clinicalgal

Hi Leslie, thanks for the kind words Our ceremony began at 5pm, cocktail hour from 6-7, and reception at 7. Dinner was unfortunately not served until 8pm but i was prepared for things to not go the way i wanted on their side (b/c of how everything else had been going) so i asked Ivan to play dance music throughout dinner. It actually worked out great because people danced and ate as they liked, otherwise we would have had to wait until the end of dinner, after 9, and would have only had a little time to dance. From what i heard, the wedding coordinators will give you the extra hour so the reception can last until 10:30 if you keep asking for it. That's what we did, we just kept pressing them and saying that we don't need wait staff there, we don't need anything, we'll have the dj and rented out the space so we want to stay until 10:30. Eventually Anabel (our coordinator) gave in and said it was fine. We ended up having the reception from 7 - 10:30, which was a good amount of time. It's nice that you're starting a half hour earlier so you'll have more time to celebrate I really think she'll say it's fine if you keep asking. Good luck and i know you and your hubby to be will have a blast! It's definitely about all you make of it and easy to have a wonderful time when surrounded by loved ones! :)

Hi Ladies, I haven't been on the forum since my wedding back in June (i needed a bit of a break after some rocky moments). Anyway, i wanted to let ya'll know that i posted my review of Dreams Tulum here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/dreams-tulum-resort-spa-all-inclusive and my wedding photos are here if anyone is interested: http://theportwalls.shutterfly.com/wedding  below are two of my favorites:

Quote: Originally Posted by jaynreneewed thanks for the advise- I know it's going to be wonderful no matter what- all that really matters is that i get to marry the man of my dreams come rain or shine! I'm doing my best to stay positive. That's definitely the right attitude! We just got back from our wedding/honeymoon yesterday and were married at DT during Tropical Storm Alex last week... It poured rain for 3 days prior to the wedding day and was REALLY stormy and windy on the day of our wedding but the rain held off so we were still able to get married on the beach, though we did have to sign all sorts of releases in case our guests get hurt due to weather because the Aurora and Anabel wanted to move us indoors. Honestly, worst case scenario, the chapel is very cute and the convention center is large, air conditioned, and can be decorated. And in the week following our wedding, when the weather was perfect, couples still opted for the chapel to stay out of the heat. DT had 2-3 weddings a day over the course of the last week i was there. Don't worry, i will have a REALLY detailed review up in a couple days but let's just say it wasn't the wedding i had planned but we made the most of it and enjoyed (almost) every minute lol

Today we are packing to leave TOMORROW MORNING for our wedding!!!! We packed all the "wedding stuff" (paper goods, decorations, out of town bags, etc) yesterday and it took up way more space than we thought: We are checking 2 big bags, have 1 carry on bag and 1 garment bag in which we have my dress and Dave's suit. Can't wait!!!!!!

For all the brides and brides to be who have already been at Dreams Tulum - are there computers/internet to use at the resort? If so, is there a cost?

Quote: Originally Posted by northernflasher We had our ceremony in the chapel and our cocktail hour in the chapel courtyard. If you time it right (before the asian and sushi restaurants open at approx 6.30pm) this area is lovely and private. It was also convenient for photos so that people didn't wander far from the chapel where our family photos were taken. At no extra cost to the ultimate package we had the following set up: *1 large round table for hor d'ouvres *2 round Highball drinks tables *1 small table for our ipod, speakers, table plan etc *1 welcome drinks table displaying welcome drinks recipe *1 small photo props table as requested at pre-wedding meeting with Natalia *Chairs for everyone around one edge of the courtyard *Side plates were available so although people couldn't sit at a table they could comfortably hold food in one hand or on their knees. All tables and chairs were covered in standard white linens. I feel that the set up was more than adequate for our party of 15. I imagine they provide facilities in relation to your party size and im sure you will be well looked after. For this reason I dont think paying extra for additional tables just for an hour is a necessary expense. If you are having a large group maybe confirm with your Wc that facilities will be sufficient. There are lots of lovely areas available and unless walking is an issue nowhere is more than a few minutes walk from anywhere, its all down to your preference. Depending on availability you can change your mind once you view the resort when you get there. Im sure there must be some photo examples of cocktail setups on here somewhere. I included a selection of resort images at the bottom of my review which may help you decide on your location preferences. Hope this helps Thanks! that is all very helpful

Cocktail hour question: Did anyone rent tables/chairs for their cocktail hour? Where did your cocktail hours take place? Near the ceremony spot, near the reception spot, or else where? We are trying to figure out whether we should pay extra for a few tables to be set up for the cocktail hour - any thoughts?

Quote: Originally Posted by violetvixen We leave for Mexico tomorrow night! I can't believe the time is nearly here. I want to thank everyone on this forum for so much help, advice, and useful information. I promise a review when we return, it's the least I can do since I would not have been able to plan this wedding without all of the assistance from the members here Have a wonderful wedding day!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SaraMexicoBride Hey ladies! So we're getting closer to booking a day but I just found out that all the 3:30 spots are taken already for that week! I can't believe, it's not till next may! So we might have to take a 5:00 spot. Has anyone gotten married in that time? Did you have enough time for pictures afterwards before it got dark? Thanx! Hi Sara, I will be getting married at 5pm in 2 weeks (!!!! woohoo! lol) and the way i am getting around the light issue is doing all my photos prior to the ceremony. I am not sure how important it is for your partner not to see you until that exact moment of walking down the aisle but if it isn't (it wasn't to me), photo session prior to ceremony may be an option for you as well.

I brought up the $20 menu to Aurora over and over in emails but she wouldn't budge. The only other options she gave were the buffet, which she quoted at the same price (as the silver menu, $55) but the benefit would be more variety. We opted not to do the buffet because we figured guests would be eating buffet style food all week during their stay at the resort, but it's definitely a good option if you want more selection. Unfortunately the $20 menu was a no-go for us Centerpieces: Is anyone ordering non-floral center pieces through the resort? I would like something like floating candles but cannot imagine bringing the vases over to Mexico with me. Did anyone do this and can you advise on the price?? Thanks!!

taranyc, i LOVE your avatar/save the date - so very cute!

I posted a few days back about the sound system - does anyone know if any MP3 player is compatible with the sound system or just an IPOD? Also, Aurora quoted us nearly $700 for the sound system to use for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - that seems excessive... anyone else get an equally high quote??

Quote: Originally Posted by knitgirl13 You can do it either way, but a lot of people do the legal part at home before because it's a hassle with having to get to Mexico 3-4 days early, document translations, blood tests, etc. So do people get officially married at home before, or just get the licenses?? That's the part i'm confused about. We want to get officially married in the states, but also want the destination wedding to feel like "the real thing" - what are others doing??

Quote: Originally Posted by ktchi Hi, Here is my Newsletter that I have sent out about a month before we leave for the wedding. I thought I would share in case it could help out any other brides. I can't seem to get the attachment to post. If you would like it PM me and I will send it to you. I used Publisher and it had a nice newsletter format that I used. ktchi, i would LOVE a copy of your newletter, but cannot PM you on here for some reason. Would you mind emailing it to me at [email protected] thanks!!

Hi everyone! My wedding date is fast approaching (end of this month! eek!) and we are confused about the logistics of actually getting married. We are doing a religious/symbolic ceremony in Mexico but are we supposed to get officially married before we leave for the destination wedding?? Has anyone else done this? How did it work out??

can anyone estimate how much DJ Doremixx charges to DJ a reception?

Hi Ladies - Has anyone used the resorts sound system with an MP3 Player for the ceremony/cocktail hour/reception? How did you connect your MP3 Player (and does it have to be an ipod??). Is it loud enough for dancing at the reception?

Does anyone have any good suggestions where I can download free templates for programs?? I am looking for something in orange/white - and everything i find costs way more money than i'd like to spend. Any ideas?? THanks!!

Thanks everyone, Aurora finally did get back to me, which is good. One of the things i asked her about was substituting items in the packages. I am opting for the the "Dreams of Love Wedding" but don't need a lot of the things included (like the judge since we're doing a symbolic ceremony). I wanted to use the money these items would have cost towards something else, like food or center pieces, but Aurora said no. Is anyone else having this same problem?? Has anyone gotten a different answer to this sort of question?

Does anyone know how long it typically takes Aurora to reply to emails? I sent her my official "wedding planning document" (that she requested) about two weeks ago with lots and lots of questions and haven't heard back. Our wedding is less than 2 months away... and i'm getting a bit nervous (but super excited!!)

Hi Ladies! We are interested in organizing an excursion for our guests. Something along the lines of a catamaran that can pick us up from the resort and goes to an area with caverns. I'd like there to be food and drinks on board and for the excursion to last about 4 hours. I haven't been able to find any threads about brides planning something like this and recommended vendors... has anyone else seen anything along these lines or can advise me where to look? Thanks in advance!

Quote: Originally Posted by Royal_lady10 I am getting married June 26th and would like to know if any of the brides getting married around the same time would be interested in leaving some of their decorations behind I will be at the resort on the 23rd. Thanks in advance!!! I am getting married on June 28th and would like to pose the same question - if anyone wants to share/leave decorations?? Thanks

Username: clinicalgal Names: Galina & Dave Date & Time: June 28, 2010, 6pm Wedding package: not sure yet Wedding extras (through the resort): not sure Outside vendors (cost charged by vendor and any fees charged by the resort): none Type of ceremony: Religious (Jewish) - we will be flying our cantor in for the week. Coordinator: Aurora Number of guests: anticipating 35-40, invited 120 Ceremony location and time: Beach at 6 Cocktail hour location and time: Beach at 6:30 Reception location and time: not sure yet Photographer: Mallury Pollard Videographer: Doug Block Review (link): n/a Photos (link): our engagement photos can be found at Meet the PORTWALLS! | Welcome to Dave & Galina’s small slice of the world wide web… Video (link): none yet Planning thread (link): n/a Wedding website (link): Meet the PORTWALLS! | Welcome to Dave & Galina’s small slice of the world wide web… Special arrangements / activities: n/a

Quote: Originally Posted by taranyc Photos (link): my save the date and florida engagment photos...taking nyc engagement photos in april. whoops...here is that link. engagment photos pictures by ttorricelli - Photobucket xo, t Your photos and save the dates are amazing! i love the papel picado! It's so colorful and fun! The photos are beautiful

Hi ladies! I love love love Etsy and actually have a jewelry shop there myself. I make all sorts of custom orders so check out my goodies and feel free to contact me if you have a design in mind that you don't see :) I've made several bridal and bridesmaid sets in the past and love to create jewelry for special events like weddings, considering mine is coming up this summer handcrafted sterling silver wirework and by designsbygalina