DREAMS PUERTO VALLARTA "thread"

if i remember correctly, there wasn't too much within walking distance. the hotel is at the top of a hill and is very secluded. i do know that some people rented houses nearby, but i don't have any info for that kind of stuff.

Hey Dreams brides

Is anyone just doing a sound system rental for their reception? FI and I have decided that we would rather bring our own music selection / ipod so as to ensure everything we'd like played is available.

Has anyone else decided to go this route? Perhaps Post-Wed brides have some insight or suggestions. Will this be inconvenient?

Thanks!

We are just going to rent the system and bring along our IPODs (with backup CDs too). It doesn't seem to be too difficult (of course, we haven't done it yet) and it saves us some money! There is a different system for the ceremony and reception (we are having the ceremony on the beach and the reception on Las Palmas Terrace) but they do the set-up for both. One of our groomsmen and one of our bridesmaids are co-emceeing. We asked two so no one person will have to do it all. They both love music and like doing this kind of stuff and we made it clear they DID NOT have to if they didn't want to. And really, they'll just go up there if something messes up with the IPod or to switch songs if necessary and do a little bit of direction (ie. cake cutting time!). We're having a pretty small wedding (~50) and most people know each other well, so I think that makes a difference. The only thing we asked is that they don't get wasted, at least until it's over! Both seemed to be okay with that

we did the same as jenn - two ipods loaded with playlists for a hired dj to play. i don't recall the exact amount, but he was pretty cheap - maybe $450?

Asha-

I actually have hands on experience with couples who do just an ipod and sounds system.

1. I was at a wedding in the fall and it was only about 50 people or so and since the music off of itunes or where ever you get your music isn't always recorded at the same level (something you can't control has to do with technical things with the serivce provided) When you hook up a sound system, the level of volume changes a lot from song to song. So we would be on the dance floor and all of the sudden the song would change and you could hardly hear it, especially since it was outside. Then we would turn it up and the next song would come on and it was so loud it hurt.

By the end of the night the bride/groom were so frustrated and embarrassed that it put a little damper on the night.

2. MY BF is a wedding coordinator and she once had a bride/groom just provide an ipod and not use a DJ who was dedicated to changing the volume. So the same thing happened and instead of her having the time to run the event she had to adjust every song that played and the bride/groom had to handle the speaches, introductions and everything since she had to be a suto DJ...

So all in all I say spend the $400, the things people remember most is the entertainment at a wedding, drinks & food second and decor last.

Happy planning

Hey Kathy,

Thanks for the heads up, that's a really good call. I never considered the volume issue.

Now, with that in mind, do you think its best to go with the DJ they offer, or try and find one in town? $400 for the entire evening seems minimal...

Thanks a million for the advice. We are renting the sound system for the ceremony anyway, and Rebeca said that the resort would provide someone to control it for us. So hopefully that covers the ceremony part. *fingers crossed*

We went with the DJ that they offer - I think we are paying $590 for the evening... it is totally worth it in my mind that he takes care of mixing the music and ensuring volume levels... we will have a list of the "must-play" songs and then let him take care of the rest... I can let you know how it goes...

We also rented the sound system for the ceremony and have been assured that someone will be playing the music for us... again - will let you know how it goes!

9 more sleeps til we leave (which is really 8 cuz I doubt I will sleep on Friday night!!!)

Jenn

yes I agree with Kathy - I'd rather not worry about it and go with the DJ...good luck!

We have hired a DJ for the whole she-bang!! Except for ceremony we have a guitarist, and for the hr. cocktails we got the marachi band included in our wed pkg.

My fiance is down there as we speak, and is at the resort today meeting with Rebecca and checking out the Gazebo vs. the beach etc... Everyone he has talked to in PV says Dreams is well known and very nice.

Obviously the old tower is dated but the tower is fabulouso!! According to recent visits...

He seen giant whales off shore, great people, relaxed atmosphere!! YEEEKK so stoked!

He also met with Ray from Promovision yesterday and got GREAT news! We've been giving a full-length wedding video to see exactly how it could look as well as demos, but he said most demos are already on his website.

We don't pay till the day of. He is Canadian and has a reputable background in commercial, wedding, promo vids. Jamie says he is sooo nice, he even went to where Jamie is staying, so Jamie didn't have to go out and find him.

Excursions We've been told to just book when you there its cheaper than the net.

Decor, well Ray from Promovision said he just recently did a wedding at the resort and said it was BEAUTIFUL, he actually said decor not needed it's so nice, but we have already got some, so he said it'll just make it look that much nicer, but it ain't even neccessary.

He also said Rebecca does a great job, and goes over the top for ya.

My only reccomendation is try, try to get the new tower. I have only heard drappy news about the old one, but the lobbies been redone, rooms in the new tower re-done, bar re-done. When I talk to Jamie this evening I will post what he thought of Dreams and Rebecca.

A few warnings though. According to Rebecca the cakes on there websites are not available, they are from the outside, only the plain 2 tier-3 tier white cake is available...WTF?? Why post pics of them then??

And they still advertise fireworks pkgs, but that also is a new Dreams law (made in the USA??)...no fireworks!! That was the one thing I wanted even growing up for my wedding......se la vie I guess!!