jana297

Holly Cow!!! Did any of u ladies know this was an option for your reception. It sure looks beautiful.

Please note the photgrapher that took this. What amazing work he does. Juan Navarro is also really good!!

They do not have an 800#. What I did was buy a calling card at the grocery since calling to Mexico is cheapest that way and used it the entire time with my wedding planning. She is slow to answer emails because of the hundreds of weddings they do. I would call the number in Mexico at the resort and u will almost always get Claudia at her desk!  

Originally Posted by Tamyjacob 

Im trying to get in touch with their wedding planner does any one have an 800 number or an email????
 

Originally Posted by beachwed2013 

 

Hi all!

 

I was hoping to get some feedback/review/ pictures from Brides that used the new photgraphers provided by the Hotel!

 I heard that the one with the hotel does nice work but is not sociable. We went with Juan Navarro and his rates were amazing and his work was unreal.

Originally Posted by Thebride 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

I am also on a budget and, when Claudia sent me the total, it almost took my breath away.  Things can sure add up.  I have heard of replacing the cocktail hour for the additional 10 ppl for dinner, that is a good idea if you are on a tight budget.  I am in between a DJ and the sound system for the reception on the beach.  What do you ladies think?  The sound system would less expensive but, would it look cheap?  

 

 You could certainly use the sound system it would be cheaper and they do a good job you could create a playlist on the ipod. At first we considered this and then at the end we went with the dj and cut expenses elsewhere. We brought our own centerpieces and got a credit for not using the Mexican trio that was included in the package. I also did not take the centerpieces that were part of my package and used them both for gazebo decor etc. Try and see what u can do without in the package and call Claudia to see what she could give u for it.

The DJ is worth every penney. He did a great job at our wedding.

Originally Posted by nfriedenberg 

 

I had my wedding on June 23, 2012 at Dreams and it was awesome! I will be posting a review very soon and will try my best to check on this site a little more often for those that have questions.  Leigh was awesome in helping me prepare (and she didn't even know it!), I just want to be able to pass along the wonderful advice.  For those that tend to worry easily over things, just relax, when you get there it all falls together and comes out perfect.  Be like the islanders and keep the motto, "No Worries!"  Here is a link to our photo album done by the resort (great photos- horrible photographer as far as his people skills went) but I will get into that in my review. http://nickyjohn.dreamsresortcancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/

 Welcome back. I am sooooo happy everything was perfect for you! Congrats!!

Originally Posted by JenJen5 

 

Any recommendations on which hair/makeup person to use at the resort?  Thanks!

 All three of those girls did an amazing job. all of my girls and me looked perfect.

Originally Posted by Alina8706 

So I have a question for all the ladies who have been married at the Dreams.....

 

When it came to the extras (and the taxes) did everything seem to add up very quickly and be very high?

 

If so, How did you cut costs. Also I am worried about the amount of guests we invited? I thought my budget would be ok but looking with the taxes and add ons (additional alcohol) I think I have sent out to many Save the Dates.

 

What percentage of the people you invited come to the wedding?

 

Thanks for all your time and patience ladies (im starting to get a little nervous)

 Don't be nervous at all. Their are alot of things you can do to save money. Centerpieces you can be very creative and bring stuff on your own. I used fake orchids that were submerged in water and no one could tell they were not real. I am very picky and have always thought fake flowers were cheesey. Dunny enough they looked amazing. I printed out menu cards on my own to brighten up the tables since I could not afford colored napkins and tablecloths. I went with the white ones and did menu cards, and starfish place cards. It loooked sooo gorgoeus. Also I did opt to buy the chair bows but if you bought them online you could save a ton. Claudia and the wedding coordinator are so very helpful and will allow you to swich out things. For instance the sound system was I think $180 an hour and I switched out the Mariochi band for the sound system. The wedding package I paid for included having that band at our wedding reception. I was so happy she let me do that. You really need that sound system but it was just so pricey. Another thing that helped us save money was the desert that came with the package..I asked that instead of serving the desert if they could just make the wedding cake that came with my package larger. They did and it looked beautiful and I did not pay extra. I will attach some pics of the centerpieces etc etc. If you need any help with anything just pm me.

As far as people coming a lot of people will shy away due to the pricing. Don't panic yet till you get full commitments. We asked our guests to give us a 100% commitment 8 months prior so that we could plan accordingly financially. They all understood and we had less than we thought. It will all work out well.

Originally Posted by beachwed2013 

 

Can i B**** lol prices went up for my party last weekend by $50 a night, and a lot of my guests dropped off, only upset because I let them know 8 months ago to book! Bummer, what can i do though. Nada needa get my last 2 bridesmaids to book and fast though

 

 Yup...I can understand your frustration. We had everyone book their rooms with our travel agent a year in advance for $50 and that held the price. We were really lucky we did that. Their were two people that waited last minute for everything and paid triple for everything. I felt so bad! Bridesmaids should definately get on it!

Originally Posted by mrsgraham2012 

 

Alina,

 

Thank you for posting.  My wedding is Oct 13, 2012 and I chose Dreams for many of the same reason. However, the primary one - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.  You simply will not find a more perfect site for your wedding in Cancun.  Cecilia has been so gracious in answering my 2.5 million questions coupled with everyone on this thread.  We are super excited and looking forward to having an amazing time in October.

 

Thank you again for putting my mind more at ease!

You ladies are so right about the location. There is no other resort with such an amazing location in all of Cancun!!

Originally Posted by Thebride 

 

Hi Alina,

 

Thank you so much for taking the time and posting these pictures.  The location does look beautiful.  I am very unimpressed with the hotel.  I have my wedding booked for October 26, and I have been having nightmares about the way the hotel will look and my guests complaining about it.  It does not look luxurious at all.  What was your first impression.

 I was so worried about all of the same things you were worried about. All of our family and friends have money unlike us and they go to really fancy resorts. They all had an amazing time and really enjoyed the resort. The dolphins, drinks, and food won them over. I was so relieved. Trust me u have nothing to worry about at all. Not one single thing.

Originally Posted by Katnkiko 

 

I was wondering who should get a tip?  and how much should I tip??

 

minister?

W.C?

photographer

videographer

servers

chef?

etc...

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Minister $75

Videographer $50

Photographer $200

Servers $20 Each

Cake Chef $20

DJ $100

Wedding Coordinator $200

Travel Agent that handled entire group $200

This is what we tipped.

Originally Posted by janine837 

 

 

Thanks so much for that information! She sounds fabulous, I will definitely consider contacting her and very much appreciate the referral

 Yup Karen is fantastic and helped with all of the details not just the Hotel and airfare. She went above and beyond. she even got my guests all booked for just $50 a piece about 11 months ahead of time. Truly amazing travel agent.

Originally Posted by CancunLove14 

 

 

Hello. I have a few questions.

 

Has anyone use the Club Terrace for their reception?

What kind of tables did you use and how did it work out for you?

 

Has anyone had their ceremony on the beach?

Did you use an arch? Do you have pictures?

 

I need help deciding, ladies!

 

I love the idea of a beach reception

but, I'm worried about the wind/sand issues.

Therefore, I'm thinking on hosting it on the Terrace

 I had mine on the club terrace but I have been told that location is no longer offered unless 70% of your huests are booked in the club tower rooms.

Originally Posted by janine837 

 

 

What travel agent/agency did you use? I am getting married in April 2013 and was going to suggest guests use either expedia.com or bookit.com, but if there is a more convenient/consolidated way I would love to explore it! What did your guests pay on average per person for 3 nights, if you don't mind me asking? I'm assuming they did the all-inclusive with airfare, or no? Was the travel agent only helpful with the room rates?

 

Thanks!

$580.00 per person including transfers to and from air port 3nights 4 days airfare was seperate and can't hurt to give her a call and have her put together some rates.

Originally Posted by Matt Adcock 

 

Hola Jana,

 

We just finished a wedding at the Secrets Silversands and simply fell in love with the location!!!! Super modern, excellent customer service and very knowledgable wedding coordinator.

 

Here are a few of our favorite pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can also view the entire slideshow here: Diana + Arman

 

Happy Planning!!

 Congrats!!! You sure were one gorgeous bride and you will remember your wedding for a lifetime and so won't your guests!!!!

Originally Posted by K Martinez78 

 

Jana... Did you hear about the new secrets opening in cancun? It's called secrets the vine. All adults. Supposed to be open in August.

 I did. It looks really modern but the beach area looks a little sparse. We were thinking either Silversands in Riviera Maya or Royal Beach in Punta Cana? Have any of you ever been?

Originally Posted by peterpanpixiedust 

 

Hey everyone we are here in our first anniversary! last night was our actual anniversary and we had a romantic dinner with our wedding menu recreated! Anyone's wedding coming up this week?

 Congrats!!! I hope you are having an amazing time. We will be returning to Mexico for our fiorst year anniversary but will be going to Secrets instead since it is all adults. Part of me wants to return to Dreams but the other part of me needs a kid free vacation. Enjoy every minute of your vacation!!

Originally Posted by jamieirene 

 

Hi Ladies, 

 

So we leave for Mexico in 41 days and will be married in 44!!  I can not seem to choose which dinner menu design I like best, I would love your input!  ( I am stuck between 1 and 2 )

 

Thanks!

 

Menu 1:

 

 

Menu 2:

 

 

Menu 3:

 

 I like the second one. I made menu cards for my wedding and I thought they came out great and added a nice touch!

Originally Posted by j4vieira 

 

Thanks.  One of my bridesmaids will be going to Cancun this October and I was hoping that she could go by the Dreams and speak to Claudia.  I wanted her to do a food sampling while she was there?  I wanted to set that up with Claudia. 

 

 

I have a question for you.  How did your guest book their trip to your wedding.  I was going to book through the resort hoping that it would be cheaper but the rates they provided me with were outrageous.  I have decided to have everyone book on their own through and outside wholesaler. 

 I booked through a travel agent and she rocked. She got all of us Ocean front rooms at the garden room rate and saved our guests hundreds of dollars. also my travel agent gave us a $1000 discount since we have 26 people booked through them. It was so much easier using one travel agent at one place avoids tons and tons of problems.

Congrats!!

Passport holders on etsy were a huge hit and u can customize them as well!! The designer on Etsy is Gracie Designs!

Originally Posted by j4vieira 

 

Hi,

 

I am getting married at Dreams Cancun in may of 2013 and was getting worried that Claudia hasn't emailed me back.  Its been a month since I last emailed her and still no response.  Should I be concerned?  Is there a direct number that I could reach her by phone..

 

Thanks

 

 Go to the resort website and use their phone number in Mexico. I almost always get here there with no problem.

Originally Posted by Katnkiko 

 

Question- Does anyone know of what tour/excursion companies were at the hotel. Did anyone plan a day trip for guest?

 

Thanks

Kat

 We did not plan a day trip for our guests and they were glad we did not because they were only there a short time 3 nights 4 days and really wanted to enjoy the beach etc etc and the resort. Maybe  that is something your guests would like.

Originally Posted by nfriedenberg 

 

Question- Who/what did you tip?  I know I should give Claudia a nice amount, how about the servers, I know there will be a few of them? The DJ, videographer (I hired one), photographer (package one), am I missing anyone?  I really haven't a clue so your honest opinion is nice.  Thanks!

so here is what I did:

Travel agent $200

Wedding Coordinator $200

Photographer $200

Servers & Bartenders each $20

Minister $40

Videographer $50

DJ $100

Cake Chef $20

Originally Posted by marilili 

 

You said it was $580 per person if they are staying in a double, right?  If that's the case then I didn't get such a bad deal because I'm paying $439 per person for 3 nights, but I have many guest only staying for one night, so they can't get the same daily rate.  But you had better rooms, I'm getting just the deluxe rooms.  I"m going to look more into it just to be sure though.  I had the option of transfers but I chose not too because many are renting cars and shuttles are not that expensive.

It' s so great to be able to share this info.

 

 We had the deluxe oceanfront suites.