CKNMVS

I tipped Gina,DJ, wait staff, and videographer think thats it. I really dont know if my tips were appropriate I was so overwhelmed lol. I feel like i should have tipped George (he works to organize reception) but i forgot... I think I gave Gina $60, DJ, $120 (he did a great job and was interactive) photographers $100, videographer $50 ( after i tipped videographer he stayed for extra hr or so!) and waitstaff $100..At resort here and there I would give $1 bills to bar tenders if we got lot of drinks for our group and sometimes waiters if they were really friendly. The Mexican restaurant had best waitstaff in my opinion, its alot of fun to bring a young group. they bring you shots of tequilla and shake your head and put funny mexican hats on you.

Here is my review. if you have any questions message me i wil try to check. this forum has been invaluable to me! Best of luck ladies, its going to be great! I want to say overall this a great hotel and I had a really nice time and would recommend coming here and having a wedding here! Still waiting for professional pictures and will post once they arrive. I had my wedding here in May. The hotel is absolutely beautiful; it is actually nicer than in the pictures! Staff is very attentive, and I thought the restaurant- especially French were very good. The Mexican restaurant was a lot of fun but food was just ok (guacamole was very disappointing). The infinity pool is absolutely amazing!! The beach is disappointing, could have been all the rain (it rained for 3 days straight when I was there). Just some notes on hotel before I leave my wedding review for future brides. I thought food was tasty, and didn’t experience any stomach issues, however the majority of our party did have some minor issues lasting a day or two. I attribute this to being at a new place and eating and drinking a lot more than the average person is used to. Most people were able to take some over counter meds and were ok within a day or two. There were 2 people who had more severe issues and were out of commission for longer and the stomach problems continued once they came home and they actually had to get antibiotics... One other guests has been home over a month and is still sick. The doctors aren’t sure what it is exactly and she now has to go for even more testing. These are people who have been to other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Jamaica and never had a problem.. Also, DO NOT TAKE MONEY OUT FROM ATM IN LOBBY. I took out some additional American dollars to leave tips for wedding staff (also it doesn’t hurt to tip staff at hotel- they work very hard) and was charged $60 USD for taking out money. There is a sign on ATM that said 60 PESO. Before taking the money out I confirmed with front desk and they said PESO… Then I get home and I see $60USD withdrawn from account. My bank can’t do anything and Dreams is claiming no responsibility for this since they say they don’t own the ATM. I think this is extremely irresponsible of the hotel. It is robbery. How can you charge your guests such an insane fee? I am more upset that I have called and emailed the Dreams no one gets back to me. After bringing 33 people there and spending thousands of dollars to have my wedding, this is the response I get. It is really irresponsible of Dreams to allow this ATM company to rob their guests. I stayed in Preferred Club and found the two women working at concierge to be extremely rude. I don’t think it’s worth the extra money. You have separate check in and a “preferred lounge†that has AC with some extra food and drinks (big deal). The rooms were nice and had a good view but I don’t think its worth the extra money. Tip for brides: When booking your room, book a category below what you want, you will great free upgrade. Now for wedding review: Overall had a great wedding here. Wedding group did a great job. Future brides- the wedding department is very busy so don’t freak out if they don’t answer emails. Really you just need to reserve your date and wedding locations before you come down. Make sure you reserve the DJ and photographer and you are good to go. They also have a person on site to perform wedding ceremony if you are doing symbolic (which means you get married at home legally and have the vows take place in Mexico). Linda the wedding officiant has different ceremonies and vows you can use and customize to fit your needs. She speaks very good English. You don’t need to reserve her she comes with package. I had Ultimate package. Very good deal comes with free hair make-up and massages. If you stay in preferred club for over a week you get honeymoon package which comes with champagne on arrival and more massages and beach dinner- its awesome (all free). In terms of details, you can choose centerpieces, bouquets and even food once you arrive. Gina or anyone of wedding coordinators can email you these things advance. It is advisable to do these things beforehand but rest assured you can change your mind or decide once you arrive as long as you get there a few days before the actual wedding. Just make sure when you meet with Gina/or WC that you are very clear. Gina was very organized and spoke great English. I wanted to have rose petals along the aisle I walked down but somehow there was a miscommunication and I paid for one bag of petals and the petals were on the table for dinner (which looked beautiful) but there were none on the aisle. I wanted them to be in both spots but I didn’t clearly state that.. My fault. Also if you bring things to the wedding they willset it up for you (organza, chair bows, party favors, menus, etc without charge). If you want these things back either take them yourself at end of wedding or make sure Gina knows you want them back. I got most of my stuff back but a couple of items that I forget about and wanted were lost bc I didn’t take them. Luckily my husband grabbed cake topper but other props we had are gone…) They did give us back the sand from sand ceremony which is a nice memento. It basically rained up until the afternoon of my wedding. I was a wreck but luckily things cleared up on time and I was able to have my wedding on beach and cocktail hour outside by Jacuzzi area. Because the weather report said it would rain later in night Gina, the wedding coordinator advised me to have the wedding indoors in the ball room which is plan “Bâ€. I was very upset about this bc I had planned to have it outside by pool deck. I was so happy I listened to her. They made the ballroom look beautiful, it was air conditioned and it did in fact rain. I do think ballroom is better option if you have older guests. The bathrooms by pool deck are far from the party and require you to walk down the stairs next to Seaside Grill. Hopefully they clean this for wedding party but they were dingy during the day. Also it would be annoying for the bride to use this bathroom if she needed to freshen up. They may have other options but just a forewarning. Also my guests were relieved to be inside bc it is very windy by water and a bit humid. I had the hotel DJ, Rodrigo Barcelo spoke very good English and followed our requests. I provided him with a list of songs to play and he followed it and took requests. He set the night up so that we would do the speeches, garter toss, bouquet toss before the photographers and videographer left. The first half night was a little slow bc he had everyone sitting down to eat, then we did the items mentioned and once that was done the party got started. It was a lot of fun. Rodgrio even put on a funny song and got my husband do a strip tease for me before he took off garter- one of highlights of night. He is a great guy, lot of fun. I definitely recommend him. My only issue was that I wish there was a little more dancing in between courses, rather than having everyone sit, but I am sure this is something you can discuss with him. The staff at Dreams was great and very attentive. We had a sit down dinner at our reception and worked out well. We had 33 people at the wedding. When we were on the dance floor the staff brought shots, lot of fun! I didn’t use the hotel photographer, I brought in an outside company called La Luna, I had seen them on a blog and followed their work and it looked amazing, I am still waiting for my pics but they were great with us and took very creative shots. I had to pay for a room for them bc the Dreams doesn’t allow outside vendors. I am very excited to see their work but I have read hotel has a good photographer also. I used the hotels videographer and they seemed to be very attentive capturing the night but I still haven’t received the video either. Gina and wedding staff were great. There were some small setbacks. I was disappointed that during our wedding there was a lot of seaweed on beach. I had spoken to staff and they said it would be removed. It may have been due to all the rain from days before but it was upsetting to see it in all the pictures. Also, if you are getting married outside on beach, either north or south, there is not much privacy just be prepared. North beach is a little bit better bc it is away from Baracuda bar and volley ball courts. There is a wedding gazebo by pool area- however everyone at pool is watching your wedding, but you omit seaweed issue. Also the spa is beautiful, and they did great job with everyones hair and make up. I didn’t even do a trial and I was so pleased with the outcome! I definitely recommend this hotel and having your wedding here.

Ladies, I leave in 5 hours!!!! If anyone needs organza in purple or other photo props let me know I am prob going to be selling after my wedding on 5/21! Hope to see some of the May brides! I will leave a review whenI come back. I cant believe I am actually going down and having my wedding. It doesnt seem real!!

I spoke to Gina and she said you can choose other main course but if you do so you have to tell her in advance how many chickens, beef, fish you want along with a seating chart.. i guess you would have to ask your guests in advance. the sit down menu looks pretty bad, i revised it and mixed and matched but am still nervous. i am wondering if buffet is the way to go... still undecided and my wedding is less than month away!

I was planning to have my ceremony at Seaside Grill but I spoke to Gina today and she told me they cant replace the furntiure and that only brown chairs can be used (the ones they normally use). I was under the impression that the chairs would be covered in white but she said policy changed and this is no longer the case... Just an FYI...

WPGBride, My wedding is a week and half after yours and i feel the SAME WAY. I have had several nightmares lol. To top it off coordinators havent gotten back to me in over a month! I am beyond annoyed and frantic. Its really absurd! Have you had issues getting in touch with them?

Hi All, Does anyone have the information of resort videographer?? If so can you provide their info. i have given up on emailing the resort lol. Thanks!!

Hello! I am trying to understand the dinner menu for the wedding (sit down options). Based on what Eva sent me for gold menu there looks like there are 3 options - do we have to pick one or can guests select from the menu? Also do our guests get all of the items listed under option 1, , 2 etc or do they have to choose? So confusing.... Also can someone please send me ceremony: or attach is to this forum. Thanks!!

This is mine but I have some second thoughts.... Back is corset

Thanks so much for your responses- so helpful!! Another questions- did you girls get free room upgrades for yourself? I wound up getting credits for free rooms which I used towards my stay but I then in turn got a more deluxe room. I was wondering if additonal upgrades were available for the bride and groom, if they are it doesnt make sense for me to pay for them. My travel agent tells me they aren't but who knows... Thanks!!

Hi Aimeelaco Have you seen pictures of the cakes? I have been trying to reach coordinator and no response! Do you know if you have extras like a chocolate fountain? Anyone know the height of huppah on the beach? I saw it on this site but it was in meters. I want to make sure I am ordering right sizes. I havent heard back from Eva in almost a month now I am so frustrated!

Are you girls planning to get your hair/make up done by the resort? Has anyone heard whether or not the spa is good? Just curious. Unfortantely no one is my party is good at hair or make up.. I am at their mercy... Is anyone bringing down a hairstyle/make up artist around week of May 21st? If so would that person want to take on a extra job? Just throwing it out there. Thanks!!

Dimples, I love them, my favorite is tall vase with flowers and candles- so elegant! My question is are you going to carry the glass vases, candles and flowers to Mexico?? So heavy plus with your dress, luggage and everything else... It sucks bc resorts stuff really isnt so special and its expensive..

Hey dimples, Do you by any chance have pictures of your centerpieces? I really dont like anything the resort has but I have no idea how to bring down my own! My party is pretty small maybe 30-35 ppl. Are you also bringing down your own tableclothes and napkins? Thanks so much! Any pics or insight would be much appreciated!

Has anyone heard of DJ Rodrigo Barceló Villagrán?? Eva gave me his information months ago. He seems responsive to email but I havent heard of him before..

4/21/2012 Ankswt03 (Amanda and Jeremy) 5/12/2012 Dimplesandsuga 5/21/2012 CKNMVS 5/23/2012 Aimeelaco28 6/3/2012 Mrskatieperry (Katie and PJ) 6/9/2012 Ssapper 6/18/2012 juliej84 (Julie and Ash) 7/28/2012 Mnunez2 8/24/2012 Sarah-Jane (Sarah and James) 11/19/2012 melinmontana (Melissa and Kael) 12/17/12 Savs1027 (Savanah and John) 4/27/2013 Vika Yakovleva

Hii, I am getting married on the 21st- we will probably run into eachother!!

Hi Judany, Can you send me the pictures of centerpieces??

Hi! I am having some trouble getting through to Eva. If you by any chance have pictures of centerpeices and flowers available, do you mind sending them to me? Do you also have any pictures of the cakes available? Also, does anyone know the height of huppah on the beach-- I am planning to bring my own stuff to decorate. Sorry to bombard with questions, just getting antsy! Thanks so much

Hi Lindsay, I ran into a similar issue and I have an email from Gina saying as long as your photographer or who ever is a guest they can be used. You would probably just need to rent a room for the day.. I am using an outside photographer and that is my plan. I hope this helps: Enviado el: Lunes, 10 de Octubre de 2011 10:01 a.m. Para: Gerente de Bodas Asunto: Hi Gina, If the photographer and DJ are guests, I would assume there would be no vendor fee? Exactly if they are your guest and stay in the resort you can used. Can you confirm that there would be no additonal fees from hotel if I use my own photographer and DJ. we charge and extra fee when the vendors comes from outside the resort, but if is part of your guest and stay and another resort they need to pay a day pass per person is 80 usd. Thank you, On Sat, Oct 8, 2011 at 3:00 PM, Gerente de Bodas <[email protected]> wrote: Hola , I hope this email finds you doing great! If your photographer is staying at the hotel, that would be fine. Please let me know if you need any other information. Have a nice evening!

Has anyone used the Dreams photographers (not Anel)? Unfortunately she is not available on my wedding day which is very upsetting. I am wondering if anyone had experience with other photographers from Dreams. Thanks!!

Hi Sweetmelissaan I had the same issue, I asked Gerente if there would still be an issue if photographer was a guest, and she said that wouldnt be a problem then. You may have to pay for their room for one day but it may be worthwhile. I have the email if you need. I havent moved forward with yet, but I am planning to use La Luna, as I prefer their work compared to hotel photographer (although her work looks greta just personal preference). I hope this helps.

Hi GCR, I asked her this question several times and her final response was if you pay for a room for them it is fine- you can use them or just get day passes. She keeps contradicting herself. If you are persistent she will ok it. Just keep your emails. First she told me I couldnt use outside vendors, then she said I could if they had a room, or if I paid a vendor fee. I am keeping these emails as my proof. Good luck!

Hi NJ2012, I wouldnt worry to much now about flight costs. My wedding is in May and alot of airlines dont even have schedules available. Flights look high but its because its so far off. I am not going to worry about booking a flight until Jan/Feb, unless I see something drop dramatically. A friend of mine had a destination wedding also and said she had same problem- flights are usually high until 3-4 months before. A few months before her May 2010 wedding, flights dropped from $600 to $350 for direct flight to Dominican Republic. Flights from NY/NJ should be same- max $400. I would suggest stalking expedia a few months before wedding and booking when you find a good price. Dont stress!

Hi Rachallen, Did you get this sorted out? I am trying to get in touch with WC, and am trying to see if the DJ/photographer is a guest if it is then ok to use their services, and I would imgaine since paying for a room for them that outside vendor fee would be removed. Of course still havent heard back. Just wondering if you had any luck. $600 compared with well over $1500 (when you factor in tax/gratituty) is huge savings!