SIMBASIM

Quote: Originally Posted by bbpacco Hi Jill, quick question, for the '4 witnesses' who sign, are they going to be my guest/parents, or provided by Dreams?? it is whoever you choose.

Quote: Originally Posted by dc22173 I am not having quite as many people as I thought I would have for our wedding. It is looking like it is just going to be 15 of us. I still want to do something after the ceremony just not a full reception with dinner. Has anyone ever heard of doing like a 2 hour cocktail hour? I see that the packages include 1 hour but I wonder if they would allow me to just pay for the extra hour and forget the whole reception thing. If you are getting a package, I am sure if you asked Claudia she would exchange the reception for more time for a cocktail hour. It would certainly make her job a whole lot easier!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by JoannaR Has anyone else been getting the OH MEXICO IS SO DANGEROUS comment.. It has me SICK!! I keep hearing it from random people and im like okay then STAY HOME.. grrrrrr Sorry had to vent..lol I hear ya girl!!! Unfortunately, the person who is giving me the most grief about how dangerous mexico is, is my dad!!! I am about to knock him out!! Last year he read a story about a wedding in Cabo San Lucas while the guests were at the wedding they stole all her their stuff...My FI owns a company that installs cameras so we told him we would install a camera for him in his room so he could watch his stuff! He said not to worry that he would just bring his suitcase to the wedding...over my dead body!!!! LOL!! I have been there several times. I have never felt unsafe. Cancun is one of the most commercialized parts of mexico. You should always be careful if you wander off into strange areas no matter what country you are in. There are plenty of places in my own town I would not wander off into.

Quote: Originally Posted by PhillyBride09 Ok Dreams Cancun Brides (And Brides to be)...I need advice on 2 things... One (I already asked this, but didn't get a response so I am trying again :-) lol) Would it be a waste for me to get Pashminas for a June Wedding? Does anyone know if it still gets cool at night that time of year in Mexico? and Second....For those who already got married at Dream Cancun..Can you give me your honest opionion on what would be more useful...personalized Cups...or Koozies?? A part of me wants to order the cups..But I have beer drinkers, so do they serve the beer in Bottles? In that case the Koozies would come in handy, right? I thought about using another girls Idea and getting plain cups, and putting Mini Sharpies with them so everyone can personalize themselves. If I did that, I was also going to get the Koozies for the cups with our logo on it....But I'm not sure... :-( Help! Pashminas in June is a waste of time. I found it is windy in the evening but no where near cool enough for Pashminas. I was there for a wedding in June a few years ago and to be honest I was kinda sun burned and the last thing I wanted was a pashmina on my shoulders and arms. As for the drawing on the cups thing, if I were to attand a wedding the last thing I would want to do is draw on cups. I cannot draw a stick man with a ruler and would not want to embarass myself..LOL! No seriously, I like the idea of koozies, mostly because I am doing it but mainly because it is practical for an AI resort. Hope this helps..Good Luck.

Quote: Originally Posted by lanalovesyou I am getting married in less then two weeks at Dreams Cancun. To tell you guys the truth, I have only picked out the locations of the ceremony/coctail hour/ and the reception. Everything else I'm going to do down there. I think its a lot better to bargain for deals and discounts when you get there because Gaby and Claudia will forget what you want and what you bargained for if you do it over email a few months before. They deal with so many girls that I doubt they even know what they say to all of us. So for whoever is getting married later on this year or next year - hold off on lots of details. Dont worry. Its such a beautiful resort, we've all heard and seen so many beautiful photos come out of it from all sorts of photographers.......I am just going to take picutres of what I want everything to look like...from cakes to hair&makeup to table arrangements.... Hopefully it all works out. *cross my fingers* After numerous emails and freaking out a year ago, I have decided to do exactly the same thing. This is great advice. After reading the posts from past brides, they have recommended this as well. Unless, it is absolute special request most things can be handled onsite.

Quote: Originally Posted by sunitam hey simbasim! I was wondering how much of a credit did you get for not having the cockail hour? depending on how many people we end up having come (we arent getting married til jan 2010 and have NO idea how many ppl will book by then!) i might not have the cockail hour either. I mean, 3 hot appetizers, 3 cold appetizers followed by a 4 course meal! thats a lot of food! plus all the drinking and the cake! i agree that it kinda is a waste of money and maybe even food! i think if we need to cover a lot more ppl for dinner, i wont miss the cockail hour. by my calculations, you should get a credit of $550 for this. how many extra ppl did they say you get for dinner?? if i do keep the cockail hour im going to have an hour between the cockails and reception so everyone can digest! plus ill have more time for pics before the reception I think the cocktail hour is all about preference. I know most of my peeps would prefer to drink rather than eat twice. Not to mention my FI thought it was absolutely insane that we have to pay for a cocktail hour when we have an all inclusive package. So in order to make everyone happy this seemd like the best solution. Like I said though, it is all about preference.The best thing I found to do with Claudia is bargin and trade. Rather than asking for a "credit" I suggested to add 10 people to my reception and she ok'ed. This eliminated me from having to pay extra money for both the cocktail party and reception for my extra guests.

Quote: Originally Posted by leasauceda Hi Brides...so Gaby told me that I was not allowed to use another photographer and that I had to use Juan Navarro...but we wanted to use another photog. and when I checked Juan Navarro's web site I was bummed...I feel like I could take better pictures! I don't know if I should keep pushing for another vendor or just go with it...anyone hear about this policy lately? And FYI I'm also planning a beach wedding/recep. even though it'll be in Jan. not sure about the wind factor though, so far everything I've read just says that it gets chilly at night, but still nice during the day...hoping that's true...anyone know? Love reading all the posts, this forum is a Godsend! THANKS A BUNCH! Quote: Originally Posted by Hartyt509 Bloody hell you got a $350 credit!! I got told tough lol I think i'm about to ditch the package anyway so it won't matter but its bloody annoying! I don't think that they know this forum exists because they would be a lot more consistant in their pricing. Quote: Originally Posted by destination Here is a suggestion: BREATHE! LOL, ok now, read this whole thread from the beginning. It wil take you forever, but it will tell you what you are dying to know and some things you didn't even think of yet. Then be calm and let the people at dreams do what they do. I am also a June bride (2009) with a 7:00 ceremony and never thought of doing cocktails before, so thanks for that one! Good luck planning and welcome! I think the point of the cocktails between the ceremony and reception is so when you and your bridal party are taking pictures you do not miss time at your reception. Moving the cocktail party before defeats this purpose. If you were just going to have cocktails before why not go to the bar and do it for free That is my 2 cents! LOL! I am actually skipping the cocktail party all together. I find it a big fat waste of money. There is a 45 min gap between my ceremony and reception so while I am taking pictures, my guests will go to the bar until the reception starts. I got a credit for the cocktail party which I applied to the reception.

Quote: Originally Posted by skye15 Hi Jen I just wanted to wish you luck and I hope your day is just wonderful. I will be arriving on the 24th June so I will probably miss you. Tracy AWEE..Thanks. Yes we will miss each other. I am leaving on the 14th to LA for my honeymoon. From what I read, everything always seems to work out with a few minor set backs. Your day will be wonderful too!!

Quote: Originally Posted by destination I am a little concerned by "staff" What does that mean? Will the pool cleaners be doing my video and photography?! LOL! I talked to my TA and she is actually going to go down there in February to knock on Claudia's door. Don't think we'll need to bridezilla on anyone after that! I may fly down a friend/photog who will do my pics for free, or I may enlist cancun studios. Have to see how things work out. I didn't even think of five months until you said that, WOW. We get to Cancun on the 8th(not sure what time), we should meet for drinks. When do you get in? Are you bringing decorations or anything for tables. I've decided against bringing anything beyond gift bags for the guests. It is so pretty there I doubt anyone will notice missing decorations. Getting Excited! I actually get in on the 9th. I am bringing centerpieces for tables. I am also doing gift bags. I am not doing decorations for gazebo..it is just so beautiful on its own. Like you said no one will even notice. We will definitely have to meet for a drink. Most of my guests do not arrive until Wed-thurs. Only immediate family will be there tuesday. We will likely hang out at the resort and soak up the atmosphere tuesday. I was also hoping to set up a meeting with Claudia to make some final decisions.

Quote: Originally Posted by epargin Me again - sorry about the 3 posts in a row. I'm obviously having a rough morning. I just found this on the Dreams website: "Mexico requires that you be in the country at least four business days prior. Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican holidays do not count. Your arrival day does not count toward the “business day†requirement. You must arrive four FULL business days prior." So that answers my question above, that we'll need to arrive Monday. I do not understand why they don't put all of this together in one paragraph. Originally, I was having a legal ceremony. I was getting married on Saturday and asked Claudia if it was OK that I arrived on Tuesday. She said it was fine. Best thing to do is ask.

Quote: Originally Posted by STACEY Marie, I dont know how much the video is on its own. But dont ditch the package its the best deal. And the video is 100% worth it. I was anti the video the whole time, until I watched it. I would have been sad if we hadnt done it. I agree. I had a friend who did the video while in Cancun for her wedding and it was awesome to go back as a group and look at. I am upgrading this part of my package. Quote: Originally Posted by kiki317 I have some questions too! i was reading one post that said it was dark by like 5 o'clock on the beach- my wedding is at 6- now i'm kind of freaking out! also, we're having the coctail hour on the terrace but the reception will be on the beach- has any one done this? will it be too windy on the beach? I though i had everything under control and now i'm second guessing everything!! and we have 99 days left!!!! The sun does not set until like 6:30 or so but I actually moved my wedding up from 6 to 5. I am having my reception on the beach, too, and After reading some posts on the forum, they suggested to get as many daytime photos in as possible. Once the sun sets, it will be quite dark on the beach which will not be very good for photos. This way I will have lots of daytime photos, a few sunset photos and some evening photos.

Quote: Originally Posted by destination Jen, Any word from Dreams or Jill yet? My TA and I have both emailed Claudia, but of course, no response yet. I have some ideas to help her out with the photog prob, but I am going to need a videog. and if I have to pay to bring people in, she better be crediting me for something!! I was hoping to bring in my own photog and upgrade the video. I hope they have a backup to call on for video. My TA, Jill, got a response from her. She claims to have plenty of staff to handle multiple weddings. I would certainly assume she has a backup videographer for this situation but if I were you I would make her quite aware of your needs as far as photo and video. I sent her an email with exact times I will need the videographer just so she would be aware of the conflict so neither of us gets screwed in the process!! So seriously, can you believe how fast our weddings are coming now!!! I started getting a little nervous when I said less than 5 months!!! LOL!! When are you arriving in Cancun?

I had the same problem when I started to plan my wedding. the prices for both hotel and flights do not come out until 6 months before. i just based my rates on the ones posted during the same month in the present year with a little extra added for inflation. this should at least give you an idea for pricing.

Quote: Originally Posted by cweigner5 What if I don’t have a witness? If you do not have witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort at no additional cost. This is what I got right off the Dreams Resort website under frequently asked questions - not sure if it is accurate . . . . print that off the website and if she tries to charge you show it to her!

Quote: Originally Posted by destination Jen, you are really sweet, but please do exactly what you desire, not what you think you should do to make things more pleasant for me! This is your wedding. Between my TA, who knows Claudia personally, and me we will make a big enough stink that she will have to figure this one out. It was her own stupid fault for booking us this way! Guess Dreams will have to have two photogs and videogs for June 13. Gotta tell ya, I'm a little peeved with her lack of foresight on this one, and I, for one am not paying extra for it! I am all about doing whatever will stress me out the least!!! LOL!! I am not opposed to moving the time up slightly. Hey its all good as long as my DJ, photographer and videographer are all booked properly. Hey if it does get scewed up, at least I have someone who will team up with me to go all "bridezilla" on them!!!! I have Jill (TA) working on it too. I wil let you know onceI hear something...

Quote: Originally Posted by destination Hey Jen, I have decided not to try to move my ceremony to the aternoon. I think seven should be fine for us. I have emailed claudia if the conflict of photographer time for our weddings has crossed her mind; doubt it! I think I want to bring in a photog, but can't hire him until I get a response, so that sucks. Are you getting the video? It might help if you want to move your ceremony up, but that is not your problem. It is Claudia's, so don't do anything on my behalf. You are sweet to even put it out there. After some thought, I am definitely moving the wedding up. I am really uncomfortable about the short time between our 2 weddings and worried that either of us will not be getting the attention we deserve. I scheduled the afternoon so I would be the last wedding but it looks like they squeezed you in the evening..trust me no big deal, but I feel like they are not looking at important details like for instance, I upgraded both my photography and videography so i will have the videographer until at least 8:30. I know they allow 2 wedding a day but they should do 1 in the early afternoon and 1 in evening or late afternoon. I have Jill working on it and will let you know what she finds out.

Quote: Originally Posted by cweigner5 Does anyone know about the witnesses having to be there four days in advance? I am having about 18 people come to my wedding, but I'm not sure if four people will come as early as four days in advance. Will that be a problem . . . OR will the resort provide witnesses at no cost? Tina I chose my wedding party and told them they would have to be there to witness 4 days prior to the wedding. This was an absolute nightmare so i chose to do a symbolic ceremony. It is hard to get people there 4 days before the wedding. They will provide witnesses. Not sure of cost though If I were to guess I would say yes because they charge you extra for everything...right Hartyt509!!!! LOL!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Kat81 Here it is... Personalized, Koozies, coolies, can holders, T Shirts, Totes Looks like he is still 50 koozies for 50 bucks. It's a great deal! Good luck to you all. Oh and Claudia never got a hold of me quicker as I got closer. I don't think I even heard from her until I was down there. Oooh great site! I was about to pay out the Thanks!

You certainly did the right thing by deciding against the resort. Last I checked getting married is a happy experience and "debbie downer" would just ruin that! Good Luck to you!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Michelle&Steve aaaah!!! im leaving in 6 days and still havent heard back from claudia!! :-( i thought shes supposed to get back to you quickly when its right before your wedding.. sooo frustrating.. do you guys know whats the best form of payment for all the wedding bills there? check? check card? travelors checks? I am soo excited for you but kinda freaking out. I can't imagine not hearing back from Claudia!!!!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by destination Hey Jen, I have decided not to try to move my ceremony to the aternoon. I think seven should be fine for us. I have emailed claudia if the conflict of photographer time for our weddings has crossed her mind; doubt it! I think I want to bring in a photog, but can't hire him until I get a response, so that sucks. Are you getting the video? It might help if you want to move your ceremony up, but that is not your problem. It is Claudia's, so don't do anything on my behalf. You are sweet to even put it out there. I have the photographer scheduled for 3 hours starting at 4pm and the videographer for 4 hours starting at 4pm. Also I emailed Claudia last week about moving my ceremony to 5pm but no response (imagine that) guess I am not as "lucky" as some people (Adrienne) LOL!!! :0)

For your info here are the prices for the lounge set up: Hi Jennifer Please find attached the lounge furniture we have available for your event. 4 Lounge sets that include – each set of 8 people: · 1 square table · 4 Cubes to seat · 2 Rectangular benches · 1 candle centerpiece · 2 cushions (available in light blue, turquoise blue, orange, fuchsia, gold and chocolate color) PRICE: $1,450 usd + 10% tax 4 Lounge sets that include – each set of 8 people: · 1 square acrylic lighting table · 4 Cubes to seat · 2 Rectangular benches · 1 candle centerpiece · 4 cushions (available in light blue, turquoise blue, orange, fuchsia, gold and chocolate color) PRICE: $1,750 usd + 10% tax

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Jill The honeymoon package included in the wedding package is this one: DREAMS HONEYMOON & ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE This complimentary package includes: Welcome letter Plate of tropical fruit One bottle of champagne Champagne breakfast in bed (Reservations must be made in advance with guest service) Special turn down service Also, I wanted to let you ladies know that I've been working hard to put together an overview of the resorts I'm working with along with pictures and all of the files (bouquets, cakes, etc...) that go along with each resort. I've saved dreams cancun for last because we already have so much information here, but once I have a chance to finish it up and post it, I'll let you all know. Hopefully it will be helpful for all of you and future brides to have everything all together in one thread, without 2000 posts to go through to find what you're looking for. Now that's what I have been waiting for!!! Awesome..Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Carriejax Hey Everyone: I'm fairly new to this and hope I'm doing it right. Has anyone actually used Juan Navarro and are you happy with the photo package? I've read some strands and it seems as if not a lot of people went with this option and since I'm trying to keep costs minimal, I'm wondering if he's totally horrid or if what he produces is acceptable? Thanks. Carrie Here is a review recently posted on him. I have decided to use him. I would rather save money and have one less thing to personally deal with right now!!! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t31773

Quote: Originally Posted by destination Okay, so I have been stressing a bit and can't seem to get an answer from my TA or the girls at Dreams. My wedding is scheduled for 7pm in June 2009. Is this too late?? I think we will def do pics before ceremony, but will it be getting dark by 7? Sunset is at 7:30 on that day. Please help!! Jen I know you are at 5:30 or something, but I think I could move it up to 2:30 or so. Then we have the problem of an afternoon reception, which doesn't really appeal to me. Please, any suggestions?? I was actually thinking of moving my wedding up a little bit to 5:00 so maybe they could move yours up to 6:30. My reception is on the beach so I wanted a little extra light for photos before the sun sets. this would be just perfect for you. Let me know what you decide and I will put the request into Claudia.