lorijfletcher

I have a question. Are you ladies ordering your pashmina's in your wedding colors? Or something more neutral like white or beige?

The measurements on these is (from the customer service guy): The length of the maraca (from the top of the ball to the bottom of the handle) ranges from 7.5-8.5". The "ball" ranges from 3.5"-4" diameter. Does this seem really small to anyone else? I had them envisioned larger but maybe this is the size of a "typical" maraca??

I see you got a neutral color for your pashmina's. Is this what everyone is doing, or are some of you getting pashmina's that match your wedding colors?

Wow! You did a great job! It is going to be beautiful!

I just e-mailed them about my colors and he got back to me in less than 5 minutes! You are right, GREAT customer service. I have been considering doing the maraca's by marishka designs (I really love them) but have been having a hard time justifying the cost. This is a great option! Thanks again!

I would love to know how you like them in "real life", too. Let us know when you get them. Great find, thanks for the tip!

Ok ladies, I need your creative minds to go to work for me. I have starfish bookmarks for the OOT bags and I want to put something cute and creative on the label but my mind is blank. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!!

I'll take the Aloe vera bottles if you still have them. zip - 99343

Quote: Originally Posted by allegraapple The price I have for flower petals (for the aisle) is $22 per bag. I'm not sure if that includes taxes or not. Ana suggests 15 bags if you want the aisle completely covered. That sounds like a TON of money to be thrown on the ground!! That is discouraging

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl Dreams Riviera Cancun – Wedding Review We were very happy with how everything turned out and were so happy we chose this resort. We went to a different resort for our honeymoon and wished we were back at Dreams. As with any wedding there were some things that didn’t quite go as planned, however, I think most of it was transparent to the guests so I have to be happy about that. First of all, I am so happy that we chose the beach location. We had the ceremony on the beach near the boat rentals. It was on the opposite side from the playground and the bar. This was perfect! It was very private. There were some on lookers, but not many. We had use of the presidential suite and were able to walk out from the suite. I thought that was a nice touch. I was hoping that we could get ready in there and take our getting ready shots in there, but they wouldn’t let us. Not a big deal, just something that I had envisioned. There was a little confusion on where the guests were to meet. Ana had asked that I have the guests ALL meet in the lobby and she would walk them over. Somehow the message got changed to, the wedding party should meet Ana in the lobby and the rest should meet down at the ceremony location. I don’t know if it was a big deal, but just seemed a little unorganized. I think we probably started closer to 6pm instead of 5:30. The bridesmaids walked down to Somewhere Over The Rainbow, by Iz and my dad and I walked down to Only Time by Enya. We had Rosanna marry us. She was very nice but a little hard to understand at times….though not too bad. Our ceremony was probably about 30 mins long. We put our own ceremony together. We walked back down the aisle to I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. I thought our song choices worked out really well. After the wedding we took lots and lots of photos and never made it to the cocktail hour. This was ok, because we wanted lots of photos. However, there was some confusion after the ceremony of where the guests were to go. We had the cocktail hour set up by the pool on the grass (behind the canopy beds), but I don’t think anyone directed them…and of course I was pre-occupied with photos. By the time the guests got to the cocktail hour, the Caribean Trio had already started. I don’t know how much of it was missed, but it was a shame that they started and no one was over there to listen. There was a ton of food left over after the cocktail hour. I don’t know if everyone made it over there. I would suggest going over the agenda with the guests prior to the wedding, if you don’t want to have to worry about it on the day of the wedding. Or maybe include directions in your welcome bag. The DJ (DJ Mannia) first announced the bridal party to the song by the Black Eye Peas “I have a feelingâ€. Then he announced us (bride and groom) to “Eye of the Tiger†by Survivor. Again we got off to a late start, but this was the fault of Best Man. He took off and we didn’t know where he went. We really wanted to wait for him before walking into the reception. Reception set up: We had 5 round tables and 1 sweet heart table (for us). Each table had turquoise overlay and turquoise sashes around the white chairs. The centerpiece was 2 Cali lilies submerged in water in a tall vase. I saw it in a magazine and showed Ana. I loved it! It was very simple but elegant. I got a lot of compliments from my guests. The guests names were hand written in a frame covered in seashells. We had a friend hand make these. I had a medium sized white starfish on each table…which I never got back. Ana may still have them. We had the Caribbean buffet and my guests were raving about the food. I had some but couldn’t really taste anything over all of the excitement…ha! Based off of the reviews that they gave me, I would say it was a good choice. I was disappointed in the lights underneath the pool. When we visited back in November, we were blown away with how pretty the blue lights looked. Well, unfortunately they were VERY faded. Luckily for all of you, this was a piece that was broken and the resort was waiting for a part. I was so bummed that they had to be broken when I was there. I thought it would look so pretty in the photos  The DJ was ok, but I have some complaints about the company that I need to send over in an email. I spent a whole weekend putting together a play list and I emailed it to the company and they confirmed they got it. I even handed it to the owner when we met earlier in the week. However, the DJ did not have it. He only had the main songs that I wanted (thank goodness he had those!). I had also requested lights under the table and for the dance floor. I even had discussions with the owner in a face to face meeting earlier in the week. We discussed blue lights on the dance floor. We did not get a dance floor or lights under the tables. After seeing it, we really didn’t need the dance floor, but the point is, I ordered it. We also got the cold fire works. They had these and my guests were all amazed by them. I think there should be some awesome photos!! I’m really glad I decided to go with those. We didn’t use the resort photographers for the wedding but used them the day after the wedding. They took lovely photos! The videographer was good. He filmed the ceremony and then followed us around with the photographer and took some videos of us walking and posing on the beach. We got the video already and think it is good. The only thing is, he did not use the correct song for when I walked down the aisle. I’m not sure why, but I have emailed him. All in all, it was a fabulous wedding and we were really happy with how things went. My main complaint was that it didn’t seem that organized. I needed the coordinators to direct people a little better as I was too busy and couldn’t be bothered directing people. Thank you for the great review!

I went with ivory.......I guess I didn't really think about what would look better.

Quote: Originally Posted by ebernard4985 For those already married that used the resort photographer.... did you upgrade from the package? All of the packages say the photographer is there for 1.5 hours.... there is no way that is enough time. Did you add extra hours? Ana told me it would be $250 per hour to add time.... is this what you did THANKS!!! I e-mailed the resort photographer directly and they told me they are available for however long you need them......no time limit. I would check with them directly at DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN PHOTO [email protected]. If they say there is no time limit, keep that e-mail!

Anyone already married at the dreams that used their photographer's for everything? Have any information to share about your experience? How many photo's did you get? Did you get CD? Etc...... Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by amberm410 I had Juan as my photographer and I had the free wedding package that did not include photos so she had me choose which package I wanted from a list she gave me. I was under the impression both the resort photographer and Juan was the same price. I had chose package #4. I believe it was $1040 USD and we recieved about 96 4X6 photos in a book along with about 6-8 8X10's and maybe about 5-10 5X7's. He did color, black and white, sepia, and black and white with color added in. They were truly amazing. Of the photos he choose and printed for us he made us a cd that has all rights to make whatever copies etc... When they met us to give us our photos they also showed us all the rest of the photos which totaled about 1300 photos and offered us to buy the complete set on cds with all rights to making copies etc... we opted to purchase the extra cds because there were just so many great pictures. Good Luck! Thanks so much!

I have a dilemma about the photographer. I am doing the Ultimate wedding package and so I don't know if it makes sense to hire Juan Navarro. His work is amazing, but I think the resort does a good job too. Below are some facts and questions I have about each. Can anyone help me out? Those of you who are hiring him, are you doing the Love or Ultimate wedding package? Juan Navarro: 3 hr time limit gives you more photo's? (I've heard they are the same but it looks like Juan gives you more) Gives you ALL photo's taken?? charges extra for TTD - but you get more photo's for the extra money, too. Resort photographer: no time limit (they told me) no extra charge for TTD fewer pictures?? only 50 included in package $15 per photo after the given 50 Help please!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by dee414 Hello Ladies! I can't believe that the wedding is exactly in one month from today. We are super excited yet it's so stressful at the same time right now. As far as the rose petals go..I wanted to write and say that Ana does not allow rose petals to be thrown on the beach. But, she does allow it if you are getting married at the gazebo. So I went to Michael's and bought a few boxes of the silk rose petals and will have Ana scatter them on the aisle before the ceremony starts. Interesting! I do have a flower girl.......so she won't be able to throw rose petals? It seems weird that Ana wouldn't allow real petals but she will allow silk petals? Is that what you are saying?

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 The chairs that are included in the wedding packages are the ones covered in white - if you want something else then it will cost extra. I did the ultimate package and I'm planning to just upgrade certain things - like the linens and chairs and probably the flowers. Thanks for the info! Do you happen to have pictures of the other chairs you are looking at?

Quote: Originally Posted by cathyandchin Is anyone bringing toasting flutes and cake knife/server? Also... we originally booked a DJ when we thought we were having close to 30 guests but right now we're at 11. What's the MINIMUM number would you say YES to the DJ? Cathy I would say 25 minimum......just my opinion. You need to be able to justify the cost

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 I have no idea - I guess I'm leaning towards using the hotel simplly because it'll be easier - but if the quote is outrageous I'll try another avenue. How much did she quote you? When you ladies are talking about chairs, aren't the chairs included? Are you talking about the wedding or reception or both? Are you doing a wedding package or are you doing the free wedding and adding on what you want?

Quote: Originally Posted by beachykeen The ones I've seen posted here were from Mishka Designs. Not sure on the price but I know a few of the DRC brides used her. Puerto Vallarta Wedding Planners :: Bodas en Puerto Vallarta Marishka's blog Mishka Designs' Blog: A Maraca By Any Other Name...

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 tsgnatko - For the welcome party you can certainly have Ana help you plan a private function - and you will pay per person for food/drinks...you could do a buffet or just apps if you wanted to keep the cost down. While I was there I saw plenty of people just meet up at certain locations. If you just want cocktails - meeting at Desires when it opens is a great idea - I'd suggest taking over the terrace, it's really nice and comfy. You could also have people meet at the lobby bar - rendezvous - there is a TON of seating and the bartenders are awesome there (as well as in desires). There is no food served at Desires or in the lobby - all the food is in the restaurants. Both desires and the lobby are super close to the restaurants as well. Do you know if kids are allowed in the bars? I know the whole place is all incisive but I didn't know if the designated bar areas were adults only. Thanks, Lori

Ok, ladies, I have a question for you. My ceremony is at 1:00 (I really wanted later). I am having a hard time envisioning how it will all flow. Ceremony at 1:00 Pictures - right after Thinking about not doing a cocktail hour because then we can apply that towards cheaper per head charge for the reception. Even if we DID do a cocktail hour, what do our guests do from like 3 til the reception starts (maybe like 6 or 7)? I hate for everyone to get all dressed up for the wedding, then get their beach clothes back on, then get all dressed up again for the reception. I just can't figure out how it is all going to work. Any suggestions?

Quote: Originally Posted by aubry I received some emails from Ana today! Yay!!!! However, the only outdoor reception venue is the beach. I was hoping to do some dancing with the sound system, but I'm not sure how that would work on sand, and I don't really want to pay for a dance floor. So, what have you seen done during the reception - I mean, you can only eat for so long, then what? Have any of you seen the indoor options? Also, I got the photo package list from Ana, but it did not explain how to "add-on" or up the level. Anyone know how it works? One more question for those who've been: we have several small children, and were wanting to get a ground floor room where we can put napping kids but still hang out with a group right outside the room. Would the plunge pool ocean view or plunge pool ocean front be good options? Any other options anyone could see working? Thanks! If you are doing a wedding package, you get the set number of photo's and then it is $15 per additional photo, that you want. If you have one of the wedding packages, but you didn't want the photo package that comes with it, you would have to pay the FULL price of the next upgraded package. They don't do any pro-rating. You should e-mail their photographer directly. They are really good about getting back to you with answers. [email protected] Hope this makes sense!

Quote: Originally Posted by pbjwed Happy Cinco De Mayo Brides!!! Today was a GREAT day because Ana responded to me and ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS!!! Woohooooo! I gave up because it had been over 2 months and was THRILLED to see all my questions answered. I can include it in the forum if anyone wants me to but am very happy! The only issue is we wanted to have a Fiesta night and Tequila Tasting in Elpatio and was told we they cant accomadate the 85 people so I am not sure what we are going to do there. Ana said I couldnt have the Mariachi Band in the restaurant.. which is odd because when I was there for dinner there was a Mariachi Trio playing for the guests?? Hmm not sure.. but I believe I will have to investigate further. I haven't been on in awhile... Congrats to all the new brides and the ones that just got married! Your pics are fantastic!!!!!!!! Just had to let you all know there is HOPe!!!!!! Its a beautiful day!!! xoxox That would be awesome if we could see what questions you had and the answers, as I am sure most of us have the same questions Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 Oh I'll jump in here too...I was afraid it would be too much so I tweaked the idea slightly and I'm going to have them at everyone's place setting (just one as well for cost reasons) and the tag will say "Shake for a kiss" (instead of at the kiss...) Thanks for all of your comments on this ladies......I love this thread! Anyhoo, I think this is what I will do, as well. I'm not planning on doing much decorating for the reception (just banking on the location being beautiful enough) so one maraca at each place setting will add some color!