Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread)

[justney]

A few more things:

1) I can send anyone documents you might want to copy or use as a starting point for your own weddings. Mine were primarily stolen from other brides on this website or the internet - just passing the baton.

2) My husband and I were going over the checking account today and noticed the hotel lobby ATM charged $60 for a $360 withdrawal (it gave USD).  We marched into the bank and discovered that it was that Mexican bank/that specific ATM who charged the fees.  When we left the resort for the remainder of our trip, the ATMs did not have any unexpected fees.  Just an FYI.

3) LindsayMichelle: I asked Veronica for a copy of the script quite a while ago and then double checked with her that the officiant still used that script just before the wedding. I'm not sure if I have an original copy, but if Veronica had it I'm sure it's on file somewhere.  Let me know if you can't get a hold of a copy.

4) I also recommend getting the heck out of Dreams a day or two after the wedding.  We loved our wedding, but we loooved the quiet time we had staying at a little casita down the coast (and away from family).

[SharonMydung]

Lindsay,

 

I emailed Veronica yesterday and it was Yamina who answered my email.  With all the turnover of the coordinators, I was afraid of losing Veronica sooner or later but I thought it would be later lol. 

 

I just completed my DIY table names.  Instead of having numbers, I put a different Virtue on each frame and added quotes and bedazzled it up.  At this point, I am pretty much done with everything so not stressing yet; perhaps it might come as we get closer.  I am more stress about work than the wedding. 

 

I went to Michaels today and I seriously wanted to purchase the whole store lol............

 

 

Originally Posted by LindsayMichelle 

Have you heard from her lately? I had not heard in a week or so and then yesterday got an email from my new coordinator, Yamina. She seems sweet and on it though and from what everyone says, DRC is so on top of things - so I won't worry

 

 I'm getting so excited! I just want it to be here! I'm having some stress with how busy we've been and trying to get everything set, but we're almost done. What about you? Less than a month to go! 
 

 

 

[SharonMydung]

Hey Colleen,

 

Similar to Lindsay, my list is getting smaller.  I finished my last DIY project today which turned out pretty nice so I am happy.  I am still waiting for the bridesmaid shoes to arrive and my candy from oh nuts for my welcome party. 

 

My biggest concern is the weather in Cancun in July.  My FI is afraid I will be super cranky since it will be hot and humid.  I am having my reception on the pool deck which I hope will turn out ok.  Do you think I will be sweating my ass off?  Are you changing into a shorter dress or will you be wearing the same dress during the reception? 

 

I had these light up rings during my bachelorette which was such a big hit that I've ordered more to bring down to Cancun for the guests.  They're these light up LED rings and they're so fun and wild.  I ordered them at amols.com where I ordered my maracas as well.

 

How many guests will you have?

Originally Posted by colleenandclint 

Sharon and Lindsay,

 

Not too much longer!!! Our month is almost here.  I had Lisbeth as a coordinator and was concerned when I heard that she was gone.  Good news, I got an email from Gina, my new coordinator, and she assures me everything will be perfect and she has all of my info. 

 

I don't think I will ever be done with all the wedding details, I just keep updating my list.  Haha.  Are you all done with yours???
 

 

 

[Sarah-Jane]

Hi Justney,

 

Thank you very much for your review it kind of puts my mind at ease!!! Would you mind emailing me a list of what you have! I am getting so confused with all the planning and what i should and should not do! my email is [email protected]

 

Thank you

Sarah

[MR1124]

Micaela,

 

I picked the Ultimate Package, but it's still per person after the first 20.   Will definitely let you know about the weather.. I'm getting nervous thinking it will be real humid for the reception, which will be on the Pool Terrace.

[kad1010]

Great review! Congratulations and I am so glad you enjoyed yourself! 
 

Originally Posted by justney 

Here are some more words of wisdom from a married lady…

I’ll try to focus on stuff that might be new or different from what’s been posted.  I tried to keep my whole wedding simple because that was the point of a destination wedding for me.  I didn’t get many extras or bring much of anything down.

 

Travel etc.

I had a family member in the travel business help me set up the room block and rates.  I stepped out after that and my guests each made their own flight reservations, transfers, and then the hotel reservations using the Dreams website and our group code.  I thought this would be a whole lot easier on me and it was!

 

Planning

I went through two coordinators during my planning, and then the day I showed up in Mexico, I got a third.  It really wasn’t a big deal because I kept the information all in one Excel document/list.  I suggest keeping in mind that the coordinators do this at least twice a day seven days a week, they have experienced it all.  It was ME who had never done this before.  I kept that same philosophy in mind with DJ’s (I went through three with all of the rule changes), photographers (I went through two), room/group coordinators (I had 2 ½), etc.  Just be prepared for the changes that will inevitably happen! In the end everything was perfect and we ended up married and no one died!

I suggest starting a list using the package details from the hotel’s wedding guide and then expanding on the list as you ask questions and decide on more details.  Add pictures of examples and non-examples of details you like.  Send this back and forth as a whole or in sections to your coordinator.  Also record the dates when you and your coordinator agree on details and prices.  I simply had to state that a price was quoted to me as cheaper in a previous email and the cheaper price was honored.  I did have the email to back it up, but never had to present it.  This was all I really brought down to Mexico.

 

Resort

I think there has already been a lot on how the resort is very clean and the staff is very friendly.  The food was good, steak seemed to be a favorite of our guest at many of the different restaurants.  There are two times (11:00ish and 5:00ish) where things shut down for about an hour to switch over to lunch or dinner so nothing is technically open although we figured out ways around this.  Also, each restaurant rotates being closed for dinner every night (this actually helped us out later).

 

Rooms/Upgrades

Our only real issue was with the room block people.  In our room block contract we received “VIP†upgrades and a complimentary gift (champagne) that we wanted to give to our parents.  My husband’s mom never received her champagne.  I had to keep asking about this and show my contract because no one claimed that it was their responsibility (reception, concierge, or the wedding department).  One of the Preferred Club reception guys was pretty pompous about it, but the champagne finally showed up in her room 2 days in to the trip. 

We also had a question about the number of rooms we had reserved in our contract that never got answered for the same reason of no one knowing whose responsibility it was.  I finally spoke with the guy on the last day and took all my courage (I hate confrontation) to say, “I guess the positive thing we learned here is that there is a communication disconnect here at the resortâ€.  Take that Room Guy!  I’m sure that wasn’t as big of an event in his life as it was mine.

 

Meeting

We went to our meeting with Veronica on Friday and we were met with Ana who told us that Veronica didn’t work there anymore and she would be taking over.  "OK" I said and we moved on.  Most stuff was already taken care of via email.  I gave her my décor, we cleared up confirmation numbers for hair and make-up, groom’s room, and the included spa treatments.  Then I meet with the DJ (I never caught his name but he was with Visual Sound) and Photographer (Anel’s co-worker from Adventure Photos). 

 

“Rehersalâ€

We wanted to thank our guests for making the trip so we rented a catamaran through CancunDiscounts.  It was the best thing we could have done!  Our guests loved this.  It cost us about $2,300 for 45 guests on the boat, open bar, and transfers (vs. $1,500 or so for a private dinner that they technically already paid for by being at an all inclusive).  Just be careful when navigating the CancunDiscounts website.  Certain boats dock in certain marinas and it we reserved a boat that we didn’t think we were getting.  It worked out in the end, but I suggest calling the 1800 number and going about it that way.

 

Ceremony/Reception

I brought hair and make-up pictures to the salon and things went fine.  I might suggest a trial with the hair for humidity purposes.  The stylist was great and fixed the shade of brown I wasn't into on my eyeshadow, no problems just ask!  My hair did some interesting things with the humidity and the hair spray.

 

I didn’t want to rack up the budget on decorations or schlep a million decorations down to Cancun so I only brought chair sashes and napkins bought off of eBay.  In the end I got ambitious and brought some votives which I wrapped in vellum and put LED candles in as centerpieces but it probably wasn’t needed. 

 

A friend of mine and I had a conversation about centerpieces once and it went something like this:

Me: I don’t know what to do about centerpieces.

Friend: Do you remember the centerpieces at my wedding?

Me: Um, no…

Friend: That’s ‘cause there were none.  No one cares!

Ha!  That still cracks me up!  I saw another wedding being set up during my stay that did not have centerpieces and it definitely did not look bare, the scenery takes over!

 

The ceremony was at 4:00 on the North Beach.  I just had the chair sashes, the included white fabric on the arch, and the included ceremony centerpiece.  They set out some conch shells and kept people from running around in the background (someone told me later).  The technician screwed up the songs and didn’t have the microphone working for the officiant at first, but again, we still ended up married!  This is the one part I would have someone double check for you (you’ll be getting ready or taking pictures when he sets up). 

 

I suggest treating this like a 1 hour DJ.  Give him some songs (5 or6) to play while gusts are being seated.  My technician played some really sappy stuff that none of my friends will tell me about except to say that I would have died (I’m not at all sappy). Give him your wedding party song, bridal march, recessional, and then 3 or 4 songs to play after the ceremony when you’re doing the champagne toast with your guests.  I did not check the box on my to do list that said “talk with technician†and that would be my only regret.  I spent too much time turning my entrance song from 4 minutes to 2 minutes, fading things in and out, making CD’s and backups, and in the end, it didn’t happen the way I planned.  Oh well!

I met the officiant when I got down to the end of the aisle during the wedding (she has done millions of weddings according to my husband who had time to befriend her).  She was great.  I got a copy of her “typical†script, took out a few sappy parts, added a few personal lines and called it good.  I couldn’t handle the idea of writing the entire ceremony.  Several people asked about the ceremony and said it was “so personalâ€.  Actually it was 95% her regular stuff!  Those 3 lines I added were enough.

 

We walked back down the aisle, did the champagne toast and pictures, then the husband and I took pictures with Anel while the guests went to the Barracuda Bar.  I sprung for the all day package or whatever is $999.  I gave her one of my lists with picture ideas (90% stolen from internet searches).  It had a few examples and a few “no ways†(I refused to do gazing into one another’s eyes pictures – too sappy).  In the end though, I told her to take really wacky pictures and to get creative because it was her profession not mine.

 

The Marriachi band was scheduled for 5:15-6:00.  They were tons of fun! We headed back to mingle with the guests, listen the band, and take a few candid shots.  We then headed BACK out with Anel to take some pictures in other parts of the hotel while our guests headed for the reception. 

 

Our reception started at 6:15 and went to 10:15 (I traded the cocktail hour for extra reception time).  The reception was supposed to be on the beach while another wedding was on the pool deck that night.  It RAAAAAIIIIIINED like crazy that morning and Ana told me she thought the ceremony would be OK on the beach but wanted to move the reception to a ballroom.  I politely gathered my confrontation skills to say “no stinking wayâ€.  I didn’t come to Mexico to have non-memorable ballroom reception (for which I had zero decorations).  She got back to me later and said we could have the reception in Portifino.  REMEMBER THIS!  There is always a restaurant closed any night of the week so you should have options if you get rained out.  This was actually great, even though it didn’t rain that night, it was so flipping humid we were grateful to have AC!!!  Honestly, I didn’t see a beach reception the whole time I was there and wonder if the hotel is moving away from beach receptions.  It would have been way too close to the pool deck reception if it did happen as planned.

 

The staff greeted my guests at Portifino with a martini (not my idea, but an added surprise), then we were announced, danced our first dance, had dinner (the Mexican Buffet was surprisingly some of the better food we had), did the toast, cut the cake, did the parent dances, and partied down. 

 

The order of events wasn’t the order I gave the DJ, but it really didn’t matter.  I gave him a list (that’s right ladies, another list) of several songs and highlighted some that HAD to be played.  I also listed songs that there was no flipping way he could play.  I left the order of songs and the rest up to his professional judgment.  I don’t think I heard a song that we didn’t’ list.  I wish he would have announced which tables could go to the buffet, so I simply went and asked him to - no point in wishing about it when I can actually do something about it.

 

In Summary

Get yourself some list making skills!

Save emails!  I don’t know if you need to bother to print them all.  You could print them at the resort in the Preferred Lounge if need be.

Don’t forget the coordinators and other professionals do this more than once a day and trust them (it helps take stress off you)!

Don’t be afraid to ask for things or follow up on details.

Double check the technician situation, but everything else seems to be ironed out at the resort so kick back and relax!

 

[kad1010]

I would LOVE if you could send my any documents, lists, etc. that you used to help you.  I am so not a "planner" and I am trying so hard to become one with all this wedding stuff. I want to make sure I have everything I need when I go down and meet with the coordinators. I have started getting everything in writing in emails and saving them in a folder, but I love to go over other brides' lists to make sure I have everything covered!

 

One other question...when they annouced you and your wedding party, are you already seated and everyone just stands up, or is it like a traditional reception where you are hidden and then annouced and make your entrance?

 

Thank you so much!! Thanks again for your review.

 

Originally Posted by justney 

A few more things:

1) I can send anyone documents you might want to copy or use as a starting point for your own weddings. Mine were primarily stolen from other brides on this website or the internet - just passing the baton.

2) My husband and I were going over the checking account today and noticed the hotel lobby ATM charged $60 for a $360 withdrawal (it gave USD).  We marched into the bank and discovered that it was that Mexican bank/that specific ATM who charged the fees.  When we left the resort for the remainder of our trip, the ATMs did not have any unexpected fees.  Just an FYI.

3) LindsayMichelle: I asked Veronica for a copy of the script quite a while ago and then double checked with her that the officiant still used that script just before the wedding. I'm not sure if I have an original copy, but if Veronica had it I'm sure it's on file somewhere.  Let me know if you can't get a hold of a copy.

4) I also recommend getting the heck out of Dreams a day or two after the wedding.  We loved our wedding, but we loooved the quiet time we had staying at a little casita down the coast (and away from family).

 

[kad1010]

Congratulations! Sounds amazing and makes me so excited for my wedding!  Thanks for your review!

Originally Posted by chrissyandrob 

*****REVIEW FROM JUNE 12TH WEDDING AT DRC******

Hi Everyone,

I just got back from our wedding that was on June 12th at DRC and it was amazing! I just want to let you all know that you have nothing to worry about- once you get there everything will be taken care of as this team knows what they are doing. I too had Lisbeth and the day I got there they told me she was gone. Ana stepped in and didn't miss a beat! She is wonderful and so is the whole wedding team.

 

I will break down the wedding piece by piece for all of you (this website really helped me too!)

 

Check in/travel:

 

We flew from LAX to CAN direct on Virgin and it was great. We did book our travel vouchers and the transport was easy and fast from the airport. Once we got to the hotel we were taken to the preferred club check in area where we checked in very quickly and were given a master suite which was amazing- right on the water and about 1500 sq ft (room 2400). Bellman brought up all of our bags and boxes. We had kitchen, living room, dining room, floor to ceiling windows throughout the whole room, 2 hot tubs and huge bathroom. Maid service was great. Just make sure to use the safe and lock up cash and high end items.

 

The drive up to the resort is a little strange- it's a long dirt road then you hit the hotel. Once you walk in its beautiful- just like the online photos.

 

We paid to have our gift bags delivered ($3 each) since we had over 30 rooms and it was worth it. Some didn't get them at first bc the do not disturb signs were on the door- that is the only reason why. The bellman did a great job wtih the bags. We had tote bags with sunscree, hangover kits (tylenol, advil, pepto, tums, bandaids, etc), door hangers, ring pops, gum, trail mix, candy, chapstick, suduko, playing cards, altoids, Do not disturb signs, peanuts, and welcome letter in them. Everyone used the bags (Dollartree.com) and they were perfect!

 

Make sure to tell your guests they have to get the resort coupons at another desk- you can use them at the spa, dinner or upgrades for wine. they do not give them at check in.

 

Meeting w hotel:

We got in Wed night and met with Ana on Thursday morning at 9 am. She went through everything with us, cost, etc and we paid then. We also met the photographer, DJ and banquet manager at this time. I did set all of this up before we got there. All took about an hour.

 

Welcome Dinner:

 

We were quoted $12 per person last year by Gabby (who is no longer there) and they tried to get is to pay $15 per person and not close the restaurant. My TA called and straightened this out right away. We set up a slide show and had a set menu of filet and seabass for 55 guests and it was great. They closed the restaurant for us and we had it the whole night. I think its worth the money because with such a big group it's hard to get everyone together other than the wedding night. They had a bar and wine that was passed around to each table.

 

Spa:

We had  the ultimate package so we booked our couples massage for the first morning we were there and it was great. Amazing spa- I had 2 massages, my hair and nails done and it was perfect. They did exactly what the picture looked like- bring a photo as the english is not good in the spa. I paid for all of my girls nails, hair or facials for the wedding day. I think 1/2 of our group used the spa and loved it!

Book your appts before you get there or you will not go! Do it the first day so you are not burned and distracted.

 

Food:

All of the food is great-I did read some people getting sick as some people do in Mexico. I did get sick one day but I did eat and drink everything at the resort! I would say 5 out 70 did get a little bug but that is to be expected. The French restaurant is amazing and the Japanese one is too. Pool bar is awesome as we ate there everyday. Room service was good and pretty fast.

 

Activities:

The pools are great. Kids club was good for a few of our little ones that liked it. They do have things going on all day but we just hung out most of the time. The Barracuda bar has swings and it in the sand down at the beach. We played volleyball and snorkeled a lot. Bands in the lobby were good and the late night dance place was always full of our group after dinner.

 

Golf:

The DRC website says FREE golf but there is nothing free about it. there are a TON of hidden fees so please let your guests know this. we only had 4 people golf but its about $100 - 150 per person if you rent clubs, play before 2:30 etc.

 

Decor:

 

I brought my own pink and yellow chair bows and pink table overlays from wedding linens direct (super cheap), flowers for the cake and cake topper, card box, message in a bottle favors for the tables, fan programs that were on the chairs with bubbles and that was it! I got (2) lantern towers from the hotel and all of the flowers from them and that was all we needed! I would not recommend using an outside vendor unless you are bringing in lots of furniture etc as the hotel has everything. Our reception was on the pool deck and cocktail hour was by the jacuzzi. Mariachi band was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! they were hilarious and had everyone laughing as I saw them the next day and loved them!

 

Photographer-

We used adventure photos who are onsite (santiago) and he was great- we don't have the pics yet but will post them when we get them.

 

DJ-

Used onsite DJ- gave them our list and they play exactly what you give them. They were fine- light up dance floor was perfect and they have small fireworks which was fun!

 

Wedding day:

BM and I had lunch and then hit the spa from 1-3. Then we finished getting ready in my room. The wedding started at 5:30 pm at the Gazebo and I could see them setting up from my room which was neat! Ana had delivered all of the flowers to the guys room and our room and they were perfect- just what I sent in the photos. As long as you send pics, that is what it will look like.

We went down at 5:40 ( a little late) and music was played perfectly. We brought our own officiant and she wrote a personal ceremony which was awesome. it was about 20 min and we did a sand ceremony and had our moms bring up the sand which was nice.
 

We had a toast and then did 2 group photos. Then our group went to cocktail hour and we did photos on the beach.

 

Reception was a blast- they called everyone's names and we did our entrance then our first dance right away. We ate, speeches, dances w parents and then danced the rest of the time. We sat at our own table because we didn't want to split up the wedding party w their spouses. I liked that as we could enjoy each other for a little bit before talking to everyone and dancing. We went with the Carribean buffet and it was awesome- all the food is great. We had the tres leches cake and didn't upgrade it for more guests as many people didn't even eat the cake! it was square with 3 tiers and was perfect. .  I brought a few flowers from home since they were expensive to have real ones, no one knew. There are dessets on the buffet too

 

OH- 1/2 hr before Ana asked if I wanted to bring the wedding inside bc of rain but we didn't and were lucky because it started raining when the wedding was over! it was actaully nice because it was so hot! I went up and changed and danced all night in Desires

 

The next day we went around to the different departments and tipped all of them as they did a great job. Jorge is the banquet manager and works with Ana and is great too- he was all over it and is very professional.

 

I know that communication is not the best here but they do know what they are doing and most of your wedding will be planned when you are there! I work in a high end hotel in CA and am not use to slow repsonses but do not worry- it will get done!!!

 

I will post pictures when I get them so you can see the wedding. If you have any questions about ANYTHING, please email me at [email protected].

 

Chrissy Scott

[ssapper]

@ justney - i would also love any documents/spreadsheets/lists etc you are willing to share... there is so much to do its overwhelming and im convinced ill forget something !! haha thanks justney!! [email protected] is my email. thanks again!

[Lupita]

Hey Ladies,

justney- Congrats!! 

 

I enjoyed your review. I am glad everything worked out. So happy for you! I'm so behind and I feel there is so much I need to get started on. Please email me documents/ spreadsheets etc. you might want to share to [email protected]

 

Thanks justney!

 

8 kids + 27 adults & bride & groom booked