SunBride

congratulations and thanks for the review. About the lighting, when they "fixed it" do you mean that the lights outside the seaside grill that were suppose to be turned towards your reception sight (huge floodlights on poles) were not turned on, and that when they did turn them on it helped but wasn't enough? It would be good for future brides to know how to avoid this problem. I think you are the first bride to complain of inadequate lighting. Perhaps your reception was located a bit further from the restaurant than they usually are (was there more than 1 wedding that day?)

Quote: Originally Posted by clinicalgal I have a question to those brides that did (or are planning on doing) their reception on the beach: is it usually in the same stop as your ceremony (so are they breaking down the ceremony set up and putting up reception stuff during your cocktail hour?) And if you had a DJ, did you put down a dance floor on the beach? If so, how expensive is that? I can't imagine dancing in the sand so it may make sense to put down the dance floor but i don't want to break the bank either! Did many of you hire the DJ from the resort? The beach receptions are closer to the middle of the beach then the 2 beach gazebos, so the reception will not be set up at the exact same spot, it will be either next to it or even a bit farther than that down the beach. If you read all the reviews, you will find that many brides have hired DJ Mannia and were super happy, but I think that most of the people who used the resort DJ were happy too. You can rent the floor through the resort or through the DJ. I think you are looking at something like 500-1000$ depending on who you use or the size of the floor. Many brides don't bother and say it worked out well to dance in the sand. It's up to you!

Quote: Originally Posted by clinicalgal I have a question to those brides that did (or are planning on doing) their reception on the beach: is it usually in the same stop as your ceremony (so are they breaking down the ceremony set up and putting up reception stuff during your cocktail hour?) And if you had a DJ, did you put down a dance floor on the beach? If so, how expensive is that? I can't imagine dancing in the sand so it may make sense to put down the dance floor but i don't want to break the bank either! Did many of you hire the DJ from the resort? The beach receptions are closer to the middle of the beach then the 2 beach gazebos, so the reception will not be set up at the exact same spot, it will be either next to it or even a bit farther than that down the beach. If you read all the reviews, you will find that many brides have hired DJ Mannia and were super happy, but I think that most of the people who used the resort DJ were happy too. You can rent the floor through the resort or through the DJ. I think you are looking at something like 500-1000$ depending on who you use or the size of the floor. Many brides don't bother and say it worked out well to dance in the sand. It's up to you!

why did they have to pull your nail off? The same thing happened to me when I was skiing and fell and when I hit a patch of ice using my hands to shield my fall. I jammed my thumb straight into the ice and my natural nail belt at a 90 degree ankle halfway down. It was the worse pain in my life (equal to the time I tripped and ripped out a toenail!) but I never had to have my nail pulled. I just trimmed the nail as close to the bend as possible (a few days later when the pain went down) and wrapped it in a TON of gauze. Anyways, happy to hear it all ended up okay.

Quote: Originally Posted by Chanti Hi everyone, sorry for being away but I'm dealing with an injury... I will be writing my review, will try to do that this weekend. I've started already drafting it in Word and I carry it around on my memory stick to work on it when I have a spare moment! In the meantime, here is the link to our slideshow: we're very happy with our photographers, Lincoln and Lori from Moments That Matter. We did a full TTD session the day after the wedding and had a blast!!! Mayan Riviera Destination Wedding Photography Galleries by Moments That Matter Photography. Hope everyone is having an amazing summer!!! Chantal AWESOME PICTURES!!! Man, if Moments that Matter had set up business back when I was planning my wedding I would have booked them for sure. I find their style quite similar to Claudia Photo, but much more affordable. You have some really awesome pics in there, I love my pics a lot but a few of yours made me jealous!

wow, just found this thread now as I am not on the forum so much anymore, this is crazy. I've read all your posts Stephanie and I think you handled the situation extremely well. I hope this costs him some business. I can a little bit understand that some photographer's would only want to go to a more elaborate DW (unlike my own, which had a small number of guests and no fancy reception) but there are other ways to ask that question. You could simply ask the bride to tell you more about her wedding plans. This guy didn't even bother asking the questions the right way.

Quote: Originally Posted by geminiwanderlust Great news...not sure if you guys all know this already or not...but I just found the website for the house photographer at dreams tulum...there are samples of their work there. It is IL GRUPPO DIGITALE I found this to be so helpful when decided to go with their photographer or to book my own. Just wanted to share weird website, I am confused. It looks like they are the larger organization that has photography companies working all over the world, yet when you click on the link "wedding" it seems that most, if not all those photos are of Dreams Tulum. I cannot even see that whole page becuase I can't scroll left and right (it seems like that particular page was made by/for Mac computers)

There are instructions on page 1, just above the bride list, for how to post a review.

those boudoir pictures are smokin hot!!!

Congratulations, great review!

Yes many brides have had other drinks at their cocktail hour, in particular a signature drink. Perhaps if you don't ask, then it's just champagne? Just specify at your meeting what you want. But also if you are near a bar (lobby, beach, restaurant) then your brides can also just order anything from the bar as part of the all-inclusive.

Quote: Originally Posted by Chanti Hi everyone, I just got back from DT on Sunday July 6th. We had a great two weeks there! I will be posting a review, will try to do this weekend but ideally was waiting until my pro photos came in. We had a few minor glitches (and I mean really REALLY minor) and were overall very pleased with the wedding and the entire experience. I am really sorry to hear that not everyone had the same experience as we did. I am wondering if the size of the wedding increases the possibility of issues? We were only 13 (including a 1 year old baby) and our 2 photographers (as a side note - I'm sad to see that there is a change in the 2010 guide RE:outside photographers, we LOVED them!)... I'll do my best to write my review ASAP!!! Chantal Congratulations! Please do try to post your review soon (even if without pictures) there are a lot of nervous brides based on the 2 most recent reviews and I'm sure future brides would love to hear about your experience. On another note, I had a bride ask me about the photography policy so I thought I would post exactly what I saw: Page 11 "Guests are required to use our on-site photographer/videographer. Samples of their work can be accessed by contacting weddings@ilgruppodigitale. com. Guests must inform wedding coordinator if they choose to bring their own photographer/videographer an additional fee will apply." Her 2010 guide had slightly different wording, so it sounds like this might be a slightly newer and revised document. In any case, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't really true, and all they are trying to do is encourage the use of their photographer and the only cost is the day pass which means nothing has changed. But anyone planning on using an outside photographer should ask about the cost of the day pass. I assume photographers that are guests of the resort are no problem.

Just had a read through of the guide, and first all I notice a lot more information and detail (although I still think they could explain the reception stuff better if they clearly stated the policies for each location individually) A few of the changes I notice: • Guests are required to use our on-site photographer/videographer. Samples of their work can be accessed by contacting weddings@ilgruppodigitale. com. Guests must inform wedding coordinator if they choose to bring their own photographer/videographer an additional fee will apply. Hum, this is a big one, I wonder if it's just a day pass or if they will make you pay a higher fee. The wording "required to use" is definitely a huge departure from the old policy. Very disappointing. For the day pass, the cost clarifies the questions we've been having as half day used to mean lunch and supper (no breakfast) but now half day means breakfast and lunch (no dinner) so you have to buy a full day pass for vendors who will be eating dinner at your reception. You now need your birth certificates in addition to your passports (notarized and translated only if divorced)

Quote: Originally Posted by jerzygirl85 Hi everyone, I just received an email from Landy enclosing the 2010 wedding guide, I will try and attach it to this post. Some of the prices have gone up for the extras which doesn't come as a surprise to me. However, one thing to note is that the guide now says that DT "performs two or three weddings a day". According to Landy's email to me she says this has been there practice for the past 2 years. Sunbride, maybe you can have the new guide posted on page 1? Thanks so much for posting the new guide, I have been wondering about it. I will post it on page 1 and read all the info and update everything on page 1. Hopefully I can find the time to do that this weekend. Quote: Originally Posted by northernflasher Thanks Jerzygirl85 thats so helpful. Just read the 2010 guide and they kind of have their backs covered with the wording..."On Average, dreams hosts 2-3 weddings per day." Kinda blows the petition idea out of the water! Well I think it's still okay to complain that 3 weddings a day is too much, and to ask that at minimum, they do everything possible to keep the events seperate (i.e. scheduling the ceremonies at different times and locations, etc)

Posting something on the Dreams Forum might be effective, I know AMResorts people frequent that forum. How about writing a letter/petition stating the problems and concerns and having affect past brides as well as future brides sign it? Then sending it by email to AMResorts.

Also, you don't really need a hotel room if you want to save money. I really wanted mine at a hotel because I thought the background would be nicer. Well in the end you don't see much in the photos, just the bed. As long as you have a white sheet and/or duvet as well as preferably a nice headboard, that is pretty much all you need. You may also take a few photos against a wall, and maybe a couple on a couch/chair. If you don't like your couch just throw a black sheet over it. I ended up not being overly fond of the couch at my hotel room but you can hardly see it in the photo. In retrospect, a hotel room was totally unnecessary.

If you have a budget of even 100-200$ you should be able to find somebody. Just look for a less experienced photographer. Try searching in the online classified ads relevant to your area (kijiji?) for photographers that are looking to build up your portfolio. And you don't need somebody who has done boudoir before, as long as you have somebody who knows how to take regular portraits (lighting, etc) then just bring a bunch of inspiration pictures with you for the poses. I have twice gotten photos taken by an amateur professional photographer. The first time was couples photos (like engagement photos but this was 2 years before we were engaged) which were free and the second time was photos with my new puppy (50$). Neither was as good as a professional photographer but still better than what I or a friend could have done. For my boudoir photos, I found a professional photographer who had a really nice portfolio, but reasonable prices. She wanted 150$ for boudoir (including a set of 4x6 prints and low res CD, no book). Then I suggested I organize a marathon for her (i.e. using another wedding forum to find interested girls) and so she brought down the price to 75$ for each girl + 100$ for a photobook. Then since the marathon was so successful (and she ended up filling up 4 other marathon days this summer as a result!) she gave me a free photobook. You can make your own photobook for under 50$ so just find a photographer who will give you a high resolution CD (which most will). You don't have to spend 500$ for professional boudoir photos. Finally, as per your original question, I think it coudl totally work to get a friend to do it, you could have a lot of fun.

For anyone who missed it in her signature (which I almost did) Starlitk posted a very detailed review: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t45462

Again, I'm sorry to hear so many things went wrong but thanks for taking the time to write a detailed review and explain what went wrong, it will be helpful for others (i.e. put a copy of your vows and/or ceremony in the groom's pocket!!!) I can't wait to see your professional pictures because the few you have posted so far look awesome, very nice reception set-up.

Quote: Originally Posted by ida Suzanne, I'm so happy for you that you got amazing weather for your wedding day!!! Your dream wedding came true! For other brides that had negative experiences because of the wedding factory...so sorry to hear that. I actually didn't notice any other weddings on my wedding day because my wedding was the last one. It was at 6pm. 6pm was recommended by my photographer because its the best time for pictures. For future brides...look into booking your wedding last. I didn't notice other weddings because I was busy getting ready for my own. You don't want to have it at noon with the bright sun shining in your eyes and you're squinting in every picture. Maybe I was just lucky but I didn't notice any one else around... Try not to worry too much because everything always works out in the end... I just wanted to clarify that sunset is the preferred time for photos by Del Sol, they are very good photographers and have the right equipment to shoot at sunset. Many other photographer's don't. I know mine (who was a professional I flew with me) insisted we have everything done before sunset (but then also take a few pictures during sunset). Simistar recently posted a really bad review of Micheal Maurus of Cancun Wedding Photography and you will see what can happen with sunset pictures (very dark background). So while a later wedding might mean less conflict with other weddings, make sure your photographer knows how to handle that specific lighting.

I've heard other brides say orchids are very expensive (at Dreams Tulum and other resorts in the Mayan Riviera) You do have to pay the private event fee for the seaside grill, no matter what package you use. Only the beach and poolside don't require the private event fee (and of course if you have an event at a restaurant that is non-private). It's always been that way. A few brides have gotten away with getting a private event without paying that fee, but I think it's just a matter of luck or a mistake on the part of the coordinators.

The regular menu would mean you choose from whatever is normally served at that restaurant. If you have a pool or beach reception, I'm not sure which menu you choose (maybe either the seaside grill, or the El Patio or the Ballroom menus). If you go with the regular menu, I'm not sure how many courses you get. You may not get as many as with the special menus. Some of the recent brides on here have used the regular menu, if nobody responds you might want to try reading some of the recent reviews and sending PMs to those ladies for more details. If it was me, personally, I would probably go for the regular menu to save 500$ But everyone has their own priorities.

wow, Starlit and Mixie I am so sorry to hear about how things turned out. All the other brides who had multiple weddings in one day always said they hardly saw the other wedding becuase there were at totally different times/locations. It's unfortunate that things turned out the way they did for you guys, hopefully they learn their lesson and make more effort in the future to keep things more seperate. Nobody wants their wedding to seem like a factory production! I'm also really surprised to hear that your coordinator (Starlit) was not more careful about the details and got stuff mixed up. And the thing about the ceremony text that is absolutely awful. A warning to other brides to make sure to double check everything (i.e. if you've written your own text, have the groom speak to the minister before he starts) Overall, very disappointing for future dreams tulum brides, but please try to keep this in perspective. We have not had such a negative review since Can't Wait which was I think in December. Happy to hear that you still both had wonderful wedding days even if everything did not go perfectly.

When I was researching resorts, the first thing I was looking at was whether they allowed outside photographers, because I knew I didn't want to use a resort photographer. I hope Barcelo looses a lot of business over this policy. Usually you can get around it by bringing a photographer with you (although in some cases the resort will now allow a said "guest" to use professional photography equipment) but it means you can't use any of the great local photographers.

I've only just finally found the time to read this, I'm happy to hear it all went so well after the stress you went through. As if you got upgraded to first class, I am jealous becuase I figured we would (we were also with AC) but we didn't. Just curious, did you know in advance about the layover? if that was part of the orginal schedule, I am surprised they paid for a hotel (I have seen the pkgs before with overnight connections in TO or MTL but they never include a hotel). But if your flight was late arriving Montreal and you missed your connection then it makes sense that they did.