WestBacaniWedding

Hi ladies! I got married at DRC this past May and am finally getting around to sifting through all my left over goodies. If anyone is interested, I have a bunch of items for sale under the for sale forum. Have a lookie

I got married a Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort in Mexico this past May & my husband says it's finally time to clean out the "JUNK ROOM!" I can't believe he'd call my beautiful wedding excess "junk", but those guys just don't get it. So here goes.... I will ship to anywhere in the US/Canada. I am only accepting Paypal, as this seems to be the easiest way to complete transactions. Buyer will pay shipping. (that will depend on what you want) I have photos of everything. PM me if you want the item(s), and if you have any questions. HAPPY SHOPPING =)

 

Mugs   32pc   $1.50 ea

   Insulated, Blue with Orange "riviera maya" logo on front and back

 

Bamboo Placemats   10pc  $5.00 lot

   These I used for my at home reception. They look like the table runner form photo, except they are placemats

 

Etsy Garter   1   $12.00

    Never used. Actually forgot to pack it

 

Badgley Mischka Shoes (size 6)    $90.00 (Paid 150.00)

     These were never worn at wedding, they were worn at home reception. Very small evidence of wearing them. I have orginial box & lent bag.

 

Davids Bridal Trash The Dress ( Size 6)    $50.00 (Paid 100.00)

      Perfect for Trash The Dress. A true size 6. I did have it hemmed. I am 5'2" (i wear a size 4/6)

 

Orange & Turquoise Jars    11pc    $1.50 ea

    These are the small jars on reception table (not the big mason jars)

      Blue - 5

      Orange - 6

 

Small Orange Starfish   36pc   $2.00 lot

  These are really tiny guys. Probably the size of a nickel/dime. I used them for my invitations.

 

Luggage Tags   30 pc $1.00 ea (Paid 2.99 ea)

   yet another DIY that never happenned. This are real luggage tags. They are heavy duty thick plastic. Shown with an orange ribbon. (ribbon not included)

 

Kids Jewelry Kit   2pc  $1.00 ea

 

The Knot Destination Wedding Book    1  $8.00 (Paid $19.00)

   This has lots of ideas & a planning fill in the blank area. I didn't write anything in the book. It's in mint condition.

 

First Aid Kits   10pc  $0.75 ea

 

 

It's finally time to clean out the "JUNK ROOM" as my husband is calling it.

For anyone who previously went to my facebook page and couldn't see any of the pics I uploaded an album last night so you should be able to see them now (look up Melissa Ventura Mattingly). The DJ was 300 an hour and we had him for 4 hours however the 4th hour was free due to the mix up with DJ Doremixx but we tipped him $50 when it was all said and done because he did a really good job. My ceremony started for 4 and only last maybe 20 minutes. We skipped the cocktail hour with the appetizers and just had our guests meet at the Baracuda Bar which is right next to the Gazebo (its the bar with the swings around it) and we had the Carribean Trio play there since they were free with the package and it worked out well because we ended up taking our pictures right on the beach in front of the bar and our guests really liked to watch. The reception started at 6. Just my advise, get all the dances, speeches and cake cutting over with in that first hour. We had our entrance which everyone loved. They all stood up and danced with their maracas when we came in to "Tonights Gonna Be a Good Night" Everyone said it was the best wedding entrance they had ever seen. Right after that everyone went to the buffet and we ate for about 20  - 30 minutes. Then we did speeches , first dances, and then we cut the cake. Shortly after that it started to rain so they moved us into the ballroom and we danced the night away till 11. I did my bouquet toss and garter toss the second to last two songs of the night. My only complaint was that when it rained they weren't able to move any of the food except for some desserts and my cake to the ballroom so the rest of the food went to waste. It was a good thing everyone was able to eat at least one plate of food before then.

This may be a silly question...but I'm confused. Does the dj play during dinner? Or after? I'm just trying to figure out my timeline. Our dinner starts at 7:30...so is that when the dj starts?

And ladies...THANK YOU SO MUCH for the advice on hair appt times! The wedding is at 5:30...I'm scheduling for 1:30. Like someone else mentioned...if its bad, I'll have time to re-do! haha!

I'm not doing a welcome event. We only 20 ppl...so everyone will meet up that evening for dinner. Hoping that they'll pull some tables together for us. Which I've read shouldn't be a problem if you slip the manager $100. We are dropping off our OOT bags to everyones room after they arrive. (Which I JUST finished my OOT bags!!! WHOOO HOOO! I will be selling a lot of stuff bc I have left overs!) But .... The day after the wedding, we're going to treat everyone to a snorkel trip!

Originally Posted by justney 

What are you all doing for a "welcome event"?  We considered a sunset cruise at first but don't know if we want to spend that much.  A dinner doesn't appeal to us because it's an all inclusive and won't feel special but still cost a good amount.  I saw that some other hotels do bonfires on the beach but I haven't seen that at Dreams.  I'm now considering not doing an event and just beefing up the OOT bags with better stuff and handing those out at a "cocktail party" (having everyone meet at one of the bars) early in the trip. Ideas???

 

HELP! If my wedding is at 5:30...what time should I schedule the hair/make up appt???

Hey ladies,

I know that sucks about the DJ issue, I am sorry to hear that. Sounds like Dreams just really wants to use Visual Sound for everyone if possible. Maybe he is someone's relative or something. Haha.

 

We are getting married May 14th and have opted for this DJ, Visual Sound, or DJ Neri Mauricio, he seems to have various names he goes by.

 

We have been in contact with him and he seems nice and responsive. We are aware he has had some kinks the last few months and we are just hopeful that he will be super experienced by the time May 14th comes around. 

 

Since music is super important for us, it was scary to switch to him with some not so positive reviews in the past on here, but I trust he will be fine and it will all work out. 

 

We had already made an extremely detailed music "play list" and "do not play list," and we have sent him really specific instructions earlier this month, just because we want it how we want it, and hopefully he will stick to that and it will be just fine.

 

We also will have all the songs we want him to choose from on 2 ipods and burned CDs, just to be safe and in case he does not have all the songs we want (some are kind of random). We tried our best to make it clear that we only wanted him to choose from this particular pool of like 50-75 songs.

 

We did all this to try to alleviate some of the stress we were feeling after switching DJs from Doremixx. And hopefully it will at least lessen the chances of the music not being what we like. 

We also have a family friend on the ready to take over MCing if needed, just in case DJ Neri has any trouble announcing the basics of the reception. This also makes us feel better. 

 

I know it is more work to do these things but anything to help make the day/night flow better is a good thing, I think. Good luck to everyone, I am sure it will all be fine if you are ready for possible hiccups. I will obviously review my experience on here and let everyone know how DJ Visual Sound worked out and what to look out for. 

 

Hope it all works out okay for everyone!

 

Hi! My wedding is may 13th!!! Agh! I have a million and one things left to do! Could you possibly email me your dj list? I am going to make some of my own...but in need of inspiration! If you can, my email is westbacani@gmail.com Thank you!!! Winter!

Has anyone else read recent reviews on trip advisor/fbook? We live in 3 weeks for our may 10th wedding and this stomach virus going around at the resort is freaking me out! It's been going on for months. I could handle getting sick...but I'd feel horrible if my guests got sick!

Hey Lily,

 

I just got an email back from Ana. I asked about the outside vendor fee for ew cancun & she said it's $55. I was going to bring them in to set up the lanterns. But then i asked if i brought lanterns would the resort set them up & she said yes. So I'm not bringing any outside vendors in.
 

Originally Posted by TigerLily 

Sorry, I don't have any info for you, but I totally agree...its exhausting trying to get answers from them. I'm sure they hate that there's websites like this- imagine if we didn't have fellow brides to compare things with? They'd rob us blind, lol. I honestly just don't understand why they don't have a set price list, like black & white, this is the way it is and these are the prices...frustrating to say the least.

 

Does anyone know what the current outside vendor fee is now?? I know its been discussed several times, but they're so back and forth, who knows. I think I recall being excited since it dropped from $500 to...$50? Am I making this up? I can't remember...

 

 

 

Not sure about hair/makeup ... I'm using the resort for that. But we are flying in our Photographer. She's staying at the resort so they aren't making us pay for daypass.

 

I agree! Sooo beautiful!

Speaking of outside vendors- whats the lastest? I've popped in and out of this thread as Dreams is a high possibility for my 2012 wedding but am really wanting my own photographer as well as hair/makeup - I got a high recommendation for those!

I've heard theres a vendor fee- but is that just for photography? or for each vendor?

 

 

 

TigerLily- I am def walking barefooted for the ceremony. I purchased flip flops bc I knew I wanted a laid back wedding & thought I'd just wear those for the reception. But then I decided I wanted heels....so I'll prob just keep the flip flops for something else...or backup if i fall on a wooden plank! haha! My name is Winter... so you dont have to refer to me ask west bacani! lol

I was wondering the SAME thing! And my guests have been asking! I already have a pair of flip flops from jcrew, but I want a pair of heels for the reception.

Originally Posted by futureMrs.S 2011 

Hello everyone,

 

Here's kind of a crazy wedding shoes question but here it goes...

 

To all past or future brides who have had their reception on the deck, or those future brides who have seen the deck in person... Are you able to wear heels on the deck without getting stuck in between the wood slats??     I know this seems crazy but I'm in the process of picking out my wedding shoes and was wondering what type of shoes to get.  Im probably just over thinking this but I really wanna wear high heels under the dress and wondering if this is even an issue...We will not be using the dance floor but have chosen the deck for the reception (for dinner and dancing).  Were shoes an issue for any of you??? 

 

I know it seems silly but guests were asking as well and I was unsure what to tell them either...

 

 

Thanks,

-a confused, overly-thinking future bride...

 

 

 

 

 

This promo was going on last year when we started bookings & they continued it for 2011. From what my TA has said...we can either get a refund check for the amount of the free rooms....or they can deduct it from the cost of our honeymoon suite. I asked advice for a good TA from Tammy & she referred me to Teresa Stauring @ Vacations For Less. She has been really helpful with bookings so far. From what she's said, the only rooms that would count towards the promo were the rooms booked through her under our group agreement. If my guests booked somewhere else on their own, those wouldnt apply as part of the group. Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by Carbaholic 

For everyone who is taking advantage of the book 5 rooms, get the 6th free - Was that already going on when you started booking or was your TA able to do something for the rooms you had already booked?  I have a sneaking suspicion my TA hasn't really done too much for me! 

 

Will your travel agent make adjustments if prices drop. I've heard that they most will reimburse the difference if prices changes. I do agree about the "group rate." It's not really a discount at all. I found our exact quote "group rate" prices on bookit.com! I think the only benefit to groups is the whole "6th room booked free night" promo.

Originally Posted by Carbaholic 

It's so crazy how often the prices go up and down for these all-inclusive trips.  When we originally booked with a "group discount", we got a price of $1845 (CDN) all in.  In the last 3-4 months, there have been times (like now) where the price dropped down to $1532 all in!  That makes a big difference for people who are going as a couple, saving $600.  Now I feel bad, because I was pressuring them to pay early as a group and make sure they got their deposits in, etc.  At 10 months out it seemed like a good idea because the listed prices were $2300 - but they always seem to drop.  If I had to go back and do it all again, I'm not sure I would bother setting up the group rate at all.  

 

Congratulations Ashley! What a beautiful bride and a beautiful wedding!!! I've just emailed you some questions! Looking forward to your review & thank you for sharing!

Originally Posted by ashleybyers 

Hi All!

 

I got married March 7th! The resort is beautiful. All I can say is trust them they know what they are doing. I will write a full review later this week but, I just wanted to send over my slideshow so you can see my pictures. My wedding coordinator was Veronica. She was amazing to work with and easy going. I got to work with Anel at Adventure Photos who works at the resort. LOVE LOVE LOVE her. If you are getting married at Dreams I highly suggest to work with Anel!! Not only are her pictures good she is amazing to work with. She has so much energy and really made our day fun.

If you want to email me questions my email is byers.ashley@gmail.com

 

our wedding slideshow

http://070311byers.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/#/slideshow/ 

 

Ultimate Package, Videographer.....do they record the ceremony & reception? Or just the ceremony? Past brides....how is the quality? Is it worth it?

I'm trying to decide between the love & the ultimate package. I originally got the ultimate package, but now our guest count has dropped from what we assumed (40ish) to reality (20)! So I'm taking this opportunity to save money! Thanks ladies!

 

 

Originally Posted by SharonMydung 

 

 

I love the colors of your invitations where did you get it at?  It's soooo bright and vibrant, love it.

 

 

 

 

Thank You! I made them! Got the paper at michaels & hobby lobby! Ordered the boxes online.

 

My photographer took this photograph of the invite we sent her, so I thought I'd share! Thank all you ladies for sharing your creative ideas! I would have never been able to do this without the inspiration from your crafty minds!!!

Oh Yeah...If you decide to order from Mishka...make sure you contact her early....she has so many requests that she has to have "cut off dates."

I am also using Mishka's Maracas. I actually ordered maracas from Amols & they were lovely. The people were great to work with. Unfortunately, they sent me the wrong color. (They paid for the pick up & offered to ship the correct color. But I opted for a refund.) I decided I didn't want to deal with the cost to ship the maracas to Mexico & chance them getting caught up in customs.  Packing them in a suitcase would not be good (I ordered 50) because they were quite heavy & I need the suitcase room for OOT bags! Soooo...Mishka is the one. She's wonderful to work with & I think her pricing is good considering they are customized! She ships them straight to the resort for you. I cannot wait to see MINE Hope this helps!

Are your chair sashes "pool blue"? 
 

Originally Posted by rosieposie 

Ok, so I finally got around to taking some photos of what i've been working on + ordered!

 

DIY Satin Flowers - 4 BM Bouquets (haven't wrapped the stems yet)

 

 

My real touch bouquet - i know they don't match mine, but i had already deposited for real touch bouquets before discovering instructions for these really cute flowers so i decided to buy mine and make the BM ones.

 

 

BM Dresses                                                                       Satin Chair Sashes + Table Runners from weddinglinendirect.com

 

 

 

Semi- DIY (Pre-Wedding) AHR Invites

 

 

DIY Mint Matchbooks

 

 

 

more to come - lol, as FI says "what are you making now?!"

 

 

Originally Posted by volosikj 

 

I started working on a review but it has been crazy with the aftermath of the wedding and catching up on work that I haven't finished it yet. I do promise to post one.

 

http://150111gaulwedding.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/#/wedding-slideshow-7/

 

Above is a link to our photo slideshow from our 1/15/11 wedding and TTD session. We hired Anel from Adventure Photographers and bought the unlimited package. She did an amazing job, and is truly a pleasure to work with. I am really pleased with how they turned out, and am so glad we decided to use her rather than hire an outside vendor and pay 5 times as much. Really recommend working with her!!!!

 

We also had DJ Doremixx who brought the balloons, cold fireworks, and masks to the reception party. It was an amazing time!

 

I will be selling my chair sashes (60) and table runners (8) if anyone is interested....please PM me. My new hubby is dying for me turn to our "wedding headquarters" back into an office!

 

Your photos are amazing! I have the exact same colors and totally want the same setup! (sashes to the side, white table linen) I'm glad I got to see what it will look like! Thank You! You are a beautiful bride!

Question: Where did you order your sashes & what color did they call them? I would offer to buy yours...but I will only need around 30-40. And how did you get DJ Doremixx? I thought he was no longer available? Thank YOU!

PAST BRIDES....my colors are turquoise and orange. I am torn about chair sashes! I kind of want turquoise ones...are the chairs too plain with just the white covers? And..does anyone how much the resort charges for the chair sashes? I realize we can get them cheap online, but I am trying to minimize suitcases. With all the OOT bags and such....I feel like I have everything except the kitchen sink!