SunBride

It is a tough situation - like you said, anyone is free to spend that week at the resort! I would tell your friend about how you want to limit the guests lists to keep it as intimate as possible and for cost reasons, ask her to tell her mom. If her mom does come anyways, I would let her come to the wedding & reception, after all, at least you know her and you don't want any hard feelings. People definitely don't see it the same way as they do a regular wedding. The normal rules don't apply (for example, gifts are not expected as much at DWs, also the couple has more liberty to break away from the normal wedding traditions) so even people who normally know better than to invite themselves to a regular wedding may not see anything wrong with inviting themselves along to a DW.

Quote: Originally Posted by dreamstbride My question is in regards to the beach hut located on the far end of the beach! (the massage hut) we are confirmed for the Ultimate wedding package, we are having a sit down gold dinner, and so I was wondering if the hut could be an option for our reception or will there be an extra charge?? Has anyone gotten a response from Landy regarding this option? Is it possible to get a sound system wired to the hut, so that we may play music during our dinner? and what about lighting? is there lighting in the hut? or will that need to wired to the hut as well I think you'll have to wait for an answer from Landy or Lizette on this one. This seems to be a new option, and an unofficial one since it's not in the wedding guide. Probably just some bride asked for it as a special request and now there will be tons of brides copying the idea (like my gazebo set-up and aisle flowers!). Hopefully they get back to you soon with more information about this. When Seahagamy asked (see post Post 82 of this thread, all she was told was that this is an option for the silver or gold dinner, which sounds like it's free as long as you have silver or gold (would be worth confirming the "free" part). She is trying to find out what the charge would be for this option with the free package since that's what she's using. You can see in the picture that the hut is sufficient lit so they obviously have something in place (either wired lighting or just lanterns) but as for the music, it's such a small space that you wouldn't need an entire sound system, I agree with rachelannmartin that a laptop or ipod dock (which they supply in the rooms, just bring your own batteries) would work best. Hopefully somebody finds out more info about this option soon.

Quote: Originally Posted by chandrathebride For some reason it's saying I don't have enough points to open this file... although I have opened others in the past. Anybody kind enough to give a gal some points? Thank you in avance. I'll donate some to you. Ladies when opening attachments, make sure to save them on your computer, because each time you open them it costs points.

you can always have them write something like "Come for the fun and games, you presence is your gift" or something like that if you are worried about the shower looking like a gift grab (I know that kinda defeats the point of a shower, but to me a shower would be tons of fun even without a gift, and I really don't see why people should have to give gifts for a shower and a wedding, seems like a bit much. Then again I didn't have a shower and becuase I live away from my extended family and only have a few close friends here I've somehow managed to avoid going to them!)

Quote: Originally Posted by amodew OK, so I'm confused...I never knew that there was a $20 option for dinner. Unfortunately I don't have enough points to open the attachment....is there a quick way to rack up some points so that I could open the attachment? I've just donated some points to you to open it. The more you post, the more points you earn. The 20$ dinner is if you don't get an upgraded menu, you just order whatever is normally available at the restaurant (or in the case of the ballroom, the menu in the attachment). Some people wonder why they should have to pay anything if their guests are just ordering the food off the regular menu (seeing as the guests have already paid for all inclusive) but the 20$ is basically a service charge to cover the extra work involved in serving a large group. I explain this under the reception part in page 1.

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa Wow that sucks! but at least there are some positives i am planning on selling my dress too - what site did you use - you obviously had a great resposne! I used weddingbells which is a Canadian site, you'd probably have better luck here.

Fun survey, although my answers are kinda boring due to my limited guest list(since I stopped inviting people when I found out our wedding party couldn't come) 1500$, 1600$ & 1900$ (from Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg respectively) for 7 nights occupancy (double) - cheapest room option possible at your resort (inc airfare and taxes) 12 (immediate family + BM / MOH and their spouses)# of invites sent 8 (immediate family only)# of guests attending Dreams Tulum Resort Name 5 # of stars of resort *those who didn't come, it had nothing to do with the cost of the resort (they are teachers who could only go away during school breaks or for a weekend, so I guess in that sense it's indirectly a money thing because it's not worth it cost wise to go down south for 2 days)

I know it's really scary for bus, train, plane users to think that this could happen to them, but I think we have to keep in mind that something this strange could obviously have happened anywhere (movie theater, in line at the grocery store, etc) and is so rare that there is no reason for people to be worried about their own safety. Although what happened to him is really gruesome, luckily the victim obviously died quite quickly (although not immeidately as he did scream after the first stabbing).

Another one to avoid is hybiscus. They have lots in Mexico (was all over my resort) but they wilt easily. Still, I have seen a few bouquets where others used them. The bouquet would need to be put together right before the ceremony and then I guess it could last a few hours. The florist who services my resort wouldn't do a hybiscus bouquet because she she prepares them first thing in the morning and delivers them early at the resort, no matter what time the ceremony is at. But there were so many around the resort I probalby could have just pulled them off the bushes and created my own bouquet!

Okay, both those stories are worse than the original and require a new warning in the title so people who are queezy after the first story don't push themselves over the edge reading the other two

Okay, I'm already married (thank goodness) and I was just selling my dress to somebody else, at least I was done with it, but still, they lost my dress! I had paid for insurance and tracking, and the tracking said it was successfully delivered but the woman says she never received it. Luckily it sounds like they will pay out the insurance anyways (even though they claim it was delivered). This was with Canada Post. I should have splurged for the express post service which requires a signature for delivery confirmation. So I'm kicking myself in the ass for not insuring it for more (I was selling it for half price, and insured it for just a bit less) because if I had I could be making back every penny I paid for the dress. Okay, I know that sounds like taking advantage of the situation. But seriously, I almost bought an extra couple hundred dollars of insurance (it only costs 1$ for each 100$ of insurance!) but I figured even if it was lost I would have to fight with them to pay me that amount because the dress was used (i.e. I thought they might argue teh dress had little or no monetary value because it was used). But it turns out it's just a simple thing where they pay out whatever amount of insurance you bought, with proof of original purchase price. Secondly, I feel so bad for the woman who was so excited about the dress. At least she has tons of time to buy a replacement. She was actually hesitant about buying mine becuase she said she hadn't started shopping in stores yet. Third, it makes me sad to think of my dress lost somewhere, in the garbage, or stolen. People thought it was strange I was selling it, but I really didn't want to store it for nothing (I never would have worn my mother's wedding dress so why hold out hopes that my future daughter would want to wear mine in 25 years?) and I wanted to make some money. And it made me happy to think of somebody else enjoying it. It makes me so sad though to think of it lost or in the garbage anyways, just wanted to vent. Oh yeah, and I was so excited because it sold in just THREE DAYS! In fact I had a back up buyer who really really wanted it if the original buyer fell through.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lonna14 Ladies I basically just answered my own questions from yesterday..Landy just sent this over to me...the set menus (3 options) for the ballroom, each at $20 per head plus the 25%. I hope this helps..it sure helps me now!! Thanks, I'll add that to the attachments section on page 1. I'm assumin "O" means "or" (that's what it is in spanish!) So I guess your guests will be given the choice between the two entrees. Or maybe you have to choose just one for everyone.

Yes, I agree with the having fun. My trash the dress session wasn't that fun, I think in part because we woke up really early the day after our wedding and then got refused entry at the ruins (such a disappointment) but also because my photographer's style was to provide a lot of direction. So it was kinda more like a photo shoot of poses. I love my photos, but I wish we had just let loose and had fun and asked the photographer to just do her thing from the background. Maybe after having fun she could have suggested a few poses, but being given constant direction definitely made it less fun (I didn't mind at the time, but now, looking back and reading about all the girls saying they had so so much fun I regret it).

One thing that has been mentioned a lot about paradisus is that they nickle and dime you for everything. I don't know if this is an issue for you (i.e. how generous your budget is). Of course, as you probably know, the Royal is right in Playa del Carmen, so walking distance to shopping, nightclub, etc whereas the Paradisus is I think pretty much in between Cancun and Playa, so while it's pretty close to both people will still have to travel by car to do that stuff etc.

kinda off topic, but if you are planning on getting pregnant soon don't forget to take your folic acid supplements! Taking this before, as well as during pregnancy is so so important.

Quote: Originally Posted by ERnurse I know some ladies have had their cocktail hr in front of the lobby area, I just wanted to know where exactly they do the set up? Is it between the actual bulding and the fountain, or is it on that little terrace outside? I think they could both be options. I have seen somebody's pictures where they had it on the terrace, I can't remember who. But if you had an enormous group there probably wouldn't be enough space. The advantage of that over the bottom of the stairs is that there would be some shade since the terrace is half covered by the roof. Quote: Originally Posted by ERnurse What is the verranda bar? Is it that terrace area in frony of the lobby where the staircases run on each side? The verranda bar is an indoor building next door to the buffet and across from the chapel in the area known as the plaza. If you go to the member contributions area you will see I created an aerial view map on which I indicate where it is. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the inside though. This is part of the older part of the hotel, so it more old looking and rustic decor. Also it is completely indoors (although I think they have some windows open to make it more airy feeling). It is a huge building so would enough space for even 100+ people (although not that many chairs). Quote: Originally Posted by ERnurse Has anyone done a reception at that lobby area? or is only available for cocktail hr? You mean having your reception on the lobby terrace? I don't think anyone has ever done that. I don't know if they would be willing to set-up dinner tables up there (they only have small tables) and it would be a far walk for the wait staff depending on where the meals are being prepared. But you could ask and see what they say.

Just to clarify what Bianca said, in case you weren't aware, Dreams Puerto Aventuras has not opened yet, it used to be Sunscape Puerto Aventuras and they are doing renovations and opening it under the new name (what is the scheduled opening date Bianca?) I think all sunscape hotels have been undergoing the same changes in the past few years (it was the case with Dreams Tulum a couple years ago, and the ones in Punta Cana have recently changed over to Dreams too). So of course there are many risks involved with booking your wedding at a newly opened resort, such whether its opening is delayed and quality of service, the look of the resort post-renovations, etc. You really don't know what you are getting. That being said, it could be wonderful, but it's just more risky than going with an established resort. Not trying to talk you out of it at all, just trying to provide some info. I know some ladies were having a similar debate about booking the new Princess hotels in the mayan riviera (which opened last Nov/Dec)

Congratulations on calling off your wedding. I know that sounds like a weird thing to say, but you are so courageous for doing so, and you should be really really proud of yourself. I wish you the best in moving on with your life and eventually finding a new love.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lonna14 I know there is a $20 menu in the seaside grill, which is our 1st choice, however if we cannot get this because of occupancy, does anyone know if a $20 menu exists in the ballroom? And does anyone know the cost of the buffet per person (i know it's over 50 people)? Hum, that is a good point. The 20$ meal is any meal on the regular restaurant menu, but seeing as the ballrooms aren't a restaurant and don't have a regular menu I wonder if there is a 20$ option, or only the silver and gold menu. This question has never come up before, so I don't think you'll be able to get your answer on here (although hopefully there will be somebody out there who can help you). Hopefully they will offer you the option of choosing a menu item from one of the restaurants' menus. From my understanding, the buffet can be done for any meal, i.e. a regular restaurant menu meal, silver dinner, gold dinner. Which means the price would be the same as for the plated meals (i.e. 20$, 55$, 65$)

Quote: Originally Posted by cendcar What confuses me is everyone seems to be having their reception at the Seaside Grill except I do not remember that being an option for the reception. I was told beach, patio terrace or Ballroom. Is the Seaside Grill Reception an extra charge or is this part of the package? I currently have my reception scheduled for the Patio Terrace but am now thinking of changing it to SG but am worried about extra charges. The reception policies have changed recently. Many of the brides on this forum are operating under the old policies as they reserved before the policy changes (when the new wedding guide was released earlier this summer). Check out the reception locations section on page 1, you'll find all the info about seaside grill.

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! Hi ladies! I was looking at Amy and Andy's wedding video (which was amazing!) and decided to google Dreams Tulum on youtube. Well...found a wedding video! woo!hoo! Don't think the bride is on this forum but I figured we would all appreciate seeing another fellow DT bride tie the knot. Here's the link. YouTube - lisa and grant oh, I was excited about a wedding video, but it's actually a picture slideshow. (As a side note, it's definitely recent seeing as I notice they copied my aisle & gazebo flowers) It would be so great to get somebody's video from the resort videographer. Anyways, here's another picture slideshow that was on youtube YouTube - Daroline Wedding - June 28 2008

Quote: Originally Posted by Madbride2009 Hi all! .... ***Interested in more information on the following, if anyone has some time*** 1. Going through Sandra, the group sales person, for booking rooms 2. The "Platinum Menu"... has anyone used this... it was offered as an upgrade if we signed a contract for rooms... 3. Photos of us at a ruin... any ruin... in our gown and suit. What do we do? 4. Top choices for reception locations? Does it really matter to book it private? Thanks and congratulations to all of us! Welcome to our thread! I'll add you to our bride list. In terms of question 3, as Bianca said, wedding photography is not allowed at the ruins. I learned that the hard way You can read about my experience in my review (I think it's one of the last things in my review). As said in my review you could sneak your way in by only putting on your wedding clothes when you get inside the ruins, but that is your risk (Laura, one of our other brides, did it and got fabulous photos!) In terms of question 4, it's all a matter of personal preference. The seaside grill seems to be the most popular option I think. In terms of whether you go private or not I think it depends on if you want to do dancing and speeches. For those you'd want to go private but if it's just a dinner, than it's up to you whether you mind having strangers there (I personally would not mind, I would just consider it more as a dinner than as a formal reception). You have to decide what you want to get out of your reception. But read the new policy about the restaurants carefully because it has recently gotten much harder to book the restaurants privately.

Welcome! You've probably found our thread already, but just in case you haven't here it is: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t25646 I'll add you to our bride list

Just noticed my flashy new banner

Thanks to everyone who voted for me as member of the month. It was created appreciated, plus it brought a lot of attention to our thread! Check out this new thread: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t26343