rach2011

$48/pp over the 20.
 

Originally Posted by plantcityhome 

Hi Ladies!

I know that this has been talked about before as I read it but in searching, I can't find again.

 

With the Ultimate package, 20 people are included/covered with the package. Can someone please tell me what the additional cost would be per person for the reception?

 

Thanks a bunch.

 

We used Edgar 2 weeks ago for our wedding and he did a good job.  If you send him a list of songs in advance he will make sure he has them.  Otherwise, he has a fairly large selection and kept the party going.  We also brought our iPod and could play off that whenever we wanted.  You should be happy with him.  The only thing I would caution you on is that if you are getting the lit dance floor, get specific dimensions.  The one we received was too small.  Good luck!

 

Originally Posted by Menaka 

I just heard from Ana yesterday that she has another DJ I can use - Edgar Cardoso with AVI.  Has anyone heard anything about him?  I leave next Saturday...yikes!

 

 

 

Originally Posted by LindsayMichelle 

 

Congrats Rachel and thanks for the great review!! I'm glad to hear you loved Fernando - I'm using him too and so excited. Can't wait to see your pics!

 

Question on the DJ change - did you have to pay for a day pass for him?

 

 We did not have to pay for a day pass for him since he is considered an approved vendor. We actually met him the day we arrived. We were talking to Ana about the issues with the DJ we were supposed to have (reviews we read) and she said, well I have another DJ, he is here, would you like to meet him? And that is how that happened.

 

We were married at DRC on Feb 20 and I promise that we will one day write a longer review, but in the spirit of getting some basics out, here goes some key bullets: 

• We had 35 guests (25 adults, 10 kids) and Ana was our Wedding Coordinator. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, I was as stressed as possible because of the lack of communication with the resort.  However, just like every other bride that has posted a review afterwards, I will attest that they really come through in the end and make just about everything go smoothly.  Ana was great to work with and was always readily available to meet once we arrived.  She had some great additional ideas that we had not considered before.  They really know what they are doing and you have to trust them.  While this is hopefully the only wedding you will have, she does hundreds a year and you have to trust that she knows what she is doing.  The fact that she does hundreds a year also explains why she is not as responsive as we as brides may like when our wedding is 6 months away.  Again, our only wedding to worry about while she has 100 or more to take care of before ours.  In summary, my advice is to relax, be calm, and trust that she will make your day incredible.
• We used Barbara Hylton from DestinationWeddings.com as our Travel Agent.  I would recommend using a TA because if you have any issues along the way, they sometimes have more clout and you can escalate with them.  We booked hotel and air through here and did not get transfers.
• We flew in on Wednesday, Feb 16 and most of our guests arrived the next day.  Almost everyone came from Houston on Continental.  Just about everyone was booked in Preferred Club Ocean View rooms and they were very nice.  We had 3 couples, us included, book in Honeymoon Suites.  The hotel was overbooked during our stay, so we were not given an upgrade, nor was my fiancee given the complimentary room the night before the wedding.
• I used Cancun Transportation Services (CTS) for all of my transfers, plus 2 additional excursions I arranged.  I received quotes from 3 different places and they were the cheapest.  They did a great job and were always exactly where they needed to be when they were supposed to. At one point I had forgotten to communicate a change in travel plans for one of my guest and they called me from the airport to confirm.
• We arranged two private excursions for our guests.  The first was a day trip to Tulum and then Playa del Carmen for shopping.  We have been to the area numerous times, with and without kids, and feel completely comfortable going around.  We chartered a bus from CTS and hired a tour guide at the Tulum ruins. 
• The second excursion was a 2 hour sunset sailing cruise through Paradise Catamarans in Puerto Aventuras.  We did not opt to have food on the boat but did have an open bar.  This was a great experience and I would highly recommend if your budget can accommodate.  Again, chartered a bus so it was very easy getting people around.
• The DJ situation seems to be in constant flux.  Ana was aware that DJ Neri had received horrible reviews in his first outing and was already prepared to make a change.  We instead used a DJ from AVI (resort knows them).  He did a good job and had most of the songs requested.  He had provided us his e-mail in advance and would have had any other special songs we requested, but time got away from us.  I brought my iPod and every now and then we would play something from it.  Our guests enjoyed it and kept dancing all night.  My only complaint was that the lit dance floor was SMALL.  If you are interested in getting a lit floor, ask for specific dimensions.
• Spa was excellent.  My fiancee (now husband) and I received a couples massage on our first day, and then I went with a group of the ladies for another massage and some other treatments. 
• I had Fernando and Julius for my hair and makeup.  Very, very pleased.  They came to the resort and did it, along with my bridesmaids, in my room.
• We brought our own photographer and I am VERY happy from the initial photographs we have seen.  I'll post a slideshow later, but we used AllisonAvenue.net.  We also had the resort photographer for the ceremony and they did a nice job also.
• OOT bags - we included CD's with a themed soundtrack, cameras, sudoku and crossword puzzle books, koozies, survival/hangover kits, keycard/tip money holders, pashminas for the ladies and hats for the guys.  Young girls received embroidered makeup bags with lotions and lip gloss.  I used Allurements by Rebecca for the passport invitations, the survival kit tops, escort cards, table numbers, OOT bag tags, keycard/tip money holders as well as personalized thank you notes to my mother, mother-in-law and sister/sister-in-laws. She was FANTASTIC to work with and I can't say enough great things about her. She is truly amazing and her creativity and flexibility with her work was a pleasure to work with.

 

That is enough for now.  Let me know what specific questions anyone has, and as I said, I'll post some pics once they are completed.

We are using CANCUN TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.  I received quotes from 3 different vendors and they had the best pricing.  Actually, they originally had the best airport transfers but were a little more expensive on a couple other excursions I wanted, so I negotiated with them and they brought their prices down.  The contact person was Patricia rodriguez at [email protected]. 

 

Originally Posted by LAURERN1564 

HI Everyone...100 days till we leave for our wedding!!! Has anyone booked transportation to the hotel from the airport.....unfortuanately my TA wont give us transfers but I found cancuntransfers.com that actually will give us a minibus for all 17 people arriving at the same time....I was just curious what everyone else is doing

If you all can have some patience, we are getting married on Feb 20th and are using the new house DJ, Mauricio Neri.  We are also getting the light up dance floor for 30 people and will be able to provide a review of the size.

 

Also, I was complaining last week about the complete lack of communication.  Well, in the days following, I probably exchanged 5 e-mails with Ana and she even instigated a conference call.  It seems like every other review is correct and they pull it all together towards the end.

Our wedding is on Feb 20, so less than 3 weeks!!  The resort pricing for a DJ is $300/hr.  Outside DJ's cost a good bit less, but then you have whatever fees the resort dreams up today for using an outside vendor (was $500, now it may be considerably cheaper), and that is only if the outside vendor is "approved".  I basically think that means the outside vendor has to agree to pay the resort some amount of money for the right to work at the resort.  Anyway, the price difference and the fact that they are making these changes so close to our date is why the WC is trying to throw in extras to entice me to use their vendor.

 

Originally Posted by sarcrook 

Let me know what you find out!!  Are they giving you a better price than bringing in an outside DJ? 

 

When is your wedding?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach2011 

Haven't decided completely about the DJ.  They offered the lit dance floor for free, but you are right, it looks small if those are the pictures on FB.  I asked how large it was and am awaiting on an answer.  If the size is acceptable, I may use the resort DJ.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarcrook 

rach2011..are you going to use DJ Julian Molina for your DJ or the resort DJ??  What are they offering if you use him?

 

Do you know if that the one that is on Facebook?  His light up dance floor looks tiny...

 

Yes..Ana told us the same thing regarding the Cocktail Hour.  Such a great exchange!!    ffor

 

 

Haven't decided completely about the DJ.  They offered the lit dance floor for free, but you are right, it looks small if those are the pictures on FB.  I asked how large it was and am awaiting on an answer.  If the size is acceptable, I may use the resort DJ.
 

Originally Posted by sarcrook 

rach2011..are you going to use DJ Julian Molina for your DJ or the resort DJ??  What are they offering if you use him?

 

Do you know if that the one that is on Facebook?  His light up dance floor looks tiny...

 

Yes..Ana told us the same thing regarding the Cocktail Hour.  Such a great exchange!!    ffor

One thing to add is that this time of year, the beach bar closes at 6pm, so think of that when planning the schedule.
 

Originally Posted by rach2011 

We are in the final stages of planning and I will tell you that Ana had no problem letting us forego the cocktail hour and applying the credit ($26/per * 20 people) towards our dinner.  We will have people meet at the beach bar and drink from there while we take pictures.  While we couldn't get credit for the Mexican trio that is part of the package, so they will just set up by the bar and play there.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerLily 

I know I'm a little late but REALLY?! They're not charging the $500 outside vendor fee anymore? Yaaayyy!! I hope this is really the case. I just sent Ana an email yesterday about some other things so I guess I'll wait before asking her about this. I worry cause it seems each coordinator gives each bride different info. We're on tight budget and would really like to get rid of cocktail hour for extra dinners (which is what I just emailed about) so we'll see what she says. I've heard of a bunch of brides doing this but recently I know someone on here said her coordinator told her no.

 

Does anyone know if you can do that? Trade in cocktail hour (have everyone meet at a bar instead) and have 30 dinners instead of 20? An extra 10 dinners instead of cocktail hour is mostly what I've seen on this forum...

 

Sharon, where did you order your dress from? I haven't gone dress shopping yet but I've been looking online alot. I know its risky but some of the dresses or so much cheaper!  That stinks about your dress- I take it there are no refunds? I'm sure you'll find something soon!

 

Ashlynn, thanks for posting that-I'll have to check out that website for our chair sashes.

 

We are in the final stages of planning and I will tell you that Ana had no problem letting us forego the cocktail hour and applying the credit ($26/per * 20 people) towards our dinner.  We will have people meet at the beach bar and drink from there while we take pictures.  While we couldn't get credit for the Mexican trio that is part of the package, so they will just set up by the bar and play there.
 

Originally Posted by TigerLily 

I know I'm a little late but REALLY?! They're not charging the $500 outside vendor fee anymore? Yaaayyy!! I hope this is really the case. I just sent Ana an email yesterday about some other things so I guess I'll wait before asking her about this. I worry cause it seems each coordinator gives each bride different info. We're on tight budget and would really like to get rid of cocktail hour for extra dinners (which is what I just emailed about) so we'll see what she says. I've heard of a bunch of brides doing this but recently I know someone on here said her coordinator told her no.

 

Does anyone know if you can do that? Trade in cocktail hour (have everyone meet at a bar instead) and have 30 dinners instead of 20? An extra 10 dinners instead of cocktail hour is mostly what I've seen on this forum...

 

Sharon, where did you order your dress from? I haven't gone dress shopping yet but I've been looking online alot. I know its risky but some of the dresses or so much cheaper!  That stinks about your dress- I take it there are no refunds? I'm sure you'll find something soon!

 

Ashlynn, thanks for posting that-I'll have to check out that website for our chair sashes.

Beginning this year, Dreams revised their contracts with external vendors.  Apparently the new contract was a bad deal for some vendors and Doremixx refused to sign, and therefore cannot provide services at DRC anymore.  Not sure what his direct rates where because previously you had to book through the resort and pay their $300/hr rate.  DJ Molina from Mood Event Services is also supposed to be good and he quoted me $650 for up to 5 hours (same price for anything less).

 

The resort is trying to push their new preferred DJ.  I haven't read any reviews on him yet, but we are likely going to use him.  They are making some concessions to make it appealing.
 

Originally Posted by SharonMydung 

Do you know what the pricing for Dj Doremixx is?  I read a few reviews on here that DJ Julian Molina is as good and he has basically everything Ivan has.  Not sure if they are around the same price.

 

I haven't even shop for dresses yet.  I ordered one online and didn't like it too much.  Will have to sell that one and find another one.

 

 

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarcrook 

Really???  Don't have to pay the $500??!!  Thank GOD - that was insane!!  So we can bring in a DJ and don't have to pay $500??  P H E W !!!

 

I went dress shopping for my first time today - got some idea's..it was an interesting experience.  Seems surreal that I'll ever find a dress!!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharonMydung 

I am sooo happy and excited for everyone.  My colors are orange and sage.  I just found out from Veronica the coordinator that we do not have to pay the $500 resort fee any longer for an outside vendor.  The only fee you pay for the them is the day pass fee.  Just send your coordinator their info b/c she needs to contact them and have them sign some kind of contract.

 

I was reviewing the pricing for Claudia Rodriguez for photography and goodness, i can't believe how expensive she is.  I might use Janine's photographer from New York; Nick, his photos are so beautiful.

 

By the way, does anyone know how much Ivan charge for DJ'ing? 

 

Unfortunately I am still looking for my Dress, gotta lose some weight too.  I just started the p90x so I hope that works lol.  Have you guys found your dress yet?

 

Sharon

 

 

Thanks, and yes, I am glad the day is almost here.  We are having 35 guests.  We are bringing down all of our OOT stuff, as well as various decorations for the tables.  We actually got the pricing on centerpieces today and my fiancee said we can buy the stuff here, buy a suitcase, haul it all down there and still end up cheaper, PLUS we still own it.  So, we may be bringing more :-) Haha, if we could only pack a DJ.

 

Originally Posted by SharonMydung 

congratulations, your wedding is right around the corner.  From the information that I've gathered so far, you don't need to pay $500 for an outside vendor fee anymore, only a day pass which is arorund 55-60 dollars per person.  You will need to email your WC the outside vendor's info so that she may have them sign some kind of contract.  How many guests are you having at your wedding?  Are you bringing anything down there with you?

 

Once again congrats:)
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach2011 

I am glad to hear that some people are beginning to have better communication with the resort WC's, but that seems to be on a case by case basis depending on who you have as a WC.  We have Ana and are having long delays in responses.  Oh, and by the way, our wedding is in less than 3 weeks (Feb 20).  If it weren't for all of the reviews stating how this is basically par for course, meaning that communication is horrendous up front and then they miraculously pull it all together in the end, I would be worried.  Sigh…why does it have to be so difficult?  But I guess I have to remember that one of the reasons that we chose a destination wedding was so we wouldn’t have to plan for months and months and months.  We are arriving on Feb 16^th, so hopefully we will have plenty of time to put it together.  If they would just resolve this darn DJ situation! 

 

Anyway, 19 days and counting.

 

Steve and Amy 2/04/2011
Tara & Andy 2/10/11
rscherle- 2/19/2011

Rachel & Kevin - 2/20/2011
saymyname74- 3/5/2011

I am glad to hear that some people are beginning to have better communication with the resort WC's, but that seems to be on a case by case basis depending on who you have as a WC.  We have Ana and are having long delays in responses.  Oh, and by the way, our wedding is in less than 3 weeks (Feb 20).  If it weren't for all of the reviews stating how this is basically par for course, meaning that communication is horrendous up front and then they miraculously pull it all together in the end, I would be worried.  Sigh…why does it have to be so difficult?  But I guess I have to remember that one of the reasons that we chose a destination wedding was so we wouldn’t have to plan for months and months and months.  We are arriving on Feb 16^th, so hopefully we will have plenty of time to put it together.  If they would just resolve this darn DJ situation! 

 

Anyway, 19 days and counting.

I hope your wedding went perfectly!!!

Rachel & Kevin - 2/20/2011  

 

Originally Posted by lsd203 

Thao & Triet: 9/3/2010
Nikki & Tyler- 9/17/2010
Casey & Ron - 9/18/2010
Sarah & Joe – 9/18/2010
Mindy & Joe - /10/4/2010
Toni & Jake – 10/8/2010
Vix1383 – 10/16/2010
Adrian & Peter 10/17/2010
Kym & Brian – 10/19/2010
Emma & ? - 10/23/2010
Robyn and Chris- 10/24/2010
Reagan & Brent – 10/26/2010
wisconsionbride - 10/28/2010
Rachael & Alex - 10/31/2010
Chelsey & Travis- 11/5/2010

April & Reggie – 11/6/2010
Jannine & Pete- 11/11/2010
Ashley & Mark- 11/15/2010
Kate and Cam - 11/19/2010
Tracy & ? -11/26/2010
lnf_munchkin - 11/27/2010
Lori and Jason- 11/29/2010
t1219 – 11/30/2010
Heather & Braden- 12/6/2010
Angela & Craig - 12/8/2010

Melissa & Evan - 12/10/2010
allegraapple – 12/12/2010
majimart – 12/17/2010
volosikj-1/15/2011
Steve and Amy 2/04/2011
Tara & Andy 2/10/11
rscherle- 2/19/2011

Rachel & Kevin - 2/20/2011
saymyname74- 3/5/2011

L'Oreal & Mike 3/26/11

Ashley & Cole 4/7/2011

Kerry & Gary - 4/8/2011
Melissa & Michael - 4/22/11

Dawn & Jimmy  - 4/30/2011
Lisa & Andrew - 5/6/11
Ursula & Matt - 5/7/2011
Melissa & Nathanael 5/8/11

Winter & Steven - 5/10/2011
Leanne & Adam 5/14/2011

Adele & Anthony 5/17/2011

Lauren & Brian 05/25/2011

Colleen & Clint 7/19/11

Lindsay & Frank 7/23/11

Maria & Terrance 7/30/11

Ivelisse & Steve 10/28/11

 

 

I added mine - Rachel and Kevin 2/20/2011
 

 

 

Originally Posted by lami1818 

 

Hi all, I'm new to this site. I'm getting married at Secrets Maroma May 2011. I'm very interested in know if any one used photographer Juan Navarro, his name was given to me by Cecilia.

 

 

I know from various people on this site that have used Juan and he is supposedly EXCELLENT! Rave reviews. Have you checked out his website?

 

 

Originally Posted by AlisonJimmy 

 

My overlays were a crystal organza.  I bought them from a website.  I saw silk ones when I was there and they all looked great!

 

 

Your wedding looked amazing. Thanks for posting the slideshow...absolutely beautiful. Where did you find your organza overlays? I saw some on another website but I wasn't sure what the "crystal organza" looked like? Did you like them?

Thanks so much for the review. That definitely puts me at ease reading various reviews and how it seems to come together in the end. I'm glad to see that the kids club is great. We have our kids going and I wasn't sure how they would like it! Congratulations!!!!

@wisconsinbride - Was the $200 price based on a certain number of chairs?  Was that utilizing 'her' materials or you supplying and her just providing labor?  Or was it whatever price sounded good to her at the time? lol...

 

Originally Posted by Boo 

FH is a big Carona drinker, that would be fun if they have it, mmm Carona and lime

Most of the resorts have one main beer that you can get on tap and then several others that you can get in bottles.  We stayed at Secrets Capri (sister resort) last fall and the beer on tap was Corona.  You could still get Pacifico, Sol and a few others in bottles, but if you just asked for beer, it was Corona.  I also believe it was Corona stocked in the room refrigerators. 

 

(A year ago I stayed at a different, unaffiliated resort and their main beer was Dos XX)

The rose petals are $22 per bag, and someone else said that Ana had stated it would take 7-8 bags to get decent coverage on the walkway. I think it would be a lot cheaper to go to a little market and buy several dozen roses and just pluck the petals.

I am going to ask Ana (or Yazmin) about the beach decor. Someone on an earlier post quoted that it is something like $5 per chair for them to provide the decorations, whereas you can buy the same stuff in the states for 50 cents. However, some of the earlier brides also said they left their decorations for future use, so I am curious if Ana lets you use them for free, or if she tries to charge, even though they were donated.

I don't know if I can do this....without crying at the ceremony. I had to start/stop and restart reading 4 times to get through it. What a wonderful thing to do for the moms.

Yazmin can be reached at [email protected]