sgbrown

Quote: Originally Posted by rachelannmartin Hi Trish, Congrats on your engagement!! I think I remember seeing another BC bride on our forum but can't remember whom. We're travelling out of Pearson during prime travel season (March Break) and because we booked early and have a group rate we managed to score a very sweet deal of $1399+taxes I want to say that its through Sunwing vacations. This was by far the best price and resort for peak travel season. Though the prices are cheaper in the summer we wanted a sunny destination to get away from the Canadian winterwonderland. Good luck and if you need anything else, don't hesitate. You're so lucky that you got $1399 from Toronto! It's costing us $1726/person from Ottawa and Toronto (taxes in) the first week of May through Air Canada Vacations. I think you got a better deal! We booked really early too (over a year in advance). I originally wanted to get married in March but we were quoted a price per person over $2000 for the week. Great work in securing that deal! I'm impressed (and slightly jealous). ;-)

Quote: Originally Posted by ida Hi everyone! I'm a newbie and planning my wedding at Dreams Tulum for June, 2009. I'm just wondering if you guys all faxed Landy your credit card authorization form with a pic of your credit card and ID for your deposit? I'm a little iffy about that cuz I'm a little nervous about sending pics of my creditcard both sides! And also did you email it to her or did u guys fax it? Please reassure me that this is normal and everything will be ok?! Thanks! Hi Ida, First off, welcome to the forum! You'll find tons of helpful stuff, thanks in great part to our wonderful SunBride who organized this thread! As for credit card authorization, I have to admit, I was never asked to provide this. Mind you, I booked my wedding last March so perhaps they've changed the booking procedure. When I asked for my date to be reserved, all I had to do was fill out an information sheet and email it back to Landy. I didn't have to provide my credit card number (or an image of it) and I didn't have to place a deposit. Perhaps some of the brides who have recently booked can shed more light on the issue. Good luck!

I'm so excited to be talking about wedding plans again instead of the closure. What a relief! Let the discussions on ceremony locations, menu choices, photographers, bonfires, fishing trips, bridesmaid dresses BEGIN!!!

I am DANCING IN MY CUBICLE!!!! My co-workers must think I'm a nut job!!! HOORAY!!!

I'm not really sure... I hope it means they're opening for good, but again, it's just speculation. Either way, I'm hopeful that they will be re-opening very soon and weddings can resume at DT in December. As for whether they will close down again after high season, I hope not but I guess we'll just have to wait and see for this supposed "announcement".

Oh so pretty! I love how flowy (sp?) the dress is. I think the colour would go nicely with a lot of other colours. Your BMs are lucky!

Quote: Originally Posted by ashjanbro Beth, I am really nervous too. I sent out my invites a month and a half ago, and people have already booked reservations and taken time off from work. My gut instinct tells me to ride it out, because at this point what else can I do? I can't afford to book with another hotel and let go of the money I've spent thus far for several reasons. When I booked my date (in March) there were only 5 other dates available for weddings in May at Dreams Tulum back then. This late in the game, I'm sure there will not be many openings. Two, most of the other hotels were not comparable in price, and I don't think it's fair to ask my guests to pay more. Three, some of my guests did not use my TA so I don't know what would happen with their reservations. My TA told me to wait and see what happens after the first of the year. If all else fails, they will have to relocate us. I'm not doing any special trips, dinners, or menus so none of that will matter if we have to relocate at the last minute. I feel that this a much needed vacation for everybody, who the hell cares where they are spending it, as long as it's nice. I have a 2 year old daughter as well, so I need to be somewhere that allows children. I did not pay my deposit yet, and they better not try to pull any crap about that either. The wedding guide I have says a deposit is not necessary and I have e-mails to both Sandra and Landy asking if a deposit was needed and they both replied no. I have a confirmation number and they better honor it. Deposit or not. Hi girls, I'm in the same boat as the two of you. When the closure first happened, I emailed the WC at DPA and asked if my date was available (May 7th, 2009). Unfortunately, I was told that it wasn't. The WC told me that I shouldn't worry, there was no need to change resorts b/c everything at DT would work out. Now I'm starting to get really worried. I've been trying to stay calm, but it's really hard! What should I do? Do I: (i) sit tight and hope that DT re-opens, (ii) be pro-active and move my wedding? The problem is that option (ii) is really difficult to orchestrate because I have 50 guests who would need to be moved (some of which chose not to book through my TA). I don't know if the price would change for them. It's so hard to decide what to do, so I've just been reading this forum everyday and continue to wait, wait, wait.

Yes, I agree with you neen! It's so easy to get stressed out over this situation (with good reason), but in the end it won't help to change the outcome. I'm just hoping that DT continues to care about their customers. It seems to me that all of the displaced brides (and their guests) have been treated really well. If this continues to happen, then I'm sure no matter where our wedding takes place, we'll have an amazing time. Now if only certain members of my family could stop stressing about it! I've been trying to stay calm but it's hard when I'm constantly being told: "Perhaps you should be more pro-active and move your wedding."

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! Has anyone gotten an email from Landy or Lizette? I haven't bothered to email because of the craziness. I haven't sent any emails to either of them (I sent one JUST before the closure, asking what time could I have my bonfire until), but I think they have much bigger fish to fry than answering my silly bonfire question!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz Sarah are you changing your resort? I am nervous also but we are still 6 months away and so much can change in that time...what are you thinking? When I first heard about the DT closure, my first instinct was to investigate an alternative resort. However, I've calmed down a lot (thanks to copious amounts of red wine) and my FH and I decided to wait a little while longer. If DT continues to push back their expected re-opening date (i.e. October 6th to the 13th to the 20th... etc, etc) then I think Mike and I might contact our TA to investigate our other options. I really would hate to do this though! Argh, it's so confusing. The thing is though, we are a group of 50 people and May is SUCH a busy time for weddings! Jacy at DPA wrote me back and said that May 7, 2009 isn't even available (and I think DPA only does one wedding per day). Plus, it seems like they have a funky outside photographer policy (read the DPA thread if you're curious... either Jacy's English is terrible, or their policy is that you can't use an outside Mexican photographer other than the resort one unless they're staying at the resort). That was a long rant to say that we're holding tight for now. Seriously though, do you think there would even be that many resorts available with only 6-7 months to go? I think the first week of May is CRAZY busy. Let's just hope the DT closure is extremely temporary... or else I don't know what to do.

We are travelling from Ottawa to Cancun (to Dreams Tulum) the first week of May 2009 and are paying $1725/person through Air Canada Vacations. Our guests flying from Vancouver to Cancun are paying approximately $1850. Our east coast guests are also paying a little bit more (maybe $100). Good luck! I would expect to pay between $1600-2200 for a 4-5 star hotel in the Mayan Riviera (unless you're going at off-peak time, say August or September).

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! I asked my TA about Puerto Aventuras seeing as it's newer and more secluded then Dreams Cancun. She tells me Dreams Puerto Aventuras doesn't open until Dec. 1 so therefore it's not an option for my wedding. Maybe they will rush the opening because of what's happened to DT?!?!? The experience issue doesn't worry me so much because I'm hoping Landy/Sandra/Lizet will be relocated to these resorts to handle all of our weddings. Don't know though! I'm just wondering when and if we draw the line and say..."I'm tired of not knowing...I'm going somewhere else". I really hope that doesn't happen though. I spent some time on the Dreams Puerto Aventuras (DPA) thread a few days ago and it seems as though it's opening could actually be mid-November. The resort originally said November, and then pushed it to December, but my understanding was that they've moved it back to November. I emailed their wedding coordinator and heard back from Jacy the same day (wow!). My fingers are crossed that DT will be open very soon, but I would contact Jacy (I got her email address from the DPA website) if you're interested in learning more. I really hope it's not necessary though!!! I feel sick to my stomach when I think of everyone who has weddings in the next couple of weeks. Life can sure throw you a curveball... For what it's worth, when I emailed Jacy about my wedding in May, she assured me that I wouldn't need to switch anything and that DT would be up and running really soon.

Quote: Originally Posted by MonoAmor Hey girls, What a situation!! Has any DT brides, besides the ladies this coming week, moved their weddings yet? We are scheduled to arrive there on Nov 10, but we have taken time off to go away and have some time to ourselves starting Oct 30. So Im trying to decide if we should start looking around to move resorts, but I dont know where to start? I contacted my travel agent but she refuses to tell me what my options are because she is convinced everything will be fine. Im hoping it will be fine too in a couple of weeks, but I like to be prepared. My biggest concern is that I wasnt planning on having an outdoor ceremony. We were so pumped about the chapel at Dreams Tulum, which is what sold us on the resort. Im not interested in having a beach wedding (although they are beautiful, just not my thing). Are there any other resorts that have a chapel? Or are there any churches that offer non-demoninational ceremonies in the area? So does anyone know the process of changing resorts at this time? I went with Air Canada Vacations and they wont talk to me because I booked through an agent, who isnt concerned. Suggestions?? Lastly, I admit that Im really amazed by some of the other brides who are having to deal with this so close to their weddings. I told my fiance about them and we both agreed that we would never be able to have such a great attitude towards the situation! Its showed me a lot that its really not so much about the small stuff... When I first heard about the closure, I thought, f*%# this! I just want to elope! After my heart started beating normally again, I thought it might be wise to look into other resorts, just in case the closure ended up being more long-term. I contacted the wedding coordinator at Dreams Puerto Aventuras (the new one scheduled to open in November) and told her that I was a DT bride and I was looking to see whether May 7, 2009 was available in case things didn't get sorted out at DT, and she responded within hours to tell me not to worry, that everything would be sorted out and there was no need for me to change locations (and besides, my date wasn't available!) So, I have calmed down a lot and decided not to look into any more resorts (besides, May is so busy for weddings, I'm not sure I'll be able to find another resort that has my date available and room for my 50 guests). After some long talks with my FH, we decided that we picked DT for a reason and we're going to stick it out, for better or for worse. Hang in there ladies, I'm sure everything will be OK. I think our energy is better spent sending positive thoughts and prayers to all the brides with weddings in the next 2 weeks...

Nah, don't worry about us Dreams Tulum brides. I just received an email back from Jacy (wow, same day response) and she told me not to worry, that at most, it would take Dreams Tulum 1 month to re-open and my May wedding won't be affected - whew! Weddings are apparently being re-routed to Dreams Cancun and a Sandals resort (Silver something?) in the meantime.

Hi ladies, Bianca, I recognize your name from the Dreams Tulum thread. I'm not sure if you heard, but DT was just closed by the Mexican authorities due to permit/environmental issues. We're all crossing our fingers that it will re-open very soon and everything will be OK. I feel so bad for the brides that have upcoming weddings in October. I thought I'd be pro-active and look into DPA as an alternative resort since I'm not planning on getting married until May 7, 2009 (I emailed [email protected] to check the availability of the date). However, I have to say that I'm so dissapointed in their photographer policy! I am very versed in Dreams Tulum's policies and I can assure you, they have no problem using outside vendors. If DPA will not allow my photographer (Freddy Damian from Claudia Rodriguez' team), then I will definitely not re-book here. What a dissapointment. I have been emailing with Landy and Lizet at Dreams Tulum and they seem to be much more easy to converse with than the coordinators at DPA. All I can offer in advice is that each and every bride that was married at DT has come back and said, DON'T WORRY ABOUT PLANNING EVERY DETAIL AHEAD OF TIME! Once you arrive at the resort, planning was a breeze. I am sure that DPA will be similar for all of you!

To all the girls who having upcoming weddings, my heart goes out to you. It really doesn't seem fair and I wish we knew more. My travel agent is hunting down more information and if I hear anything new and useful, I'll be sure to post it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Theresa08 The menu at the beach or near the pool is the same menu in the wedding guide. However, if you do a buffet, it is completely different. Here is the Golden Buffet Menu that was sent to me in July. Soup Asparagus cream with parmesan cheese grissini Main Course Beef medallions and mushrooms in red wine sauce Fish rolls with shrimp and lentil ragout Chicken Escalope marinated with fine herbs Truffle potato Soufflé Eggplant napoleon with baked zucchini Rice with vegetables Desserts Sacher cake Blueberry mousse Amaretto Cake Fruits napoleon Did you use this exact menu and if so, was it good? What was this price? And could I do a buffet if we're exactly 50 people? Thanks! (Sorry for all the questions)

Speaking of wedding shoes (this topic was brought up a few posts back), here are some ballet slippers that I really like and available to order in both the US and Canada: Satin Ribbon Tie Ballet Slippers - Bridal Ballet Slippers - Decorated Ballet Slippers - Fancy Ballet Slippers. You can get them dyed in off-white and ivory, too. I think they will go perfect with my dress (Paloma Blanca | Wedding Gowns, dress #3754 in the collection). Ok, my bad, this isn't really a "Dreams Tulum"-related post, but I couldn't help myself!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz we will have to have pre-wedding drinks! When are you getting down there? I think SGbrown is getting married the same day as you Close!!! I am getting married on May 7th. I'll be in Tulum from May 2-9. Then it's off to Europe for our honeymoon! May just doesn't seem that far away anymore, does it?! In response to another post I read, I'm so bummed you can't get the $20 menu at venues other than the ballroom (or $18 in my case since I've been told I can have the 2007-2008 prices). I'm still hoping that I'll be able to have my reception at the Seaside Grill but I wasn't planning on spending $45 a person! I wonder if I should try emailing Landy/Lizet and asking again. I know it sounds sneaky, but sometimes I get the feeling that they say one thing to one person, and then something completely different to someone else...

Quote: Originally Posted by latinalocany hey brides, just wanted to share this with you, a friend from another forum who always shares her pics and info with us is in tulum, she took lots of pics and has shared it with us. i was sooo excited when i saw them so here you go. Leopardo and bb's Magical Mexican Mystery Tour pictures, photos, and videos, from friends & fun on webshots WOW! These photos are awesome! They show just about anything/anywhere you might want to see on the resort. Thank-you so much for posting the link.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melissa24 Here is my new question for everyone: I am getting married on the beach and plan on being barefoot for the cermony, but wanted to get shoes for the reception and cocktails. What type of shoes have you all bought or worn after your beach wedding? I am thinking of either a ballet slipper or a flip flop, but can't seem to comitt to either. YES!!! This same question has been bugging me too! I have an appointment on October 7th with my seamstress and I wish I had purchased my reception footwear already. I suppose I'll be wearing something relatively flat, but I haven't found anything I love yet. A ballet slipper is a great idea! I better start looking online for something - since I live in Canada and our summer weather is officially over, there's not very much selection in the stores anymore for summer footwear!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz You have 50 people booked already! OMG! I feel like all of our friends are so last minute. I think we are going to do everything on the beach-I am with you about the ballroom and being married somewhere local. Did you decide on a photographer? We just hired DJ Mannia for the reception I know - it's crazy that so many people have booked already! But my travel agent (bless her little heart) put the fear of God in people about the resort/Air Canada flights being booked up so people were very anxious to get their deposits in. Dare I say her strategy worked so it's one less thing for me to worry about! Yes, we eventually hired Freddy from Claudia Rodriguez' team. May 7th happens to be his birthday so he said that he heard such nice things about my FI and I from Carla (Claudia's assistant) that he would be delighted to spend his birthday shooting our wedding - isn't that so nice? Anyway, any indecision I had about booking with him (which was only because he is the latest addition to Claudia's team and his portfolio isn't as developed) has dissapeared and I'm really looking forward to the whole experience. Congrats on booking DJ Mannia! I have heard GREAT things about him! At this point in time, we're thinking of just using an ipod and DJing ourselves in an attempt to keep our costs down. But I really envy you! I wish we could do the same. Question for all, if it applies: Have you tried to communicate with Lizet/Landy about the other wedding that is taking place the same day as yours? I don't know what time the other wedding is taking place nor what venues they have in mind. Do you think it's worth trying to figure this stuff out to ensure you get your first pick or is it better to leave it be and not stress out about it? Just curious!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz Hey Sarah!! How is the planning going? Hi! The planning is really going well (we have 50 people with deposits now!), except for the tiny fact that I can't seem to make up my mind about our reception site! I'm having a hard time choosing between the Seaside Grill and the Ballroom. Ideally, I wish I could have it at the Seaside Grill but I'm a little uneasy about the music/dancing having to be finished at 10:30 pm. I know we could move the party to the Disco, but I feel like this might break up the festivities a lot. So I guess I'm still contemplating using the Ballroom but I can't seem to escape the feeling that if I wanted to get married in a Ballroom, I could have done that here in Ottawa. Hmmmm. Anyway, aside from mulling that over a lot, the planning has been pretty smooth! This forum has really helped me feel at ease. I feel pretty well informed about everything and I know not to freak out if all of the little details haven't been worked out ahead of time.

Quote: Originally Posted by MarryingMyBestFriend I just posted in the newbie forum and wanted to post here too. I'm an imposter DT bride for the time being, while we await the final details from the TA (I have my heart set though, so *fingers crossed* I'll be a DT bride-to-be by the end of the week!! We're hoping for the first week of May (2nd-9th). According to the things I've read, the earliest I can be married there is May 7th (thursday), which, coincidentally, is my 27th birthday. The 8th would work too. Still have to book though, and noticed there is a May 7th on this forum so I'm not sure. Username MarryingMyBestFriend Names (optional, first names only) Laura And Scott Date & Time 1st week of May, 2009 Wedding package - not sure yet Wedding extras (and cost charged) - boys golf trip, something fun for the girls (TBD), and a group excursion (possibly boat cruise/dinner/drinks). Love the idea of a bonfire though too! Type of ceremony - Symbolic Coordinator - not sure yet... Number of guests - thinking 30-50 will RSVP, we'll see! Ceremony location - beach Reception location -hoping beach Photographer - not sure Videographer - resort Hi Laura, My name is Sarah (sgbrown) and I happen to be going to Dreams Tulum from May 2nd - 9th and getting married on May 7th - what a coincidence! I happen to know that there is another wedding already scheduled on May 7th other than mine. The resort policy is to only allow 2 weddings per day (supposedly), although I have heard of instances (perhaps last year) where there was 3 allowed in a single day. Don't feel too discouraged, but consider asking Lizet/Landy which days they have available in May and let them know that you have to follow the legal 4 day requirement. Perhaps that might be an easier route in securing a day since I know that May is pretty busy. Good luck!

My two cents: All of my guests (47 and counting) have booked the basic hacienda gardenview room. Some of them would like to upgrade, but they are waiting to do so in person in order to secure a discounted upgrade. One of my guests (my FI's cousin) has gone as far as to negotiate under the table with the hotel for a cheap rate for an ocean view room once she arrives! The reason we are taking this approach is that we are going through Air Canada Vacations, and their prices for upgrades seem really expensive. I think we negotiate a better rate in person! I think SunBride's advice is really good: Be honest with your guests about the basic nature of the hacienda rooms so that their expectations are realistic.