Sol. I want to thank everyone, especially SunBride and Blkatz for all the information that was shared here! Congratulations! I hope you come back and write a full review, I'm sure the future brides would love to hear more about the things you wish you did differently. I know for me, the best way you can thank me for the help this provided you is to write a review to keep the good karma going and help future brides. Quote: Originally Posted by lolosmama Hi all, I just got home last night from our amazing wedding & honeymoon trip!! I was married Nov 17th on the beach, with the reception at the Seaside Grill. I will post a full review in the next few days. I have to say I was more than impressed with the service and attention at Dreams!! Congratulations! Looking forward to your review.

Just got my newsletter, wow, I'm so impressed, way to go Tammy! What an awesome idea. The forum has SO MUCH information, I love the "top 5 threads" column on the left, will be useful for the new members learning their way around. I would have loved to receive this newsletter 2 years ago when I was wedding planning.

Quote: Originally Posted by jmb0902 Do you happen to know the answer to my relax/adult pool question from earlier? Thanks! I have no idea.

I don't think you'll have much luck getting more info on the Ballrooms. It's very rare for brides to have their reception there. Also as you know there are very few married ladies who stick around her after their wedding to answer questions. Chibi411 is the only bride that I can think of who had her reception there (I remembered it was somebody a few months after my own wedding but I had to go back to the detailed bride info section on page 1 to find her, you should keep looking to see if they are others listed there by checking where it says "reception location" for each bride). Here is her review: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...da-long-23169/ Make sure to read all the pages as there are photos on the 3rd pages and lots of Qs&As that might help you.

wow JMB you're getting married in just a week, good luck! Hope you post a review when you get back, it's been so long since there have been any new ones.

I've never heard anything about WiFI on the beach (that it works or doesn't), sorry, I don't think this is a question anyone on here will be able to help you with.

Quote: Originally Posted by oasisgirl Hi ladies! This is my first time posting... My ceremony is booked for May 13th, 2010 at 4:30pm! =) I'm sooo excited. Anyone else getting marry that day/week at DT? I have a couple of questions as I started thinking about the day and was hoping you guys can help... 1) I'm planning to have the cocktail after the ceremony, so it's easier for pictures. Where are good locations for the cocktail? Is it just by the beach where the ceremony is held? 2) How far in advance did you ladies booked your reception location? 3) What are some good reception locations at DT? I'd really like to have the reception outside. I'm from Canada, so I want to take full advantage of the (hopefully) lovely and warm weather! =) Though what are the downside for having it outside (ie: too dark, end early, too cold, too windy, bugs, etc)? 4) A couple of friends are considering staying at another hotel. I spoke to Aurora and she said they would have to buy hotel passes. I thought this is rather unfair since I'm already paying for their food and everything for the events. Not to mention that I'm already double paying for all the guests are staying at DT who technically have already paid for all the food/drinks because they purchased the all-inclusive packages. Is there any way around this? Plus, would they need to buy hotel passes every time they want to come visit me or hang out with me at DT? 5) What should I need to think about or get done ASAP in the next two months? THANKS for you guys' help in advance!!! It's so much nicer to have other people to talk to during this arduous planning process! Because the only response I get out of my fiance is "I don't know. They all look the same to me." **LOL** Man! Virginia You can have your cocktail hour on the beach or at any of the bars, i.e. Sugar Reef bar, Veranda Bar or Lobby Bar. Check out the reviews to read others' experiences in these locations. I think now days they are only booking the reception locations a month before you arrive? Can't remember, maybe somebody else can answer. With outdoor receptions, some people have complained about lighting (usually not an issue as they do have outdoor lights), wind (blowing sand around) and bugs. But in general most of the brides who have their receptions outdoors recommend it to others, even in spite of these issues. Again check out the reviews. Well it's only fair that if your guests aren't staying there they would have to pay the day pass. Yes it's true that you are paying twice for your guests, but that's because you are getting a special service that's not part of the all-inclusive option. Yes your friends would also have to pay any time they visit. There are no wristbands at Dreams Tulum, so once they are on the property, they would have access to all the amenities including food and alcohol. Quote: Originally Posted by OceanWonderland I was wondering what type of dance floor the hotel provides? Is there an option to get the light up dance floor to have for a beach reception? If so, is the cost similar (~$600-800)? I'm not planning on using a DJ, just renting or bringing speakers and playing my own ipod playlist, but would love to have a light up dance floor. Just wondering if it's an option or not. Thanks Not sure if the resort offers a light-up dance floor, but DJ Mannia, which many other brides use, does, I think one or two of the past brides have had it and I remember seeing a picture at some point.

that's awful! Sorry to hear you are going through this. Good luck finding a replacement.

Quote: Originally Posted by freckle We were just there in October and had cell service everywhere. I use T-Mobile, but I am sure it's similar. I didn't use the internet at all when there, so I'm not sure about that one. Hi Freckle! You should tell us about your wedding. It has been several months since the last BDW member got married at DT

Quote: Originally Posted by AmyBoerema Thank you guys, all your advice has really helped!! I sometimes worry too much about how good of a time our guests will have - but at some point, I just have to leave it up to them to have fun for themselves. YES, what a great way to put it! You can't be responsible for the way everyone feels and behaves. You can try to be consider of other people's wishes, concerns, etc, but only to a certain extent and the rest is up to them.

Quote: Originally Posted by AmyBoerema Hi ladies, I just wanted to share a concern, even though it's probably silly. I'm a little worried at how remote and far away from everything this resort is. i know most people do the swimming/laying around/water sports thing here, but there are a few people in my group (my mom) who may get bored of that after a day or two. she'll want to go shopping, etc. i know playa del carmen has great nightlife, golf, shopping, etc. would i just plan day trips for people to go there? how have others handled this and is it inconvenient? sorry again if this is a silly concern, but just wanted to get feedback from others... This is not a silly concern at all. In fact, it did cause somewhat of a problem for my family members, and it was one of the (small) disappointing things about my whole experience. My MIL and SIL got badly sunburnt the first day and wanted to stay out of the sun a couple days, they really would have liked to go shopping or something, but they didn't want to bother with the expensive cab ride to Playa (forget the price, but I think I mention it in my review, like 50$ each way). Also my dad is not a beach person, so he was a bit bored too, and my FIL is the type of person who wants to keep busy. My mom and sister were the only ones that were fine with lying on the beach all day reading a book. My husband and I got kinda frustrated with our 3 parents (except my mom) because they didn't seem to be having a great time on the trip, yet they didn't want to come with us to Xel-Ha or Xcaret (either was not of interest to them, or it was a money issue that they had blown their whole budget on the trip to get there). My husband and I went to Xel-Ha with my mom, SIL and BIL which was awesome. We also went snorkelling in a cenote. But like I said those things weren't of interest to the other adults. My MIL and FIL went into Tulum for shopping but didn't spend much time there, they said there wasn't much. The entire group went to the Tulum ruins, but we went early in the morning and were back by 11am. My husband and FIL went golfing, but my parents didn't go as it was quite expensive. So definitely considering the really bad sunburns and the parents' interests, I think for our group it would have been better to be closer to either playa del carmen or Cancun to offer more things for those people to do (I think they really would have liked Cancun a lot better). But I think this was kinda a weird circumstances (honestly, I did not answer my FIL and MIL reasonings for not doing stuff). There is actually quite a few things to do: Tulum Ruins, Cenote, Golf, Xel Ha, Xcaret, all the stuff on the resort, or taking a taxi into Playa del Carmen.

Quote: Originally Posted by vlynnw I won't be using a judge though so that shouldn't be a factor and she said no one else is booked yet for that day, which is why I don't get why 5pm isn't an option. You aren't use a judge or a minister? (i.e. you are having a friend/family member perform the ceremony?) Quote: Originally Posted by AmyBoerema Hi everyone: Just wanted to share a potential money-saver tip with you all. I am having about 40 guests at DT in December. We are getting the silver package, and dessert is included. Though I want cake as well, I didn't want to pay for cake for 20 extra people (the first 20 is included in the Dreams package), because I know they all won't eat it (having just eaten dessert). So I emailed Aurora and asked her if it'd be OK to not pay any extra for cake; and just get the original cake for 20 people included in the package. She said that was OK. The savings aren't that huge (about $100) but it is something, and more importantly, all that extra food won't go to waste. I definitely would have done that too. Plus it's been said by other brides that the 20 person cake has way more than 20 pieces. I know we only ate like half of our 10 person cake (and we were 10 people).

Quote: Originally Posted by vlynnw I just got an email back from Aurora today about ceremony time and I'm kinda bummed. I had my heart set on a 5pm ceremony but she said 12, 2, and 4 are the only options. I'm booking a year 1/2 in advance and I can't have a 5pm ceremony. Does Dreams never offer a 5pm ceremony? Well don't forget there are 2 factors, there is spreading out the timing of the weddings (i.e. if somebody else is at 5pm and they don't want 2 weddings at the exact same time) but there is also the judge's availability.

The 4th one is my favorite for general use, like if you wanted a pic for a thank-you card or something like that. There are several awesome ones though, you look like models!