free wedding?

Pretty sure it's up to date. I found it for 2010 wedding packages, but it might be different for 2011??
I was originally going to do the ultimate wedding Dreams package, but then I tried something else. I thought what if I do the free package and add things on ala carte and it ends up being about $2K cheaper in the long run!! And I still budgeted for a videographer, massages, mariachi band. And took out things I didn't need (photographer/cocktail hour). I also have about 80 guests coming, so the food part is a huge expense and I'm hoping with the free package I can get a cheaper menu option than silver or gold.

I recommend trying the same. If you go to the Dreams Tulum thread on the first page it mentions all the ala carte prices and you can see how those add up compared to using the Ultimate.

Also, just something for a lot of you girls to take into consideration before you book a resort in Mexico thinking it's going to save money...it might not! I thought we'd easily have a wedding for much less in Mexico, but we are still hitting our original budget and going over! Things add up, photographers aren't cheap, the food/alcohol (yes you do have to pay for that after 10 guests even at an all inclusive for the reception), centerpieces/flowers, hair/makeup.... I recommend searching for a budget to get a realistic idea of the costs. You can def. still get a wedding for free with a very small guest list, but I just wanted to warn you.

Leslie, thanks for the confirmation. You're right. I totally misread the info on the Dreams website. It says, "A $100.00 deposit is required to hold and confirm the wedding date. This deposit will be applied to the total cost of the package. If the couple receives this package complimentary, the deposit will be applied towards any upgrades that the couple adds on.". I misread that as the package is applied towards upgrades. Oops! Guess I read what I wanted to read. Lol!

 

I like your idea of going a la carte instead of of a package. It seems a little illogical that if you qualify for a $799 package, you can't deduct $799 from a higher-level package. Do you know if you take items out of the complimentary package, if they credit the cost towards another item from the a la carte menu?

I think it really depends on who the wedding coordinator is. I've heard that some are non-negotiable, that you either take or don't take what is in each package but they won't do exchanges or credits. But I've heard from other brides that they've been able to exchange some items for others with no charge. And you will never know until you get your bill after getting married (!). It's a crapshoot.

 

I agree that it doesn't make since they won't credit you $799 if you wanted to upgrade, but I've found out over my wedding planning that a lot of things don't make sense! Like charging so much for freakin flowers and champagne. In the real world it doesn't cost NEARLY as much. Too bad you can't trick them at the hotels and say it's just for fun and not a wedding.

Majestic has the free wedding also, but you have to book 15 or more rooms for at least 7 nights each.

 

Free Brides and Weddings Punta Cana

Most have a complimentary ceremony especially for ROV/Symbolic (which my understanding they mean the same). There is a vendor on here that owns a small resort which may be an option. I can send you the location if you PM me.

 

I would recommend focusing on your wish list, guest needs and then compare the various resorts. I'm a bit geeky so I created a resort analysis chart. It's in my blog...you can update it to meet your needs.

Thanks girls! Such a huge help!

ocean wonderland, where did you get your information about the free package at dreams? I'm just wondering because it says at the end that a $300 USD surcharge for the judge? WHAT? I never heard that before, and there is nothing about that on the website, or in the wedding guide I have. Also, according to the information that Aurora sent me, the wedding gazebo is no longer included with the free package, you only get the chairs on the beach, no gazebo at all. so sad about that....you can pay to have it added though, for $150....even with the "free wedding" things start to add up!

tracy, how many people are attending your wedding? I am planning to do the same thing, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be cheaper. I was also considering having my reception at jelly fish offsite

As of now there's 20 of us...might go up to 35 but our friends and family are taking their sweet time with booking (ugh!). Either way I ran the numbers and it's still less money. I've heard great things about the Jelly Fish restaurant...good luck!