Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread)

[gallardo films]

Hi ladies. I was wondering if any has hired outside vendors? Florist, decorator, photog, videog, dj..... I contacted the wedding coordinator and she said they don't allow outside vendors. But for photog and videog we have to pay a fee. Is this true for everyone? I would really like to hire someone outside the resort. Please let me know if you are in the same boat and would advise. Thank you

 

 

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Hi, We're Gallardo Films wedding cinematographers at Cancun and Mayan Riviera.

 

We've had some weddings at the Dreams Riviera Cancun and here is an evidence of it. We hope it is helpful.

 

We like to share all of our experiences to make you witnesses of those moments

 

that you'll live soon as future husbands and wives.

 

So, I hope you like this emotive wedding video captured at the Dreams Riviera Cancun.

 

Happy planning! 

 

https://vimeo.com/84107224

Edited March 4, 2014 by gallardo films

[tkennerson]

Hi all! Is anyone bringing a photographer with them? Trying to weigh the pros and cons of going local or bringing a photographer that I love and who also did out engagement shoot. Would love your thoughts...

[TeamArceo]

Hello future brides!

Does anyone have access to the excel spreadsheet for Dreams Riviera Cancun that automatically calculates your budget? I found it before but I have now misplaced it.

 

Thanks!

[smileitseb]

Hi brides!

 

I'm new to this forum but have been reading for a couple months as I was deciding where to get married. We booked at DRC for May 2015 and am so excited! For brides that have gotten married there before, or those that may know, the table decorations for the reception (I am having it on the pool terrace) seem scarce. What did everyone take to decorate? Centerpieces? Table runners? Chargers? 

 

Also, I was originally planning to use the Adventure photographers because according to the 2014 Budget Planner I was originally sent they didn't seem too expensive but the 2015 are much higher for photographers. Does anyone have any recommendations for a budget friendly but professional photog? Thanks so much! 

[af2492]

Has anybody ever gotten the photo booth? We went to a wedding once where they had a real photobooth and it was awesome and we are thinking of splurging on it for our wedding and were wondering how it was at Dreams. Thanks!

[nattiegams325]

Hello future brides!

Does anyone have access to the excel spreadsheet for Dreams Riviera Cancun that automatically calculates your budget? I found it before but I have now misplaced it.

 

Thanks!

Send me your email, I just received the excel sheet from the hotel last week!

Hi ladies. I was wondering if any has hired outside vendors? Florist, decorator, photog, videog, dj..... I contacted the wedding coordinator and she said they don't allow outside vendors. But for photog and videog we have to pay a fee. Is this true for everyone? I would really like to hire someone outside the resort. Please let me know if you are in the same boat and would advise. Thank you

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They told me it is $150 per outside vendor. They will waive this for an outside photog but you have to pay for a 3 day stay at the resort for them. I've contacted styling trio (hair/makeup) and they also said it's a $150 fee.

Edited March 8, 2014 by nattiegams325

[newmrskassner]

Hello Brides!  I posted this on the Dreams Riviera Cancun 2014 forum also, so excuse the repeat but I wanted to make sure that everyone saw it!

 

 

I've started my planning with the coordinator, and I just wanted to fill you all in on the changes that have been made.  First, I will start by saying that I am not "pushy" but I am certainly smart in my business dealings and I don't just take answers without questioning them.  That said, many of the prices and conditions have changed.  

• Many past brides were able to exchange the cocktail hour for credit towards extra guests attending the reception.  This is NO longer being accepted.  I was told it was only for brides last year (even though I know brides this year have done it).  I explained that it is in Dreams best interest to do this as it saves them cocktail set up, a bartender, appetizers.  I was met with a swift "NO".
• The outside vendor photography fee has doubled.   It used to be $150 and is now $300.  You also need to pay for the photographer's meal (which will be counted as an extra guest at your wedding).  I'm all for feeding the photographer, but doubling the fee is outrageous!
• The photography prices have gone up substantially from last year.  I had an email saved that quoted $1,500 for a package, and now this year that same package is $2,500!
• I asked if I could forgo the TTD session for an hour more of video (some other brides have done similar), and was told that there are no more credits being given for unused photography.  I even asked if I could have more images instead and was told no.  This makes no sense because it saves them a bundle of time and money.

I'm sorry to be a downer, but I wanted you all to be prepared.  I was not, and this has totally ruined my wedding planning.  My wedding is now going to cost a LOT more money than originally planned.  

[acw271011]

It's sad, but as soon as the word "wedding" gets attached to anything, all of a sudden it becomes part of a money grab. I'm sorry you've been caught in the middle of this type of thing. The other sad part is that they know brides will still go, and will still pay because it's what they want for their wedding. Maybe if business starts to go elsewhere for weddings, it might make some of the resorts realize what they're losing.

 

Good luck! I hope things work out for you and that you still have a wonderful wedding!

[talicea7812]

Sorry to hear you are dealing with that situation...but its nothing compared to the nickel and diming at my resort (Azul beach) our approved vendors are awful & photo/video are the most important aspects to me.  The outside vendor fee at my resort is $800 or a 3 night stay at the resort!

 

I have had many many issues while planning my wedding but the key is to not back down.  Have you gone to supervisors? Post on social media that you are unhappy? find the brides who are getting the perks you want and copy their messages.

 

I know things have changed at dreams since my friend married at the cancun one in 2010...but I still would rather be getting married there than the resort I chose!  I am paying to bring my photog from home and stay at the resort (I took out a 3rd job to do this) and I will also be paying the fee for my video guy.

 

 

 

 

 

Now to any brides that can help....

Can you identify this cenote?

[nattiegams325]

I was told 1 week ago that the outside photog few was $150. Does your contract have a no-price escalation clause? I am in the process of reserving my day for Feb 2015, when do you get the contract? Before I send the deposit I want my event planner friend to look at the contract for me and ensure prices are set in stone because frankly, I'm not dealing with this BS.