lilly129

Quote: Originally Posted by Princess402 That does suck! Unfortunately I was basing what I said on what one or two other girls had said on here... can't remember who, but I'm sure if I went back on the thread I could find it. Hopefully somebody can chime in that actually did have this agreement with Ana! I'm catching up on post so forgive me if this has already been anwered - but I have an email from Ana stating that instead of the wedding photography included in my package, I can sub it out for extra video. I am bringing in my own photographer and that's what she told me. So I hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by rdsjcr Ana just came back and told my TA she could get us $119 a night (per person) or $218 for me and my FI for our site visit... Are you kidding me? That isn't a promotional rate. WTH? Did she give you the smallest, garden view room for your site visit? She told me when I first asked to let her know right away so she could see if that rate was available the weekend we wanted to come down. It was $90 per person per night for a maximum of 3 nights I believe. I'm assuming she's giving us the smallest garden room for the site visit but we don't really care too much - since it's a super quick trip (flying down friday night after work and leaving sunday afternoon)

The $90 a night is for the site visit - that's what Ana got us as well for ours - the rooms for your wedding are different. BUT if you decide to do a site visit - talk to Ana about booking the room for you at $90 per night. We went with an oceanview room for the wedding...I'm trying to convince my mom to get a suite or I'll just keep my fingers crossed for an upgrade

Quote: Originally Posted by saymyname74 Ladies, Is anyone paying the $180.00 for the sound system to use during the ceremony? I am! I've heard it's a must if you're doing a beach ceremony otherwise your guests won't be able to hear anything... And for clarification on that - it's a flat $180 for the ceremony (not per hour like it is for the reception)

Hey ladies! Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I swear my job really gets in the way of wedding planning I'm sorry everyone's having issues hearing back from Ana - I haven't even tried after reading your posts...I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that she's just super busy right now and things will calm down in a month or two. As for the IPod or DJ - I have an email from Ana saying the IPod is $180 per hour which includes the speakers and a technician. I've also read on some reviews that ladies are asking a family member or friend to man the ipod. For those of you considering an IPod (we're using one for the welcome dinner on Thursday night) - there's a super good article in the April 2010 issues of Brides Magazine which just hit the news stands this week I'm slightly OBSESSED with wedding magazines. The article is titled "Save $1,000 on your wedding, it's easy and fun" and starts on page 118. It goes through some common trouble spots and how to avoid them. We have a bigger crowd for the reception so we're going for the dj - BUT if I had a smaller crowd I'd save the money and do the ipod - I feel like it's becoming more and more common. Scan through some of the reviews in this forum of the other dreams locations and see if any of those ladies used the resort "technician" for the ipod also. Hope that helps! Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl When is your site visit? We are getting married on May 7th We fly in at 5ish on the 7th and then we leave at I believe 4pm on Sunday the 9th. So exciting!

Sorry girls I'm catching up on all the posts! I've been swamped with work this week and haven't been on the forum. Laura - have the most amazing wedding ever! It's going to be AMAZING!!! YAY! For the rest of us - I'm sorry eveyone is frustrated but I agree, lets take a deep breath and remember that the pictures of the weddings at Dreams look amazing and I'm sure Ana is overwhelmed but will give us the attention we need when it's closer to our date. Our weddings are going to be amazing! If you're working with a TA, just cc her on every email you send Ana, sometimes it helps get faster responses and then your TA can be the "bad guy" and lean a little more on Ana instead of you having to do it. I booked a site visit - I wasn't planning on it but I decided I'd feel better if I could just speak to her in person. I know it's not exactly easy and we're already spending a lot on our weddings, but maybe if you're 6+ months out from your wedding you can start looking for deals to fly to mexico for a quick weekend, just to ease your mind? And of course, for anyone getting married after May 10th (when we get back from our site visit) I'm happy to take pictures and ask questions for you! Ohhh and Happy Friday!

Quote: Originally Posted by reaganlane I agree! What is upsetting is the fact that we (well some of us) are trying to book outside vendors and not getting a straight answer is driving me nuts!!! I don't want to send a deposit to the photographer if we aren't able to use her or if we have to pay a high fee to use her. I do need an answer to this question soon because if I don't send the deposit and book her, she may possibly be booked for my day. I don't understand why Ana tells everyone a different answer and with the resort being new, it seems that as time goes along, rules and fees begin to change. I would feel more comfortable if I saw everyone getting somewhat of the same answers to their questions and concerns but it seems as though everyday 2 and 3 people are getting different answers from Ana. What gives? Reaganlane - in this situation I think it's best that you send Ana an email explaining this and cc your TA. I'd say having your TA get involved in this will help speed it up and help you get a straight answer. When I was discussing using an outside photographer I cc'd my TA on every email and was able to get the answer I want. But it is an exception that she'd have to make and I don't know what her reasoning is for granting exceptions. I'm sorry it's frustrating but seriously consider getting your TA involved. IF you don't have a TA - I used Berman Travel and they do a great job and have a good relationship with Dreams.

Quote: Originally Posted by nbills511 Would you mind posting the centerpiece pictures she send you? I've been curious what they look like...and whether or not I'm going to have to come up with something by myself. Thank you! Nicole I'm not choosing my flowers (bouquets or centerpeices) from the pictures she sent out. Those are the ones included in the package that you choose which is probably why she doesn't include prices with those pictures. I am going to give her pictures of exactly what I want (I found perfect pictures on the knot and various other wedding sites) and there will probably be an extra charge for some of it (orchids etc) but at least it will be what I want...if you send her a picture of the bouquet you want, she'll email you back with a quote once she gets the quote from the florist they use.

Quote: Originally Posted by ebernard4985 So, maybe I am just confused, but I thought that you could not have your wedding reception in one of the restaurants..... it looks like several of the recent weddings were indeed in the restaurant Anyone know the facts about this? I am still having the pool deck, but I am thinking about my plan B. My TA mentioned that sometimes Dreams will let you have your private reception in one of the restaurants if your party size is big enough AND the resort is at 60% capacity or less...this has not been confirmed by Ana and I absolutely planned to discuss this with Ana when I go down in May for the site visit. I know that they usually have one restaurant closed down at night so it doesn't seem like it would be a huge issue to have your reception there.

Quote: Originally Posted by nikkimadril Hello everyone! I love this thread, I've read so much great information already. Tyler & Nikki September 17th, 2010 --just sent our deposit in on Monday (although we have not heard back from Ana that she received it - FH assures me that she is probably just very busy and from the posts here it seems this is common anyway) YAY!! Congrats!!! Ron and I are getting married on September 18 2010!!!! So exciting!!! Don't stress yet - she never gets back over the weekends - usually on Tuesdays or wednesdays I hear from her.

I have an email from Ana saying they will make an "exception" for me to use an outside photographer - so I would absolutely get it in an email and then print that email and keep it somewhere safe so when you get there you can refer to it.

Quote: Originally Posted by ebernard4985 Here is what I was told my the resort after emailing them about the golf.... Dear Ms. Bernard, Unfortunately our golf promotion end on April 30th, and I would like to inform you, our sales department is working for a new promotion for after this date and we'll inform it to you, but as all the promotion are subject to change we can not offer you any compensation in reference the golf promotion, anyway I can ask the golf course if they can offer you a good price for you and your guest. We really thank you for your understanding into this matter. Please let me know if you need any assistance. Sincerely, Arely López Chief Concierge Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa Tel. +52 (99 872 9200 I am soooo pissed right now. Basically they can care less! I am going home tonight and looking through the paperwork to see if it says it on our confirmations. How can they just get rid of a promotion? That is totally FALSE ADVERTISING!!! I understand that their promotions change, however, we should be grandfathered in!! I'm so pissed over this too! So here's thing right - my TA has already booked several people and all of thier confirmations (and mine) say "Complimentary Golf"...so can they really not honor that?!? Arrrrrrgggghhhhh. Naturally no one at the resort has gotten back to my TA and I yet...

Hey ladies - I know we've had some discussions about the golf - I spoke with my TA yesterday and she's speaking to the resort today to get this situation figured out. We're SO ANNOYED about this! I can't ask my guests to pay $195 for golf after we told them it was "free" with a $35 cart rental fee. This is seriously driving me nuts! On top of that, those of my guests who have booked already show "Complimentary golf" on thier confirmation...of course now we have two different courses showing for our guests...what a mess! I'll let you know if my TA is able to get anywhere with them. I'm fuming...thanks for letting me vent

Congrats JFazzina & Welcome to other new brides!!! So exciting!

Quote: Originally Posted by amberm410 Wow! Thanks for letting us know. I did not realize that. I am having Juan Navarro as my photographer but the pricing took a long time to get to me. He just quoted me a price and I am wondering about how that would compare to possible other packages out there. I did not get a whole list from him. Thanks for the heads up! Hey ladies - you can also pay $25 for membership which allows you to open attachments before you reach 150 points...which is what I did There's instructions in the general forum information thread - but I believe the option is under vbPlazaMenu.

Quote: Originally Posted by Boo Oh for sure I think by far the easiest thing is to go thru Ana, that way you only reall have one point of contact. Maybe I am just being too picky, but I find, for example I settled on coral coloured linen (coral is tricky to begin with but I said that a shade of pink is fine too, rather than full on orange) anyhow, I got the yeah ok got it. I made sure to attach the look of what I want, a heavy looking satin with a big satin bow that goes all the way to the sand. Once I got confirmation that we are on the same page I have been asking every vendor including Ana to send me back a picture of what out of their stock they think of using to fill my request. The pictures I have been getting clearly indicate that there is a break down in communication. That is why I have contacted a # of vendors. I am most likely being silly I am just supe worried that we only really get one chance to get it 'right' Ohhhh I see! Okay - I totally don't blame you at all and actually I appreciate you mentioning that because I should really ask her to send me pictures of exactly what they have - see I'm doing pink and orange but the pink is more raspberry and I should probably make sure thier interpertations match my expectations!

As for linens, flowers and chairs I was planning to just give Ana pictures of what I want and use whatever vendor they use for that stuff. I emailed Ana a while back and had mentioned that my colors were pink and orange and I wondered what color linens I could choose from - she said the resort rents the upgraded chairs and linens so our choices aren't really limited. Am I confused on this? If we wanted upgraded chairs and linens are we supposed to find our own vendors? I'm getting married in September - the sun sets at 6:47 on my wedding day so I'm getting married at 5:30 - I've also heard the best time is the hour before the sunsets which is why I chose that time. Thanks ladies for not making me feel like a diva! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one stressing out about hair and make up! For the ladies having problems with your TA - if you're not too far along and are considering changing I've been working with Berman Travel and they've been super wonderful!

Quote: Originally Posted by rdsjcr Yeh- I know they do... but WHO is the question I dont want just anyone doing that you know. I am sure some ladies on here have some ideas :) And people who have gotten married already should be able to assist? thanks!! This is actually a really big decision for me since I'm absolutely paranoid about my hair and make up...My mom is flying in her hair stylist to do the bridal party's hair and manicures (this was entirely her idea and I totally acted like it was completely unnecessary while secretly doing a happy dance). Most of the reviews say that they're not bad but to bring lots of pictures. I've also seen some ladies go do a trial with thier hairdresser and have pictures of each step taken so they have a clear picture of how to do the style you want. Then there's makeup - from other reviews I've read the makeup used at most of these spas (and this isn't specifically for a dreams resort - but just from various reviews I've read) has been described as "wet n wild" quality. I believe there was a girl on the Azul Sensatori thread who found a MAC makeup artist in Cancun but then you get that pesky "outside vendor fee" which might be $500. So I'm trying to sweet talk this woman who works at the Trish McEvoy counter here in Houston to fly to Mexico for my wedding...And if any brides are going to be there around the same time and want to share the services and part of the costs maybe we can fit it in the budget. Okay I just typed this up and I realized that I sound like a total diva - flying in my own people for hair and make up I swear I'm not - I'm just really terrible at doing my own makeup...but my mom is a total diva and momzilla hahaha

I'm planning to bring the flags and the laterns with me. I'm also planning to hang teardrop vases with real touch orchids and strands of crystals from the arch for the ceremony which I will bring with me. I'm absolutely not interested in hauling all this stuff back - soooo if we can leave it with Ana I'm happy to leave my crystal strands, hanging vases and orchids for another bride I'm going to wait until my site visit in May to determine how many vases and strands to buy though. And YES - I agree with you Kym - all my decor ideas are adding up quickly...can't wait to get these bills...considering I have my heart set on pretty gold chairs that cost extra and colored tableclothes...yikes.

Hi ladies - so fun! I just found this cake on the knot.com and I'm in love - I'm going to have it done in light pink, dark pink and orange and then see if they'll put some green orchids on top and an orchid at each corner on the base... Cake - Flags.doc

I'm planning to use the banners - somehow - I just haven't figured out how...and then I saw this cake picture on the knot that I'm in love with - I'm attaching it! Annnnd I figured out how to add a ticker yay! Cake - Flags.doc

On the topic of chairs...has anyone gotten a quote for Chiavari chairs? I'm imaging something outrageous but I really really really want gold chairs for the ceremony and reception... Also - has anyone gotten a quote for lounge furniture? or pictures of a lounge set up?

Quote: Originally Posted by Boo Hmm I just typed in my response and it kicked me out – bah humbug Let me start off saying I am super excited that we got Elizabeth, she is a treat to deal with, and was the second contract that we signed and after saying ‘yes’ - like he even had to ask - is probably the best decision I have made. Alrighty, so I wont go into recapping all her prices – let me know if you need more info. and I can post her price list here, but basically for wedding day coverage for 6 hours the price tag is USD 4,750, for 8 hours it is USD 5,250, 10 hours it is USD 5,750. With all these you get a copy of all the pictures taken, we went with 8 hours and also will get 550 pictured edited – that is included. E M then basically has a # of packages, the one we went with is the 8 hours, plus 2 hours on a separate day, that is what we will be using for our TTD session. That option is USD 6,700. The things that I am struggling with the most and maybe you ladies can help me out on this one, and weigh in, is the wedding album. For E M the wedding album, 30 pages that 12†by 12†is USD 2,250 which in my opinion is just crazy, maybe I am naïve but I expected it to be like one tenth of the cost. I went with the exact same package from Elizabeth! Here was my thought on the album...it's not in our budget right now - but Elizabeth said you can order it 2 or 3 months after the wedding. So it is a bit expensive, but really really nice and I just thought if we have some money from guests after the wedding, we can buy it then. And if we don't, we can wait a few months and save up for it. That's my plan Hope it helps!

Awww! Laura 2210 you're wedding is soooo close that's super exciting! It's going to be amazing!! Thanks for the info about the maracas! I just found a website worth a look too: Mexican Sugar Skull | Offering Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Mexican Folk Art, Sugar Skulls, Calaveras de Azucar, Molds and more - for the paper banner things - super cute!