SunBride

Great review and beautiful pictures! I'm so glad you posted this, thanks so much!

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz I think that they made me use day passes which was total crap because they didnt eat or drink anything. My wedidng was at 4 and they got there at 3 and left at 7 Quote: Originally Posted by DanielleNDerek Beth congratulations. So glad everything worked out even with all the cancelations. Your flowers were gorgeous. I had to pay for the daypass for my photog and also for her meal at the reception. So i think its pretty typical of AIs to charge them for all outside vendors whether they eat/drink or not. I had paul from playaweddings as my videographer and he was only there for 2 hours and didn't eat anything so I didn't have to buy him a day pass.

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz The wedding package was free-they didn't charge us for it. My guests all got their money back from the resort also. I got my bouquet and 3 things for the chuppah. Wow, that was really generous of them to offer you the free package without the minimum number of rooms. Although I guess in essense you still paid part of the package price because with that package normally you should have gotten a bouquet and the gazebo flower arrangments free. How about the vendor fee for the photographers? Somebody else was recently told they were going to be charged a vendor fee for using DJ Mannia so I am curious what this is all about seeing as DT has never charged vendor fees before (aside from the day pass if you want them to have meals and drinks).

Hey everyone, Beth just posted her review, go check it out: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t42238

I'm so happy to hear you still have a great experience even though almost all your guests canceled last minute. When you say you used the free package, did they actually give it to you for free? Becuase I know it's only free if you have 5 rooms booked (otherwise it's approx 800$) in your case I guess you only had 2 rooms. If they did give it to you for free, I guess it's because your other guests had paid for their rooms and perhaps Dreams still got their money? (i.e. if they canceled with cancelation insurance then the insurance paid for the rooms). Or if they did not get paid for those canceled rooms, perhaps they were just being nice and understanding. 500$ seems a lot for flowers, did you get a lot of them ? ? ? What do you mean they charged you a vendor fee for using an outside photographer? Do you mean just the day pass or did they charge you more than that? Please post your pictures when you get them, I LOVE Claudia's team's work.

Just wanted to let you ladies know that I just updated the bride list. Everyone who has sent me their info in the last month or so should be added now. If you're info has not been added, feel free to post it in the thread and I will add it in the next round of updates (in a month or so).

Well I had 2 bridesmaids, and we were only 9 guests total (including us). I didn't think there was any point making them stand next to us (they werne't even the ones to sign the documents becuase we needed 4 people, so we asked the 4 parents to do that). So they wore matching dresses and walked down the aisle and sat down. That was pretty much their bridesmaid roles! I still called them bridesmaids rather than "honorary". My 3 girlfriends were unable to come and so I called them "honorary bridesmaids" as they wore matching dresses to our at home reception. Hope this helps! I'm just trying to say that just because they don't stand at the front, if you want them to wear matching dresses and if they are walking down the aisle with you then I would call them bridesmaids! However if they are not walking down the aisle, then I don't really see the point in them dressing matching, they would probably just prefer to wear their own thing. But maybe not, if they want to wear matching dresses then go for it.

Quote: Originally Posted by jennyatk Wow we leave in 2 weeks and I don't feel like I have got anything done!! Working 60 hours a week and planning has been rough. One of the girls coming to the wedding is unable to come because the US miltary has denied all travel to mexico!!!! Not sure if its the swine flu or some other reason they have. As the anxiety builds!!! but reading all these great reviews is helping so thank you Tulum brides!! Try not to stress too much. If you have little things left to do perhaps they don't need to be done after all, in my experience it's better to let a few things go (which seem soooo important now but afterwards you will think you are silly for stressing over something so inimportant) than to stress. You want to be feeling great on your departure day. Good luck!

For the canadian girls interested in the smashbox primer, I saw in the Shoppers Drug Mart flyer they have a Smashbox promo kit that comes with the primer and a bunch of other products for 50$. I don't know how much the primer sells individually but I would imagine it's half that price or more. I am planning on picking up that kit. Everyone is talking about higher end make-up so I don't think this will be an issue but I want to warn you anyways against Maybelline cashmere perfect foundation. http://fashionowy.files.wordpress.co...l-cashmere.jpg I wore this on my wedding day and loved the look and feel but when I was looking at my photos I noticed that all the ones with flash the makeup is super obvious! It looks awful! My mom noticed right away in the pictures too and she was shocked because she said my foundation was not noticeable at all in person (and my mom is extremely detail and looks oriented and would ahve noticed if she could see foundation lines). I dismissed the incident but then it happened again a few months later that pictures were taken while I was wearing it and I look awful! I spoke to a cosmetician at Shoppers and she said it was likely the talk in the foundation that made it kinda reflect in the pictures.

Many other girls have been successful at trading photography for an extra hour of video so you can try that but based on what we've heard today you may not be able to. I've always heard that the ceremony was taped, I think somebody recently said that there was music covering their ceremony but before that I had always heard there was music and editing before and after the ceremony but that the ceremony was unedited and with full sound. Perhaps just speak to the videographer to specify. 2-30 pax means 2-30 guests.

Thanks so much for writing such a wonderful and detailed review! I'm happy to hear everything went so well. I jumped on the trampoline and didn't have any issues, but perhaps it is tied down differently now than it used it be. Recently at work somebody said to me "it's a pleasure" and it immediately brought me back to my stay at Dreams Tulum because the staff must have said that to me like a hundred times during my stay! They are very polite and try really hard to please you. The cream cheese sushi was my favorite! But that is probably because I'm not a big fan of sushi. My sister reffered to it as "sushi for beginners" The Dreams Suites actually run along the entire walkway from the lobby to the beach/pools. So if people want to be where it is more quiet then you'd probably be better off being somewhere between the lobby and beach rather than beachfront. I do remember it being a bit noisy during the day too (didn't bother me though since we didn't nap). I think they reguarly close some of the restaurants sometimes, so you probably just got lucky that it happened to be that night and that Landy offered you that private event for free. You are right though that it's also probably easier for them, saves them from setting up tables on the beach. LOVE your pictures. I also thought of the starfish in the sand idea which was my back-up idea if they were giong to charge me a lot for the flowers in the aisle. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your bouquet!

Quote: Originally Posted by Teesha Hi ladies, my apologies for taking so long to write my review. Here is the link to my review...enjoy. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...185#post793625 You will also find a sample of my professional pics from Del Sol Photography in there, but here is the link if you don't want to go all the way through it. 04.09.09 Teesha and Martin | Dreams Tulum | Photos by Vincent I am also going to try and add some non-pro pics...can someone tell me how to do that? Thanks so much for posting your review, will go over to read it now. INSTRUCTIONS FOR POSTING PICTURES: To post pictures, you need to get a account with Photobucket. You upload your pictures to your photobucket account, then under each picture there will be a link (there are actually 3 links, you want the last one) and copy and paste the link into your thread (either the thread with your review, or you can start a new thread under this sub-form http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/f76/) . The images will show up in the thread, even though the photos are actually located on photobucket. If you have serious problems doing this you can always email me your pictures (send me a PM and I will send you my email address) and I will do it for you. Another option is to use any other photo website (picasa web album, snapfish, etc) and provide the link for the whole album. If you do that, the photos won't show up directly in the thread, it will be a link that brings people to another page to go see your photos.

Oh that sucks, but at least there is a chance your wedding will go ahead as planned and only your vacation is affected, not your wedding.

I don't remember seeing any topless women either. I think it probably can happen but is rare rather than the norm.

Quote: Originally Posted by jmb0902 Okay--- so I work in organ donation-- and I just noticed today on our CDC Malaria Travel Risk worksheet is Quintana Roo (Tulum) and includes all resort areas!!! I am very surprised by this b/c that is one of the reasons we avoided the DR. Was anyone else aware of this? And for past brides- did anyone use quinine or any other malarial prophylaxis? I've heard that although their is a risk of malaria, the risk is quite small when you are on the resorts and you should only take prophylatics if you are going to be travelling a lot off the resort (and more towards the interior).

Quote: Originally Posted by MajikDreams Sunbride - can I just copy and paste from my Word doc? I'm almost finished with my review. Also, how do I post pictures and where should I post them? With the review? go to the link I provided Wedding Reviews - Best Destination Wedding Forum right above "Annoucement" you will see "New thread" click that. Then add you title and copy and paste your review in the big box. I posted instructions for how to post pictures here http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...194#post775857 (Page 197 of this thread). You can post them with your review. You can only post 10 at a time. But you can post 10, then hit "reply" and post 10 more, and you can keep hitting reply to post as many as you want. I sent you a PM with my email address, if you can't figure it out email me the pics and I will add them for you.

Awesome review, very detailed, will be very appreciated by future DT brides. Thanks so much for taking the time to post it. I'm so happy to hear everything went so well. Based on your story, I would strongly recommend to future brides to keep a copy of their vows in the groom's pocket. I would have been SO POed if this had happened to me (which it coudln't though as we chose to memorize them). Also, so many brides have complained about not getting the leftover cake so I think you guys need to start requesting it at the meeting and/or on the wedding night (although you are likely to forget).

Quote: Originally Posted by Denise L Thanks for your help Sunbride...my review has been posted! YAY!!! Off to read it! For the other brides, you can find it here: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t42083

Quote: Originally Posted by clinicalgal Hi Everyone! Thank you so so much for this thread!! Dave and I are about 99.9% sure we will be planning a wedding at Dreams Tulum, so far it is the absolute favorite for us. We had a few questions to those who have planned or are currently planning wedding here. If you are able to help, it would be SUCH a great service to us. Feel free to private message me or leave answers here, i'll check back regularly 1. We are in desperate search of a rabbi. Landy said there isn't one at Dreams or near by. Any Jewish brides or grooms that can help with this? Our rabbi won't travel with us :/ 2. How do you go about decorations? Are there options or are you supposed to bring with you what you want and they decorate it for you? 3. How do you chose WHICH package to purchase (for the down payment, etc) when you aren't sure how many guests will attend?? 4. I do not plan on renting out the ballroom and a private dj for the night - isn't there a "night club" at the resort? Have wedding parties just taken place there, utilizing the resort's already provided entertainment?? Or is the night club not really as great as they make it seem?? 5. Would ya'll recommend opting for the private dinner/cocktail hour on the beach after the ceremony or just going to one of the included restaurants with the wedding guests? Is this even an option depending on number of guests? What are you all doing? I think that's it for now Any and all answers are welcome, i'd LOVE to know what everyone is doing. And if this isn't the right place to post these questions, i'm so sorry - i'm definitely new to all this Thanks!! Galina I can answer some of your questions although maybe some other more recent brides can join in: 1) I suggest you post this question in the Mayan Riviera sub-forum. I don't know if anyone on here can help you, but if you post the question (start a new thread) in the Mayan Riviera sub-forum, it will give the opportunity for other brides at other resorts in the area to help you out. Also try doing a search for "rabbi" in that sub-forum. 2) They do have some decorations, you can see the list in the guide. However the selection is limited. Some people bring their own because they can have exactly what they want and it can be cheaper. Just remember, shipping things in advance in inconvenient (they may get stuck in customs) so only bring whatever you can find in your luggage (either your own, or your guests if you have guests not filling their luggage allowance. If you are going over your allowance, check with your airline to find out about the rate so that you don't get a last minute surprise and panick). For small and/or lighter items you are probably better bringing your own but for heavy things (like vases) it's probably not worth it if you need several of them (I did bring 2-3 small vases with me and didn't have an issue, but my airline had a generous luggage allowance and my parents took 2 suitcases for me). 3) You can switch your package at any time, no problem. So perhaps go with the free one for now and then upgrade later if you choose to. 4) Yes there is a disco, it is the Desire night club, located under the lobby. Some groups to go there rather than setting up their own system on the beach or hiring a DJ. Others prefer the beach atmosphere and/or want to get their own DJ. Obviously it wil depend on how important it is to you and your budget. But the disco is definitely a good option. 5) You can't go to a restaurant with a group more than 10, you need a group reservation and you need to pay. However, you could go to one of the bars (such as the Veranda bar or the Sugar Reef Bar) with your guests and have your cocktail hour there but it won't be a private event and your won't have special service (i.e. you will have to go to the bar to order drinks) and no appetizers (unless you pay extra for them). Once again, it all depends on how important these things are for you and what your budget is (I didn't have a cocktail hour, but if I had had a large group I would have just had an informal one at the Sugar Reef Bar because I really liked it there, check out the pics on page 2, and also because to me personally it's not worth the money to pay for a private cocktail hour, but that's just my personal opinion)

Quote: Originally Posted by Denise L ok...my reivew is ready, just not sure how to post it...sorry. Right now it's a word document. Help please Great! Some people post it in this thread, but it can be hard to find later (even if I provide the link, sometimes it just links to the first page). It's better if you start a new thread (also, then other from not from DT can see it too). Start a new thread in this sub-forum Wedding Reviews - Best Destination Wedding Forum You can call it "Denise L's Dreams Tulum review - April 2009" or something like that.

OH I'm so happy to hear we have ladies working on reviews. I know we have had 5-6 brides return recently and only one review so I'm happy to hear more are being worked on.

Quote: Originally Posted by Blkatz Ladies-I am back and everything was amazing. I really had such a great time. I could not have asked for anything better. It was a rough start of the week but Saturday was amazing. I will post a full review including how great Erik was from Claudia Rodriguez and how Natalia is so sweet. In the meantime, I will post some non pro pictures Yay, I'm so happy you are reporting back and even more happy to hear it was so amazing and that you "could not have asked for anything better". It's just unbelievable to hear you say that considering all your guests that canceled and that I know you had to scale back your plans. Can't wait for your review and pro pics (especially since they were done by Claudia's team, I LOVE their work).

Quote: Originally Posted by starlitk Hi everyone - I just wanted to post and say thank you to all of you - especially Sunbride who is a ROCKSTAR - for all of the incredibly helpful information and great ideas that you've shared on this forum! I have never really posted before, but have turned to you guys as a reader for awhile now - first through our winter closure, and now with the flu situation and other general planning (now that I'm really kicking it into gear on general wedding plans). I wanted to drop a special note to Blkatz - I've learned so much from your posts, and was so sad to hear about how the flu has affected you. I'm glad to hear that your wedding was great despite everything that has happened to you in the past couple weeks. Anyway, here is my info: Username: Starlitk Date: June 27, 2009 Wedding package: Ultimate Wedding extras (and cost): Bonfire the night before Type of ceremony: Symbolic Coordinator: Anabel and (recently) Aurora have been our main contacts Number of guests: 45 approx. Ceremony location and time: Beach Cocktails location and time: Not sure yet Reception location and time: Hopefully Seaside Grill – if not – the beach Photographer: Josh Stephenson leografia Images Videographer: resort I'm so happy to hear you have decided to join in. It makes me sad think that there are probably hundreds of brides participating silently in our thread, I want everyone to speak up and introduce themselves and then share their pictures and reviews when they get back. Quote: Originally Posted by gimliori Hopefully I'm adding this correctly! Username:gimliori Names: Leslie-Anne & Ryan Date & Time: December 4, 2009 at 3 PM Wedding package: Ultimate Wedding extras (and cost charged): Yet to be determined. Type of ceremony: Legal Coordinator: Natalia Number of guests: ~ 50 people Ceremony location & time: Beach at 3 PM. Unsure what part of the beach. Cocktail hour location and time: Right after the ceremony by the pools. Reception location: Deciding between the pool terrace or the ballroom. Photographer: Most likely a private photographer. Videographer: The resorts. Special arrangements /activities: Rehearsal dinner at the Alux - a restaurant in a natural cavern Yes I have your info which you had posted or sent to me a few weeks ago. I only update the thread about once a month. Last time I did it was March 29 or 30th. I will do it again soon. To all new brides don't worry if I don't post your info right away, I save it all in a word document and then do it once a month because it is time consuming and I have to ask one of the forum moderators to make the changes for me becuase I am not able to change it (you can only edit a post for I think 1 hour after it's originally posted).

Quote: Originally Posted by Gail Thanks everyone. We are going to wait. I am just so burned out with everyone. I try and explain but they don't seem to get it. I think they were coming around THEN some of my guets EMPLOERS TOLD THEM IF THEY GO THEY can't come back for a week after they get back and have too be cleared by dr. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT Wow, as if they are saying that. Are they allowed to do that? Your guests should lie to their employer and say the wedding got moved to another country! I would! I mean I agree with the idea of not putting more people in danger, but I'm sure your guests will be very careful and stay home at the first sign of any illness. Plus, as others have said, there are no reported cases in the mayan riviera!!!

I agree with Gemstone, although the beach was initially one of the top factors for me, in the end I gave in and went with a resort with a less good beach because of all the amenities that the mayan rivera offers and the fact that in general it's safer than the dominican.