Mardigras

Hi all! We made it back and through the AHR. Now that everything has settled down, I finally have a moment to add my review of our wedding at Dreams Cancun. Like many before me, let me start by saying what an invaluable resourse this forum was for me as I was planning our wedding. I would have totally lost my mind if it hadn't been for the support and information I found here!! That being said, let's get to the real reason you are reading tihs :-) Frontier Airlines A- The flight to and from Denver to Cancun was really uneventful. It was snowing when we left (which made it ever better that we were headed to warm Mexico) so we were delayed a little for de-icing. Once we got through that, smooth sailing all the way to Cancun. Cancun Airport D- This was a bit of a nightmare. We waited in line at immigration for more than 90 minutes. It was hot, stuffy and the fact that I was carrying my wedding dress the entire time make it even less enjoyable. Anyway, we finally made it through the long lines and we were off to customs. I was really nervous about this, based on what I had read about others getting the "red light" I had one entire suitcase full of wedding favors and another with OOT bags. I was ready though, I had all my receipts just in case. I put all my bags through and held my breath... Green light! Woo hoo, home free. Well almost, my FI had my clothes, and he got the red light. The customs officer is going though the luggage full of swimsuits, lingere, etc. and kept looking at him asking, "is this your bag?" Haha. We explained he had my suitcase, (much to the relief of the customs agent), we quickly traded bags, they did a quick look and we were off to find transportation. Transportation, American Express C- This was a bit of a mess. Lots of people were traveling that day and it took a while to locate our travel company. Once we finally found them, it was okay, but they were really, really confused by the fact that we were going to be staying at 2 different resorts. Dreams Cancun A+ I will say everyone we dealt with was wonderful. This can be said for the desk clerks, concierge, waiters, bartenders. They were all fabulous!! At check-in we were upgraded to the honeymoon suite which had a great view of the wedding gazebo and ocean. On top of that, everyone of our family and friends who stayed there received room upgrades. The hotel made sure that we were all in the same building as well, so we weren't spread all over the resort. It was little touches like that which I really appreciated. Wedding Coordinator, Claudia A. The only reason I am not giving her an A+ was the slow response times during the planning stage. I will say that once we were there, she was spectacular! She is very, very sweet, and did an outstanding job of putting everything together for us. We met with her shortly after check-in and within 40 minutes had the entire wedding and reception planned out. She did trade us some things for others, we did not use the trio, so she gave us the sound system for no charge, we did not use the minister, so we got the gazebo decoration for free, etc. I will say Claudia and Cecilia work very, very hard. There was at least one if not two weddings every day we were there. Claudia and Cecilia do all of the set up for the ceremony and receptions personally, once I saw how much they do, I had a new understanding of why it takes so long to respond to emails. Spa at Dreams gets a C. Husband and I had a couples massage the morning of our wedding, which was awesome! Very relaxing,-up wish we could have stayed a little longer and enjoyed the spa a little more. The reason I am giving it a C was the hair and make-up. I really wasn't happy with the way they did either my hair or make up. Despite giving them photos for examples, it was not even close. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to complete re-do it all, so lived with what I had. Personally, if I could do anything over or differently, I would have done my own hair and make-up or would have brought someone in to do it for me. However, I will also say I am very particular about both my hair and make-up, so maybe I am just being overly critical. Ceremony - Was incredible! The gazebo decor, flowers, location, all together it was breathtakingly beautiful. I really can't think of a more beautiful place to get married. We wrote our own ceremony with the help of our friend/minister. It was very personal and very special. Everyone cried, even the tough guys! Haha. Cocktail reception - We were taking pictures, so didn't get to enjoy this, but our guests loved it! We had the cocktail hour on the beach, everyone loved the food! Reception - What a party! Everyone loved the food (I gave everyone the choice of 2 salads, 2 soups and 3 entrees, not one person was disappointed!) I just made up place cards for each guest with their food choices on the place cards, which made it very easy for the wait staff. After dinner, lots of dancing. DJ Mannia did a fabulous job with keeping everyone on the dance floor. In fact, it was such a good time, we had quite a few wedding crashers :-) After a while it became a contest to see who could get the most crashers... LOL! Photography A+ - Due to budget we stuck with Juan Navarro. I have to say, I was not disappointed!! Alex and Tony were both great to work with! They provided great instructions and got some breath taking shots! Not easy to do, as I hate having my picture taken :-) Video, I will give that a B. We used the company that came with our package. The video is great quality, and he dropped it off the next morning, but he did not use our wedding music, but added his own. That was a little disappointing, but in the grand scheme of things, probably not that important. Overall, I will say that we had the time of our lives! All of the staff at Dreams and their vendors were beyond wonderful. Everyone who attended our wedding loved it. They have all said they have never been to a wedding that was as much fun. So, mission accomplished :-) I will try to see if I can figure out how to add some pictures...

Hi ladies! We recently got back from our wedding and honeymoon. I will post a review later, but wanted to let you all know that Claudia and her team did an AMAZING job with our wedding! We used the photographer and video that comes with the package and I am VERY happy with the way they turned out. We also went with the DJ. It was really nice letting someone else run the music, so I could just relax and have fun!! Only thing I would change would be not to stress so much :-) As many have said before me, they really do know what they are doing. Review and pics to come ;-)

Congratulations and welcome! Good luck planning, there is TONS of great information here...

Okay, I have to admit that I am starting to freak out a little bit. I have been way laid back and over the course of the past 9 months, I've maybe sent 6 emails. But we are flying out in a little more than a week for our wedding, and I can't seem to get a response from the WC. Sent an email more than 10 days ago, trying to get some last minute information as to what Claudia needs from me for the guest list (Iwas told I have to send our final guest list to the WC no later than 1 week prior), also trying to set up a meeting with WC and schedule our rehearsal so I can let everyone know ahead of time and so we can arrange some group trips for our wedding guests. I haven't received a response. Sent the same email again two days ago, and still no response. Call it nerves, but this is making me more than a little crazy!! I figured the communication would get better as we got closer, instead I am getting no communication at all. Is there anyone here who can talk me off this ledge? I am starting to freak out here :-)

Coco Bongo is off the hook! The hopper tours are also really fun, the advantage is they provide transportation. Have fun!!

Hi y'all! My FI and I would like to plan a private snorkeling trip for our wedding guests, but don't want to do the typical full day tour. We are thinking more of a half day type thing. Has anyone done this? If so, what vendor did you use?

Quote: Originally Posted by KB&JC after many months I have finally picked dreams cancun as my resort for the wedding!! yay!! I am awaiting reply but I am hoping for May 14, 2011!! Congratulations and welcome!!

Great information! Thank you for posting!

Fabulous website!! Thank you so much for posting!!

So I have asked tons of questions of prior DW brides, read the articles and came up with an average. Tipping is obviously based upon the level of service provided. I think I am going to fill out some basic thank you cards and put cash in the cards. I will defer to my future MIL to pass them out (since she will be one of the few sober people by the end of the evening, haha!!) From what I have heard and read, $50 - 100 for the WC (some tip half at the initial meeting and the remainder at the end of the receiption). $25.00+ for each waiter and the bartender. $50.00+ for the DJ (if you have one). Most aren't tipping the officiant if he or she is set up by the resort and it is a simple ceremony. I believe in tipping well, but am having a hard time tipping someone who is giving 20 minutes of their time. I am thinking of tipping the photographer in 2 installments, half after the wedding, the other half when the pics are delivered.

I just received my organza chair bows/sashes from tablecloths-chair covers- table linens-sashes wholesaler The quality and color is great. I have 25 that I will be selling as soon as we get back from our wedding in early March.

We are getting "legally" married at home before we leave. Actually where we live the state does not require an officiant to perform a ceremony. You just get the marriage license and sign it before a witness. Pretty simple. So while friends are in town for the bachelor/bachelorette parties this weekend, we are going to be legally hitched :-) Although we will use the date of our ceremony in Mexico as our actual wedding date.

Love your ideas! Lots of work, but it will be a beautiful wedding! Congratulations!

Question for you ladies. How many of you are (or have) using the photographer that comes with the Dreams package?

Leanne. Thank you so much for the link! Very helpful :-)

We are staying at the Excellence Playa Mujeres for our honeymoon. We are leaving the day after the wedding and will spend the next 5 days at this "adults only" resort. We have stayed here before, and if you want R & R it is AMAZING! However, if you want more of a party atmosphere, this might not be your place, it is pretty laid back.

We are paying for the Bridemaid's dresses and alterations, we are also paying for the groomsmen's tux rentals. We are doing this in place of traditional gifts.

Does anyone know if DJ Mannia is still the DJ Dreams is using?

Our recessional is going to be The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. It is a fun and kind of silly song.

Quote: Originally Posted by JT3 Hey ladies... has anyone decided on how much to tip the wc. Or for past brides how much did you ladies tip her? I have the same question...

We are having a joint bachelor/bachelorette party at Coco Bongo rather than a more formal dinner. Our guests range in age from 20's to 70's. A friend who got married in November did a catameran cruise for her group, that was fun as well.

Great review and pictures. You were a beautiful bride!! Thank you for sharing.

Hi ladies! I would love to hear from some of you who have already had their DW. For your wedding and reception, how much did you tip your WC, DJ, Bartender, waiter(s), etc? Your input would be very much appreciated!!

Love the OOT bags! Where did you find the plastic card holders?

Great job with the OOT bags. Looks like you had fun putting them all together. Question for you, where did you find the key holders?