rudebaga

For those of you wondering if there is a place to hang lanterns and such, if you have your reception on the terrace, you can hang stuff. There is an overhang above the terrace that I saw them hanging decor from for another wedding during our stay. You can also put the lanterns on the ground. We didn't purchase lanterns for our wedding, but when we came out onto the terrace for our reception, Cecilia had thrown in some extra decor for us free of charge and she placed some of the round paper lantern things around the floor. They were held down with a water bottle filled with sand on the inside. She put clusters of them around the perimeter of the terrace so they were not in the way but looked pretty nice out out there. I'm working on my review from our 01/22/11 wedding...and I've got some great tips and extras that I haven't seen other brides post about. I'll try get it on here this weekend or early next week! Debbie

@clgriffi7..on the dinner, depending on the size of your group, you may not necessarily need to organize an official rehearsal dinner. Many of our family members wanted us to all do dinner together several nights and the restaurants were very accomodating when we all just showed up. One night, there was 14 of us that hit Oceana, the seafood restaurant, and they just put all of us at tables next to each other. Another night there were 10 of us that went to Himitsu, the Japanese restaurant, and they quickly pushed tables together and seated us all together. Again, depending on the size of your group, a planned dinner may not be needed in order to "get everyone together". We had PLENTY of time with our family and friends during our stay from meals, to gathering at the Rendezvous lobby bar nightly to just hanging out on the beach all day together.

I have to add this side note that I didn't put in my last post. We had our ceremony at noon (primarily because we thought we came all this way for a beautiful oceanside destination wedding and wanted it to be light out during our reception. We wanted us and our guests to be able to see the beautiful views during the entire wedding, not see darkness) Now our photographer was Alex with Juan Navarro Photography...and I know they post pics on their blog...so I wanted to let you know that I have no idea how the pics will turn out. Our entire 10 days here have been pretty darn good weather-wise. But the morning of our wedding it was soooooooo windy...but NO RAIN!!! yay!!! Nobody was out on the beaches here at the resort, it was a red flag day for the ocean rating. Right before our ceremony started I saw that one chair kept blowing over at the gazebo before that guest took their seat. Our ceremony was pretty windy as well as during our pics. Alex did show me a pic in his viewer on his camera at one point and it was amazing, but I'm sure he got tons of shot with a little bit of my bangs blowing in my face. But kudos to Mareya at the spa because except for the few shorter bangs I have that aren't long enough to clip to the side, my hair DID NOT MOVE! We had our reception on the terrace (amazing by the way!), and during our pics I figured I'd have to tell Cecilia to move our dinner inside, but we got back to our group and suddenly the wind died down and the weather was absolutely perfect! I actually have zero regrets or ill feelings about the wind...I'm pretty excited about the pics. I had him take some pics on the pier that is here (which was actually closed due to the windstorm, but he said we could do go out for a few minutes and try get something good). I think the stormy weather will possibly provide some great shots because the normally gentle ocean here at Dreams was so choppy! The weather is always unpredictable no matter where you have your outdoor wedding Debbie

Hola ladies! It is the morning after our wedding day and I just had to get on here and post! I know every bride says it, but we seriously had the most amazing, fun and perfect wedding here are Dreams Cancun!!! Everyone was coming up to us telling us that is was the best wedding they have ever been to, even better than their own! haha! To all of you ladies...we all say it...DON'T STRESS, your wedding here will be amazing! During our meeting, I told our wedding coordinator, Cecilia, that we're very easy going and laid back when it comes to wedding planning and all the details. She said to me that so many brides get so stressed out about the wedding and end up not have any fun during their vacation here. She said "we do this all the time...let us handle everything for you." So do not get stressed when you don't get an email back in weeks. When it is a few weeks until your wedding date, that is when they really start getting everything set for you. I will get working on our review when we get home, and since we leave Dreams tomorrow, we will have to wait for our pictures to arrive via FedEx, so it may take a week or 2 for me to get some on here, but I should be getting pics that our friends/family took very soon! And to clgriffi7: It is always breezy/windy at the gazebo, so yes, fans are absolutely not necessary. And we have stayed at Dreams twice now and have never had a problem with bugs here at the resort. No bug spray needed. I would only bring some in case it was needed in the jungle if you do one of the zip-line tours here...but we did one here during our last visit and had no problems with bugs there either. Debbie

@RachelandChris2011...Don't worry about the weather...we're here now...our wedding is on Saturday. A few days ago the forecast was for scattered showers, and that's exactly what they were. 2 times that day it started to lightly sprinkle, then dounpour for 5 minutes, then stopped. So even if it is raining at your exact wedding time, they'll likely have you wait 20 min and then start your ceremony The past 3 days have been sunny and 80, just perfect! I have a nice tan now for the wedding! There is a weather channel on the tv in the rooms. The weather report seems to change a bit every 6 hours, but as of now Sat/Sun are scattered showers, but Monday is sunny again. Good luck with your upcoming wedding! We are all set and excited! Debbie

@NurseM: Kids do count...the 3 yr old that will be at our wedding counts. But I would imagine that any child under age 1 wouldn't count..only kids that would be having a plated dinner. The 3 options for kids are chicken fingers, hamburger/cheeseburger or mac & cheese. And as Chipotle stated above, they are half the adult price.

@jana297: I know I know...it's hard to wait and be patient...it's fun getting everything planned and put together. I'm sure you'll get your date set soon! And yes, my wedding is coming up very soon...JAN 22!!! We leave for Cancun on the 15th...counting down the days! So excited! Debbie

@jana297: I wouldn't worry too much if you're not getting quick responses from Claudia at this point...and I don't know that putting urgent on your emails will help...your wedding is over a year away, they're do weddings all the time and are swamped with the planning for weddings coming up in the next month, I'm sure you can understand why they would put your email on hold compared to all the brides emailing whose weddings are in the coming weeks. They don't really get "on it" on replying to your emails until your wedding is about 3 months away or less. If there are specific things you want that are different than what your wedding package has, then clarify any changes you want (ie: a different photographer, and outside florist, etc)...but for things that your package includes like picking your menu or flowers, you have lots of time before they'll start going over all that with you

@barbiebride24--yes, they do have lounge furniture, but the price isn't listed on the Dreams website. You have to contact your wedding coordinator for pics and prices

@barbiebride24: I don't know a separate cost for wedding make-up done at the spa, but if you are doing one of the wedding packages, like the Ultimate package, your hair and make-up are included in the cost. Also, as for when to book your appt, you have plenty of time. I called the spa a week or so ago and was told they do all their appt bookings via email. I had emailed them asking when to book my appt months ago but never heard back. I think if you try contact them too soon, you won't hear back. I would say email them about 4 weeks prior to your wedding date to set up your appt (and let them know if it is just you or if you have a maid of honor or bridesmaids that will need appts too). My wedding is Jan 22, 2011 and I just made my spa appt last week. I emailed them and heard back in 48 hours. And on deciding a reception location: Keep in mind the number of guests and time of your wedding (by the way, if you are wanting sunset pictures, your wedding coordinator can help you decide on an appropriate ceremony time). We are choosing to have our ceremony at noon and have a group size of 24 people. We are going with the Terrace since our reception will be in the middle of the day so the Terrace will provide some cover from the direct sunlight and with a smaller group, we can just push the tables aside after dinner and dance on the Terrace, therefore saving us the cost of the dancefloor. Hope that helps! Now another question of my own....with the Ultimate package we can select dinner options from the Silver or Gold menu...anybody know if we can mix and match the salad/soup/entree/dessert selections or do we have to stick with one of the 4-course meal options that is already put together??? Thanks ladies! Debbie

Question for the past brides...how much in advance did you make your appt with the spa for your hair & make-up. 6 weeks until our wedding...do I contact the spa 2 weeks in advance, 4 weeks??? And does anyone have the email for the spa? Thanks ladies!

Thanks Ladies, and thank you Jana...I will contact Juan directly!

Hello Ladies, I posted a couple questions a few weeks back, but never got any responses, so I'm trying again... Wondering when you guys started hearing back from your WC to start putting together your wedding package. Our wedding is 7 weeks from yesterday. Our date was set and our contract drawn up for the Ultimate Pkg back in March/April...will I be hearing from them soon about flower selections, booking the photographer (want to make sure I get Juan Navarro! His pics look amazing!), appointing an officiant, etc...??? Also, I had read a while back on the Dreams website that they were working on providing a web address that friends/family that couldn't make it to Mexico to attend your wedding could go to to watch a live feed of the wedding online. Anyone know if this is true or has been able to utilize this for your wedding? Thanks ladies! Debbie

Shanbeth, We're planning on doing the legal ceremony for our wedding in January 2011, but I have yet to see the script. Would you mind posting it or PMing me? Also, from what I've read on this board, it seems that brides that submitted changes to the script to their officiant got the changes approved, you might want to give it a shot. Good luck! Debbie

Hello everyone! I've been a little absent on the board lately, but have still been lurking and keeping up with everyone's posts and reviews I've got 2 questions that I'm sure you ladies have answers to... Â First question...our wedding is just over 4 months away...when did you start getting emails from your WC with pics of flowers or info on an officiant or other details? Â And second..I remember reading a while back on the Dreams Cancun website in the wedding section that they would soon have a website for family/friends that could not attend your wedding to still be able to watch live over the internet. Does anyone know if this is up and running or has anyone had family/friends be able to watch from home? Â Thanks ladies! Â Debbie

Peterpanpixiedust..you beat me to it! I was just about to post about the TTD pics posted on the Dreams Cancun Facebook, so if any of you out there are not a fan yet of Facebook, do so...Dreams said that in the coming weeks they will be posting more wedding pics. Hopefully pics with the new gazebo so we can all get a better idea how it looks. I was also told by my WC (Cecilia) that they will be remodeling the terrace area in June, so I'm looking forward to pics of this later this summer since I'm planning my reception there.

Gorgeous rings, ladies! I love my "halo-style" e-ring and how it looks like the center diamond is sitting on top of a diamond crown! Only been engaged for 2months so we haven't gotten the wedding band yet.

If you want to read the thread about this topic where I saw that post, do a search for "How much can you personalise a legal ceremony". (I realize that personalize is mispelled, but that is how the original poster of that thread spelled it, so you'll be able to find it easier if you spell it the way they did). Oh, and my mistake, the gal that posted her whole ceremony that I posted above got married at Dreams Tulum, but should be similar to what Dreams Cancun may require for a legal ceremony.

Here is a copy of a post I saw on the boards yesterday from a bride that provided her ceremony script, and inserted in the parts that the judge MUST say to make it legal. The required parts are in red. Not sure that this is always ok'd...the bride posted that she submitted this script to her WC for approval by the judge, and her WC told her she "got lucky" that it was accepted. She was able to replace the "Ocampo's Letter" part of the script..which I'm not sure what this part says. ----------------------------------- LEGAL CEREMONY BRIDE: GROOM: WEDDING DATE: WEDDING TIME: WE STRONGLY REQUEST NO RELIGIOUS REFERENCES OF ANY KIND ENTRANCE NAME SINGS & PLAYS GUITAR SOLO, “SWEET CHILD O MINE.†NAME TO START SINGING BEFORE THE BRIDAL PARTY ENTERS, NAME WILL INDICATE TO YOU WHEN GUESTS ARE TO STAND. BRIDE WILL ENTER AT A SPECIFIC POINT IN SONG TO ALLOW FOR WHOLE SONG TO BE PLAYED & HEARD BY GUESTS. BRIDAL ENTRANCE ACCOMPANIED BY 1. NAME (FATHER) 2. NAME (MAID OF HONOUR / SISTER.) BRIDE AND GROOM STEP FORWARD TO LIGHT THE CENTRAL MEMORIAL CANDLE. Officiant: “These candles are a symbol that our love for those no longer with us burns bright within our hearts and today as always their spirits shine upon us.†WELCOME Officiant: “On behalf of Groom and Bride it is my honor to welcome you and thank you all for travelling such great distance to be here today. According to the laws of this country we are gathered here to join the bonds of matrimony which is an honorable status. As witnesses of this important act there are present here: 1. ……………………. 2. ……………………….. 3. …………………… 4. ……………………….. Who will sign the marriage document.†READING TO REPLACE OCAMPO’S LETTER Officiant: “It was once said that falling in love is like being the first to discover the most beautiful thing in the world, to find something so lovely that no-one else had even noticed. Love often starts in little ways. It comes quietly with a smile, a glance or a touch but you know it’s there because suddenly you’re not alone. Love means finally finding a place in this world that shelters you and is your very own, where you feel you have been forever and where you will live, grow and learn. The beautiful thing about love is that its an experience we share with all people throughout the world, and yet to everyone who falls in love it is the most unique and precious thing in the world.†VOWS Officiant: “ I now ask two questions to your witnesses, 1. Are Groom and Bride persons you know well? 2. Are there any objections for them to be joined in legal marriage in Mexico?†Officiant: “ Groom do you accept Bride as your beloved and wedded wife?†Groom responds: “Si Acceptoâ€Officiant:Groom please repeat after me: “ From this day forward I promise you these things…. I will laugh with you in times of joy… And comfort you in times of sorrow… I will share in your dreams… And always support and encourage you… I promise to love you in good times and bad… I will help you when you need it… And step aside when you don’t… You are my best friend… And I will love and respect you always…†Officiant: “Bride do you accept Groom as your beloved and wedded husband?†Bride responds: “Si Acceptoâ€Officiant: Bride please repeat after me: “ I do not need you, I choose you… I choose you today in witness of all the people who love us… I choose you tomorrow in the privacy of our hearts… I choose you in strength and weakness… I choose you in health and sickness… I choose you in joy and sorrow… I will choose you, over all others… Every day, for all the days of my life.†EXCHANGE OF RINGS Officiant: “Today, you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, husband and wife. The rings you are about to exchange are the symbol of never ending love and commitment each of you feel deep within your soul. Officiant: Bride and Groom please join hands and Groom repeat after me..:†“These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my never ending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Groom places ring on Brides finger. Officiant: “Bride repeat after me…†“These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my neverending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Bride places ring on Grooms finger. COINS CEREMONY Reader stands and hands pouch of coins to Groom. NAME Reads: “It is a Mexican tradition for the Groom to present the Bride with 13 coins on their wedding day. These coins symbolize the promises which have been shared and the elements for a happy life together that the groom pledges to provide. As the bride accepts these coins she shows her unconditional faith in the groom and the promises they have made.†Groom pours coins into Brides hands “The coins symbolize: LOVE TRUST COMMITMENT RESPECT JOY HAPPINESS HARMONY WISDOM WHOLENESS NURTURING CARING CO-OPERATION AND PEACE.†SIGNING OF THE MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. NAME TO PLAY GUITAR DURING SIGNING OF MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. SAND CEREMONY Child comes to stand with Bride and Groom and reads: “Today me, dad and Bride will join our lives together. The separate bottles of sand symbolize our lives before today, And everything we are and everything we will ever be as individuals.†Bride, Groom and child pour Sand “As the sand is poured the individual sand no longer exists but will be joined together as one, Just as these grains of sand can never be separated again, From this day forward this is how our family will be.†Group Hug. Child sits down. PRONOUNCEMENT Officiant: “ Groom and Bride, With friends and family we send you forth on life’s journey together. May the love and happiness you share today be with you always. In the name of the law and the society and with the authority from the Solidaridad Municipal here in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, I now declare you husband and wife, You may kiss the Bride….Guests perform Maraca Shake! Officiant: “May I be the first to introduce to everyone Mr and Mrs NAME

I'd like to see the script for the legal ceremony at Dreams Cancun too. It's still 9 months until our wedding, and I know the WCs there are super busy, so I'm trying not to email them to often with questions at this early point in time, but would love if a more recent bride could post the script if they have it. I did see another post on here where a recent bride did a legal ceremony and she was able to add in the script she wanted around what the judge MUST include to make it legal. Not sure if everyone can do that...she said she emailed her version to her WC to submit to the judge for approval, and her WC told her she "got lucky" that they approved it. I saved it, so I'll see if I can post it here for you!

Great review, Lilz! Looks like you had a perfect day! And way to score on those flowers since the gazebo was not all the way done yet!

Thanks for the replies ladies. I'm not worried about the wind, was just curious if anybody noticed it was different earlier in the day. We're still mulling over the ceremony time, but we weren't too worried about it being too hot for a noon ceremony since our wedding is in January and the avg daily temp at that time of year is 78-82. We vacationed there in April/May 2008 and at that time of year it was 87 or 88 everyday...pretty toasty! At the moment, we are thinking day wedding, then either hang out at the bars at night or hit a club as the party part of the reception since we don't know that we'll have that many people interested in dancing to justify paying for a dj & dancefloor, but guess it will depend on how many guests confirm that they are coming...that could sway our decision

I've been searching this thread and have read many comments about how windy the gazebo can be, but I haven't found my specific question answered yet. It seems that most had their ceremony in the afternoon around 4pm or so. Any Dreams brides out there have their ceremony earlier? We are planning on a noon ceremony in the gazebo, and from what we remember when we vactioned there 2 years ago, the wind definitely was more noticeable in the afternoon/evening compared to the morning and early afternoon. Can anybody share your experience if your ceremony was earlier in the day?

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I have been doing a lot of "lurking" on this site and finally decided to post and get in on the action now that the date is set and the planning can start! Cougs...I've read through many of your posts on here and they have been extremely helpful! And yes, I am aware of the new beach, new gazebo, and the latest I heard from Cecilia is that they are remodeling the terrace area soon too. I'm looking forward to all the changes! Not the least bit worried about it! We chose Dreams Cancun because of the wonderful LOCATION of the gazebo and the fantastic service at the resort. I am getting more excited everyday!

Hello all! Our wedding date is set for January 22, 2011 at the Dreams Cancun resort! My fiance and I took our first vacation together there 2 years ago, so when we got engaged 2 months ago in March (while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas), it was a no-brainer...we knew we had to go back to Dreams Cancun! Mexico is kind of "our thing"! We vacation in Mexico 1-2 times per year and of the resorts we have visited or seen pictures of online, we think that the oceanfront gazebo at Dreams Cancun just can't be beat! We are early on in the planning stages. We created a website using wedsite that is serving as our invitation and way to keep our friends/family updated on the details of our destination wedding. And I did get my dress a couple weeks ago and it is supposed to arrive in August. Looks like we will have about 20-30 guests and most will be staying at Dreams Cancun along with us. Cecilia is our WC and she has been great so far with the email correspondences we have had. Looking forward to the coming months and getting everything a little more figured out! I love reading the reviews on this site and seeing all the amazing pictures from fellow Dreams brides! Debbie