The new Dreams Tulum thread! (Post all DT Qs&As here)

[dee dreams]

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding ! We had our wedding on the beach by the sea side grill and it was beautiful we brought our own runner, chair sashes, tulle, hand fans , and they were beautiful touchs for a great price online because the resort charges a lot to rent there stuff .. I did pay 130$ to have them set up my decorations for the ceremony and very glad i did cuz i wouldnt have had time . I also paid 150$ for them to hang my paper lanterns and they set up my table decorations at NO cost !! im very happy i brought the paper lanterns as it was a really nice touch and make it look more like a nice space instead of just a table on a beach . I highly recommended renting the sound system for ceremony as you wouldn't have been able to hear the music or the guests wouldn't hear you talking . We just brought an ipod docking station for the dinner instead if paying 500$ to rent the speaker and we are very happy we dated ourselves 400$ cuz the iPod station worked great . We had cocktail at the lobby Terrence and that was very nice We went with the dreams of love package , I got mixed reviews hors d'oeuvres some said they were tasty and some Weren't a fan! I personal wasnt that much of a fan of the dinner it was just the same food you can get at the Italian restaurant Dinner the chicken was tasty Cake ( three milk cake very good The hiccups !! I was very disappointed with the minister !! He kept saying my name wrong even when my husband corrected him he continued to say it wrong . . The wedding coordinator told him my mother wanted to say a blessing but she never got to cuz he forgot .When we went to sign the papers he said oh no I forgot my pen the started asking my guests if anyone had a pen, a little embarrassing :s when he finally got a pen he told my M.O.D to put my bouquet on the table while I signed the papers for pictures but he accidentally smacked my bouquet off the table and make some pedals fall off .. Looking back now I'm kinda laughing writing this cuz at the time I was kinda annoyed but now u just have to prepare for things to happen, but I suggest getting in contact with minister and telling him exactly what u want !! All in all the day went beautiful and u always have to prepare urself for a few hiccups.. that was only my main conplaint was the minister and the front lobby being disorganized

[dee dreams]

Sorry still waiting on more pics as these are bad quality just took a picture of a picture

[Tulumbride2013]

Congrats dee dreams! I'm loving all the recent activity in this thread.i love your dress on you. The back is beautiful. I appreciate you sharing your set up costs with us, that's one of the grey areas for me, and I'm wondering what they are gonna charge. We're you given a free upgrade in your room? We got the junior suite but I think the deal we got with our ta is we get an upgrade depending on availability. That's pretty gross about the room stinking... And I'm shocked the man was rude to you, but I guess wherever you go you run the risk of meeting someone like that. The minister on the other hand is unacceptable... I have two people doing readings so this will not fly with me. It's sad your mama didnt get to say her blessing! Overall it sounds like your experience was pretty good. Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to see more pics:D

[BeaBride]

Yay Dee Dreams!  I'm so happy for you and am glad you had a great time (as I knew you would)!!  Congrats!!  The dress is beautiful on you...and very unique with the back detail.  You look so happy!  It's so exciting and interesting hearing from other brides that have been married at DT....especially within the same week.  It seems that your hiccups were very different from mine. It was nice that they didn't charge you for setting up your table decorations!!  I think it really depends on which wedding coordinator you get.  I felt like I was nickle and dimed for every detail.  I'm sorry to hear about the front desk staff and the minister. Who was your minister?

 

Thank you for sharing your experience. I really need to buckle down and finish my review!

 

Tulumbride2013:

 

Although we did have a lot of stuff to set up, It feels like we got ripped off on our setup fees a bit.  Here was our break-down:

- Set up over 20 guests for ceremony and reception = $207.90 ($165.00 plus tax and service)

- Set up of decorations by wedding staff = $211.68 ($3.00 plus tax and service x 52 adults..at least they didn't include the 3 kids, I guess).  We had individual menus and favours per person. At each reception table, I had a lantern centrepiece, table number holders, fake rose petals, and 5 candle holders with battery-operated votives.   Each of the 3 kids had a little monkey holder with their picture attached and a kids menu.  Also, I had the gift/welcome table with card box, 5 candle holders with candles, rose petals, guest book, and floral centrepiece.  The head table also had a floral centrepiece and bride/groom signs on the chairs.

- Set up of pomanders and lantern centrepieces = 100.80 ($80.00 plus tax and service).  They actually had to fluff up and hang up the 6 pomanders as I just brought the packages that I bought them in at the party store. On the ceiling, I had 6 pomanders, 5 lanterns, 1 hanging star decoration, and they hung a "just married" sign between the pillars. I also had 2 sets of white string lights.

For the ceremony, they set up our pew ribbons with fresh flowers, set up extra chairs with covers so all 55 of us would fit in the chapel (6 of us stood at the alter), had the programs ready, 4 reserved signs, a centrepiece, flower petals scattered in the aisle, and lit the candles at the front of the chapel.

** Keep in mind, though, to save on cost, we did not have any chair sashes, we used the standard chairs (not any of the special ones), and we used the standard white linens (no overlays, coulored napkins, etc.  The Seaside Grill was beautifully set up so in hindsight,I'm glad we didn't spend extra money on sashes, overlays, and linens for 4 hours of reception.  Instead of overlays, we sprinkled rose petals.  I wish I had my pictures already!

[BeaBride]

Originally Posted by JamieT 

 

Hi everyone,

 

I am getting married at DT in June 2013. I am new to this site, and excited (and thankful!) to read about everyone's ideas regarding planning a wedding at Dreams. I have 40 confirmed guests so far, but we're thinking maybe 50 people total will attend. Any ideas on music for this size group? ipod? Dancefloor? Also, I am thinking of getting a photographer outside of the resorts (since they are not getting very good reviews). Before I go digging around for quotes, does anyone have a photographer that they could recommend, as well as the prices that were charged?

 

Thanks for any ideas!

 

JamieT!!!

 

I'm so sorry.  I feel like you've been ignored!  I actually didn't see your post until now!  Congrats!!!  For music, you can either go with the resort DJ, an outside DJ, or rent a sound system and play music from an ipod.  It just depends on your budget and preference.  Either way, you can select the music you want played.  

 

As for a dance floor, I think it's not worth the money but I guess it depends on where you're planning to have your reception.  If it's on the beach, I really think it's more romantic to dance in the sand.  

 

For photography, I would definitely recommend getting an outside photographer, whether that means flying one from where you're located or hiring one in Mexico. We hired a friend of ours from Toronto who has experience shooting destination weddings as well as weddings in Canada.  We paid for his 3 night stay as well as for shooting the pre-ceremony, ceremony, after-ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and TTD. Because he's a friend, we got a good deal.  I think he normally charges between $2500 - $4500 per wedding depending on various factors.  PM me if you need more details on pricing, etc. I know there was a photographer that posted some of her shots on this thread not too long ago.  I think it's a Canadian lady living in Mexico that has shot at DT often. Maybe you can message her for pricing or look at some of her work.  I've seen and heard Del Sol photography is also awesome but pricey.

 

I hope that helps. I'm so excited for you and thanks for posting!  It's so nice to hear from all of you!

[jennybober]

Congrats Dee Dreams! Lovely photos.

 

Thank you everyone for the posts. I am 2 months away and starting to get a little nervous making sure I am prepared!!

[Tulumbride2013]

Yay Dee Dreams!  I'm so happy for you and am glad you had a great time (as I knew you would)!!  Congrats!!  The dress is beautiful on you...and very unique with the back detail.  You look so happy!  It's so exciting and interesting hearing from other brides that have been married at DT....especially within the same week.  It seems that your hiccups were very different from mine. It was nice that they didn't charge you for setting up your table decorations!!  I think it really depends on which wedding coordinator you get.  I felt like I was nickle and dimed for every detail.  I'm sorry to hear about the front desk staff and the minister. Who was your minister? Thank you for sharing your experience. I really need to buckle down and finish my review! Tulumbride2013: Although we did have a lot of stuff to set up, It feels like we got ripped off on our setup fees a bit.  Here was our break-down: - Set up over 20 guests for ceremony and reception = $207.90 ($165.00 plus tax and service) - Set up of decorations by wedding staff = $211.68 ($3.00 plus tax and service x 52 adults..at least they didn't include the 3 kids, I guess).  We had individual menus and favours per person. At each reception table, I had a lantern centrepiece, table number holders, fake rose petals, and 5 candle holders with battery-operated votives.   Each of the 3 kids had a little monkey holder with their picture attached and a kids menu.  Also, I had the gift/welcome table with card box, 5 candle holders with candles, rose petals, guest book, and floral centrepiece.  The head table also had a floral centrepiece and bride/groom signs on the chairs. - Set up of pomanders and lantern centrepieces = 100.80 ($80.00 plus tax and service).  They actually had to fluff up and hang up the 6 pomanders as I just brought the packages that I bought them in at the party store. On the ceiling, I had 6 pomanders, 5 lanterns, 1 hanging star decoration, and they hung a "just married" sign between the pillars. I also had 2 sets of white string lights. For the ceremony, they set up our pew ribbons with fresh flowers, set up extra chairs with covers so all 55 of us would fit in the chapel (6 of us stood at the alter), had the programs ready, 4 reserved signs, a centrepiece, flower petals scattered in the aisle, and lit the candles at the front of the chapel. ** Keep in mind, though, to save on cost, we did not have any chair sashes, we used the standard chairs (not any of the special ones), and we used the standard white linens (no overlays, coulored napkins, etc.  The Seaside Grill was beautifully set up so in hindsight,I'm glad we didn't spend extra money on sashes, overlays, and linens for 4 hours of reception.  Instead of overlays, we sprinkled rose petals.  I wish I had my pictures already!

Your so detailed! I'm loving this! I guess your set up isn't too too pricey really.. You seem to have had a lot of stuff it terms of the poof balls. I do have chair sashes, overlays, and runners though. But I only have 4 tables... So hopefully in terms of table decor it's not too pricey. In hindsight I wish I hadn't already bought the sashes, but I really loved the look of them in the resort photos. I also am flying my own photog down. She is doing the hole wedding week activities for a gret price, including a ttd at the cenote. I wold never been able to afford the prices the Mexican phtogs charge. I'm not getting a dance floor. It would be nice, but its like 700 bucks! Pretty much the same cost my DJ is charging for his services. I'm hoping to have my reception on the beach as well so dancing on the sand will add to the experience:) I can't wait to see more reception pics! Keep me posted!

[texasmandy]

Originally Posted by dee dreams 

 

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding ! We had our wedding on the beach by the sea side grill and it was beautiful we brought our own runner, chair sashes, tulle, hand fans , and they were beautiful touchs for a great price online because the resort charges a lot to rent there stuff .. I did pay 130$ to have them set up my decorations for the ceremony and very glad i did cuz i wouldnt have had time . I also paid 150$ for them to hang my paper lanterns and they set up my table decorations at NO cost !! im very happy i brought the paper lanterns as it was a really nice touch and make it look more like a nice space instead of just a table on a beach . I highly recommended renting the sound system for ceremony as you wouldn't have been able to hear the music or the guests wouldn't hear you talking . We just brought an ipod docking station for the dinner instead if paying 500$ to rent the speaker and we are very happy we dated ourselves 400$ cuz the iPod station worked great . We had cocktail at the lobby Terrence and that was very nice

We went with the dreams of love package ,

I got mixed reviews hors d'oeuvres some said they were tasty and some Weren't a fan! I personal wasnt that much of a fan of the dinner it was just the same food you can get at the Italian restaurant

Dinner the chicken was tasty

Cake ( three milk cake very good

The hiccups !!

I was very disappointed with the minister !!

He kept saying my name wrong even when my husband corrected him he continued to say it wrong .

. The wedding coordinator told him my mother wanted to say a blessing but she never got to cuz he forgot

.When we went to sign the papers he said oh no I forgot my pen the started asking my guests if anyone had a pen, a little embarrassing :s when he finally got a pen he told my M.O.D to put my bouquet on the table while I signed the papers for pictures but he accidentally smacked my bouquet off the table and make some pedals fall off .. Looking back now I'm kinda laughing writing this cuz at the time I was kinda annoyed but now u just have to prepare for things to happen, but I suggest getting in contact with minister and telling him exactly what u want !!

 

All in all the day went beautiful and u always have to prepare urself for a few hiccups.. that was only my main conplaint was the minister and the front lobby being disorganized

dee dreams,

Awesome info - thanks for sharing!  How many lanterns did you take?  Was it enough lighting?  My wedding is at 5pm so I m worried about the lighting for the reception.  Also, were there 2 different decoration set up fees if you had items to set up at the reception and the ceremony?

Thanks

[Tulumbride2013]

I'm curious as to lighting as well. We are not doing paper lanterns as bad as I want them, they quoted me 150$ to set up 10-15 :/ we have a DJ so I assume they'll bring some of their own lighting? Then we are dong the lights under the tables at 30$ each. Our ceremony is at 5 pm.

[dee dreams]

Just know lady's that the resort does provide spot lights that gave off plenty off lighting so don't stress with their spot lights i wouldnt worrie about buying extra lights .my LED lights for my paper lanterns wernt very strong so it was more decorations but loved them , I don't know who your wedding coordinator is but Anabel was so nice I had about 40 paper lanterns and she charged me 150$. You have to pay seperate for the cost of ceremony set up and reception set up . Ceremony i had 2 colors of tulle to set up on canopy, hand fans, isile runner, chair sashes, rose pedals. anabel did tell me in emails if I wanted someone to set up my reception it would be 150$ just for lanterns and I think like 200$ for table so i was just gonna set up the table myself ,but when I got there in person I asked her if i put all my table decor together and take them down to her if she could just put them on the table b4 the wedding and she happily agreed. I had 4 center pieces chair name cards , gift bags at each spot, 10 luminary bags. in the morning of the wedding ,I set up my gift bags , name cards and vase centerpieces and she came to my room to get them and my seating chart and she had everything set up perfect b4 the wedding.maybe cuz I put everything together she just had to put it on the table that's why she didn't charge me the set up fee which i still think that was very kind of her to do and not charge me . But I was ok paying the 150$ paper lantern set up fee cuz I just have her all the lanterns and they opened them and set up all the lights in there which does take a bit long to do so it was worth paying for them to do that . I tryed really hard to not get to much extras besides what was included in the package so here's my wedding breakdown Sound system for ceremony 184.26$ Set up ceremony 144.50$ Set up paper lanterns 166.50$ 1 small bouquet for MOD 33.30$ 2 bags of rise pedals 46.60$ 1 flower for hair 16.65$ All those prices are including taxes