Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread)

Dreams Riviera Cancun – Wedding Review

We were very happy with how everything turned out and were so happy we chose this resort. We went to a different resort for our honeymoon and wished we were back at Dreams. As with any wedding there were some things that didn’t quite go as planned, however, I think most of it was transparent to the guests so I have to be happy about that.

First of all, I am so happy that we chose the beach location. We had the ceremony on the beach near the boat rentals. It was on the opposite side from the playground and the bar. This was perfect! It was very private. There were some on lookers, but not many.

We had use of the presidential suite and were able to walk out from the suite. I thought that was a nice touch. I was hoping that we could get ready in there and take our getting ready shots in there, but they wouldn’t let us. Not a big deal, just something that I had envisioned.

There was a little confusion on where the guests were to meet. Ana had asked that I have the guests ALL meet in the lobby and she would walk them over. Somehow the message got changed to, the wedding party should meet Ana in the lobby and the rest should meet down at the ceremony location. I don’t know if it was a big deal, but just seemed a little unorganized.

I think we probably started closer to 6pm instead of 5:30. The bridesmaids walked down to Somewhere Over The Rainbow, by Iz and my dad and I walked down to Only Time by Enya. We had Rosanna marry us. She was very nice but a little hard to understand at times….though not too bad. Our ceremony was probably about 30 mins long. We put our own ceremony together. We walked back down the aisle to I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. I thought our song choices worked out really well.

After the wedding we took lots and lots of photos and never made it to the cocktail hour. This was ok, because we wanted lots of photos. However, there was some confusion after the ceremony of where the guests were to go. We had the cocktail hour set up by the pool on the grass (behind the canopy beds), but I don’t think anyone directed them…and of course I was pre-occupied with photos. By the time the guests got to the cocktail hour, the Caribean Trio had already started. I don’t know how much of it was missed, but it was a shame that they started and no one was over there to listen. There was a ton of food left over after the cocktail hour. I don’t know if everyone made it over there. I would suggest going over the agenda with the guests prior to the wedding, if you don’t want to have to worry about it on the day of the wedding. Or maybe include directions in your welcome bag.

The DJ (DJ Mannia) first announced the bridal party to the song by the Black Eye Peas “I have a feeling”. Then he announced us (bride and groom) to “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Again we got off to a late start, but this was the fault of Best Man. He took off and we didn’t know where he went. We really wanted to wait for him before walking into the reception.

Reception set up: We had 5 round tables and 1 sweet heart table (for us). Each table had turquoise overlay and turquoise sashes around the white chairs. The centerpiece was 2 Cali lilies submerged in water in a tall vase. I saw it in a magazine and showed Ana. I loved it! It was very simple but elegant. I got a lot of compliments from my guests. The guests names were hand written in a frame covered in seashells. We had a friend hand make these. I had a medium sized white starfish on each table…which I never got back. Ana may still have them.

We had the Caribbean buffet and my guests were raving about the food. I had some but couldn’t really taste anything over all of the excitement…ha! Based off of the reviews that they gave me, I would say it was a good choice.

I was disappointed in the lights underneath the pool. When we visited back in November, we were blown away with how pretty the blue lights looked. Well, unfortunately they were VERY faded. Luckily for all of you, this was a piece that was broken and the resort was waiting for a part. I was so bummed that they had to be broken when I was there. I thought it would look so pretty in the photos 

The DJ was ok, but I have some complaints about the company that I need to send over in an email. I spent a whole weekend putting together a play list and I emailed it to the company and they confirmed they got it. I even handed it to the owner when we met earlier in the week. However, the DJ did not have it. He only had the main songs that I wanted (thank goodness he had those!). I had also requested lights under the table and for the dance floor. I even had discussions with the owner in a face to face meeting earlier in the week. We discussed blue lights on the dance floor. We did not get a dance floor or lights under the tables. After seeing it, we really didn’t need the dance floor, but the point is, I ordered it. We also got the cold fire works. They had these and my guests were all amazed by them. I think there should be some awesome photos!! I’m really glad I decided to go with those.

We didn’t use the resort photographers for the wedding but used them the day after the wedding. They took lovely photos! The videographer was good. He filmed the ceremony and then followed us around with the photographer and took some videos of us walking and posing on the beach. We got the video already and think it is good. The only thing is, he did not use the correct song for when I walked down the aisle. I’m not sure why, but I have emailed him.

All in all, it was a fabulous wedding and we were really happy with how things went. My main complaint was that it didn’t seem that organized. I needed the coordinators to direct people a little better as I was too busy and couldn’t be bothered directing people.

SDbeachgirl - Congratulations on being a Mrs now!!

Thanks so much for the review glad you enjoyed it even with some issues. Cant wait to see any pictures x

sdbeachgirl, congratulations, thanks for the review!!!

SDBeachgirl Congrats!!! Thank you for the review! Can't wait to see your photos:)

Girls sorry if someone has answered this before....Has Ana given a price to anyone on real flower petals? I would like my aisle covered with them and want to get a cost. Thanks!

I would love to see the pictures of reception areas...anyway you could email them to me? aprilhiller23@gmail.com. Thanks!

SDBeachgirl - Congrats on your wedding!! Sounds like the major things were fine and that you dealt very well with the other stuff that didn't go perfectly. I think that's what we all need to keep in mind and try to do as well. Which resort did ya'll go to for your honeymoon (that you didn't like as much as DRC)?

Thanks so much for your review.

Allegra