neen

when i stayed at dreams tulum in july (last month), it rained every day for 20 minutes between 4-6pm...so weird. the weddings that were scheduled just waited out the short shower each time and proceeded with their outdoor ceremony/reception. i'm a future dreams tulum bride, but if costs were equal, we would have gone with ana y jose... is having a tent on standby an option at ana y jose?

I didn't, sorry...but i did have to go look up sixpence because i'm a dummy and wasn't up my traditions. for anyone like me, it's the oft forgotten part of Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue...and a Sixpence in her shoe! It symbolizes wealth for the bride and groom. so now yet another thing to add to my growing list of things to purchase!

i love the idea of OOT boxes rather than bags...where did you get them?

Quote: Originally Posted by Seahagamy I have been reading tripadvisor and there seem to be many complaints about "smells". Anyone else find this and should I be concerned? Any recommendations? Don't worry about tripadvisor. If i felt like really nit picking after my site visit last month I could have come up with a few things, but they would be REALLY nit-picky and that's what you get on trip advisor! I still LOVE the resort and can't wait for my wedding. Anyway, I didn't notice any smell anywhere, but it is the hottest part of the summer right now so the heavy humidity in the air can intensify things maybe. If there is any kind of problem now, I'm sure it will be gone come October (when the season changes)

Quote: Originally Posted by B&J2008 I know...I'm getting so excited! Thanks for posting the deep sea fishing link again. I think we might do it. Have you already booked yours or have you been in contact with them? Not sure if we should jsut do half day or whole. Does that price that is listed for each boat include all people or is that just to rent the boat and you have to pay for each person that goes?...if you've even talked to them!! I did speak to them - they told me we should book 2 months in advance, so I'd give them a call/email soon to book your boat. The cost of the boat includes people (no pp charge)...but check the boats capacity (we're doing an 8 person boat + captain and mate) We are booking a full day because that's what the guys want as they are avid fishermen, but if your guests aren't, I'd think a half day would be enough. It doesn't include transportation from the resort to the boat, so that has to be arranged seperately...I haven't figured that part out yet, but Morgan loved her transport company - let me see if I can find that link and I'll post it here...otherwise I'd think the resort could set up transport for your guests. Also wanted to mention that lunch is provided in th eboat fee, but I'm going to ask the resort if they'll do box lunches for my guys since I know Dreams food won't make people sick...

WOW Brooke...a month and a half...time is flying!!! woo-hoo!

it sucks that info isn't consistent...when I met with Landy last month, the bonfire was DEFINITELY $30 cash, not $50. we're organizing a deep sea fishing trip through Capt Rick's...I know the link is around here somewhere...hold on http://fishyucatan.com

this is a great thread...I hope all the newbies check it out so they can stop stressing so hard about how to pick a spot (pick somewhere that is perfect for you and your FI!!!) Here's what I've learned so far: - a TA can be a life saver - going for a site visit and meeting with your WC in advance are HUGE stress-relievers! - don't offer to arrange someone else's reservations or transfers...its not worth the headache...let people do it themselves - even if you think you're the most laid-back bride in the world, you may still go through 10 proofs of your invitation because the font isn't "just right" yet! (and that's OK) - don't try to please everyone, it'll never happen and its not worth the stress - its OK to just say "things are good" when someone asks all about your wedding and you don't feel like talking about it (we do have other things in our lives besides wedding planning) - my family rocks - i'm marrying the most wonderful man in the world (even if his eyes do glaze over when we talk wedding stuff for more than 10 minutes)

Okey dokey then....hopefully you're feeling better for getting that all out! In-laws can be challenging (or down right rude, obnoxious, self-absorbed, and awful)...you're not alone!!! I know it's hard, but don't let it get to you too much. Just try to accept that they aren't very social people and know that, as adults, they are responsible for themselves. Its wonderful of you, your friends, and your family to try to make them feel welcome and included, but if they don't want to be part of the fun at your shower, engagement party, or even your wedding, so be it. At your wedding and the days leading up to and following it, try to be gracious and kind, but most importantly, focus on having a wonderful time...like I said, they are adults so they can take care of themselves, no need for you to stress about it or let it get under your skin when you're in Cuba. good luck!!

aww, that is heart breaking, i'm so sorry. i'd be devastated if we lost our little (big) guy...BIG HUG

you can't for sure arrange a free upgrade in advance (though I'm sure if you invest the time schmoozing a reservationist they might be able to make it happen)...when I went for my site visit, I had them check their occupancy for January 06 and 07 and both were fully booked, so I'm guessing this January will be too so there likely won't be much availability to upgrade (free or paid) once you arrive. per suggestions from other brides, i'm just going to be honest with my guests and tell them if they want an upgraded room, they should go ahead and pay for it upfront when they book and not to expect too much from the basic rooms. sorry i don't have better info for you!

thanks ladies. i know the resort gives free upgrades and discounted upgrades when available, but they are typically fully booked in January (based on 06 and 07 records) so folks likely won't be able to upgrade when they get there and aren't willing to pay for the upgrade when they book now. Sooo...I'll just send a note to all of them to set expectations in terms of the rooms, i.e. very basic, and hope that if any problems do arise once we're all there that the resort will do everything they can to make people comfortable. I don't expect folks to be spending much time in their rooms, but still want them to be happy with it when they do! thanks again

Right...so coming up on five months and starting to get a little stressed. How are you all accomplishing tasks like fans and welcome bags without knowing how many people are attending your wedding? I haven't sent out my invites yet (Sept/Oct) and we're not asking for RSVP until November 15th so I feel like I'm going to be going NUTS come Thanksgiving getting everything ready. I have an idea of how many will attend (at least 60)...do you think I should start making/printing/putting things together based on that number and just figure on doing more if needed come November when we get our final count? I don't want to OVER order things like welcome bags and pashminas, but I also don't want any extras to be/look different than the rest because they were last minute add ons... Advice please

what room type did you stay in and was it up to par? Hacienda/Deluxe Garden View (base room) Hacienda/Deluxe Ocean View or Ocean Front Hacienda/Jr Suite Dreams Jr Suite Garden View/Ocean View I ask because when I went for a site visit, I was appalled at the first room they put us in; it was a Deluxe Ocean View in the Hacienda Section 16 (furthest from everything). There was mold on the ceiling in the bathroom, stains on the curtains, and the AC was broken. I obviously flipped out because I couldn't ask my guests to pay the crazy $$ they're paying for a room like that. Now, we did move to a Dreams Junior Suite and I also saw rooms in the Hacienda Section 10 that were lovely, so I'm hoping that bad room was a rarity. BUT, wanted to hear from you ladies to see what you all thought of your room type so I can recommend the right "type" to my guests. Thanks so much!!!

so Tiffany gave the rate for shoulder season; when I went down this summer (off season) we paid $89/per person for the hacienda suite and $109/per person for the Dreams Junior Suite. for our wedding in January (high season) our guests are paying $175/per person for the hacienda suite and $222/per person for the Dreams Junior Suite

hey ladies...during my meeting with Landy she told me to put together a song list for the DJ to play at my reception. sounds easy, but actually I'm finding it kind of difficult. so...looking for some help. i want to play nice, mellow, slow music from 6:30-8pm during dinner, then need a cake cutting song, and then dance music. was thinking we'd try to play the wedding songs of our guests during the dinner hour, so that will require some research on my part, but would love suggestions for the rest of the list/night. can anyone get me started? TIA!!!

this thread is great...we're honeymooning in Maui in January 09 and also doing a "just the two of us" wedding while we're there (our symbolic ceremony with guests is in Mexico). i'm now really excited about doing the drive to hana, zipline, snorkeling & scuba diving and swimming with the turtles. anyone know how much the zipline adventures are per person? I'm also wondering where the best luau is on the island...any suggestions?

That's so sweet of you!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz Sunbride-you are the all knowing one when it comes to the weddings at DT-can you have your reception at El Patio outside with a DJ? I assumed that you couldnt unless you had El Patio for a private function and close it for other guests I know you directed your question to Sunbride, but since I know the answer... if you want a DJ at El Patio (or SG), you have to pay the $750 private event fee...then you have the whole place to yourself so your DJ can't disturb other diners

Quote: Originally Posted by SBlake neen, you're too generous! We'll figure it out. I just get panicked about things everyonce in awhile. Our reception in going to be at El Patio. I'm sure it will all come together! Do you know if we're the only people getting married on the 17th? I should book our cocktail hour if there is another wedding! Its just you and me on the 17th

Yeah, you should be getting a deeper discount for a sample dress than a $120 credit. Call her back and haggle before taking the deal.

Quote: Originally Posted by SBlake Neen, you are so ahead of the game! Thanks a ton for all the info. I guess I need to get going with planning, I'm a bit behind! I'm getting nervous that I don't have it all together. I'm sure there are still beautiful places available for our cocktail hour, maybe around the pool? Any suggestions from other brides would be much appreciated! Aww, Sarah I'm sorry! I'll give up the veranda bar as my rain location if you want it for your cocktail hour! Or by the pool, on the lobby terrace, by the fountain outside the lobby, and the ballroom terrace are all great locations for a cocktail hour...where is your reception?

Quote: Originally Posted by amodew Thanks for the info Neen. Could you elaborate more on the ballroom terrace/patio you mentioned? Would you happen to have any pics? How many people would fit there? etc. My fiancee and all the guys are doing a fishing day with Capt Rick's as well. The best man was in the Mayan Riviera this past spring and went on Capt. Rick's and he said it was one of the best fishing expeditions he's been on. The size of boat depends on how may people will be going. There is a picture of the convention center terrace on Page 2 of this thread (near the bottom of the page). You could probably fit a max of 50 fully covered (i.e. if you're using it as a rain location), and probably another 25 or so if you don't need to worry about staying away from the edges. It is a bit buggy over there, so if you use that location, I'd reco giving your guests Off wipes of setting up cintronella candles around the perimeter. Did everyone but me know that cintronella candles ATTRACT bugs so you're supposed to light them and place it away from where you'll be hanging out so all the bugs stay near the candle, not your party? Sorry, totally random, but just found out Thanks for the info about Captain Rick. I also read on another thread that Cancun Catamarans does great excursions, so I'm going to check prices with both of them and then make a decision. FYI - Capt Rick's told me that for a January excursion, we should book by/around mid-November...so 2-3 months in advance.

don't forget your officiant, DJ/musicians, and head waiter/maitre d' assuming everything goes to plan!

Congratulations! And no, you're not crazy. Destination weddings are perfect for short engagements because you pretty much just need to show up with your dress and the resort will take care of the rest! And you shouldn't have any problem getting your dress...i fell in love with the second one i tried on and it'll be here in less than three months, so don't worry (just be sure to tell the dress shop your time frame so they can point you away from the dresses that take 6+ months to come in). As for folks being disappointed that they're not included, yeah that may happen, but if you want a small wedding, they should understand. Just send an announcement after the fact so they know you care happy planning!!!