FAQs

Question

IS MEXICO SAFE?

Answer

See above graphic.

Question

WHAT DATES SHOULD I BOOK?

Answer

As long as you are there on Monday, January 23rd, the rest is up to you. We plan to arrive by Friday, the 20th and will stay until Thursday when we head to Isla Mujeres for a few days before returning home on Sunday. I think most have mentioned a plan of 4-5 nights.

Question

DO I HAVE TO BOOK THROUGH THE TRAVEL AGENT?

Answer

We request that you do. Booking through our TA gets us reduced rates, preferred room placement, and additional incentives that you won’t get booking on your own. Booking through our TA will also allow us to add on festivities throughout your stay to make the celebration a more memorable experience. If you have any questions about the room rates, categories and amenities that you will receive by booking though Jessica, please feel free to reach out to her directly. You’ll be hearing from her shortly as well.

Question

HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST ME?

Answer

I wish I could say that WE'RE PAYING FOR IT ALL...but, sorry, I can't. Clearly the expense involved to attend a destination wedding isn't the same as one in your home town. That said, we tried to find a resort that everyone would enjoy within a reasonable budget. "Reasonable" likely means different things to different people so I won't be offended if you think I'm off my rocker when I say that you can expect to pay between $230-330 per person per night depending on which room you choose. Keep in mind, this is an all-inclusive resort. Meaning all of your drinks and food are included. I know many of our friends and family will get their money's worth. I hope you treat this as your own vacation in addition to our wedding and go home with priceless memories and a nice tan.

Question

DO I NEED TO PAY FOR MY ROOM UPFRONT?

Answer

No. You will be asked to pay a $200 deposit per person at the time of booking with final payment due November 1st, 2022.

Question

HOW SOON SHOULD I BOOK? WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

Answer

I would recommend booking as soon as you are sure you are going and lock down your dates and preferred room! If something happens down the road, and you end up needing to change or cancel your reservation, please do so as soon as possible. The closer we get, the less rooms they would allow to be cancelled without incurring a penalty. Any rooms cancelled within 35 days would be charged in full...so definitely don't do that unless you have an emergency!

Question

ARE KIDS INVITED?

Answer

We would not want to say don't bring your kids. Ours will be there, as well as our lovely God-daughter and Tim's nephews. That said, I think most plan to leave them at home for financial reasons as well as just wanting to have FUN and not worry about being a parent for a few days. If you do want to bring them, please let us know so we can make sure we account for them in our guest count. Note that the "kids rate" (approx. $75/night) at the resort is for those 3-12. Anyone 13+ is charged as an adult (WHY OH WHY does Kenzie have to turn 13 in June?!). Stupid policy but typical for these resorts.

Question

DO I HAVE TO STAY AT DREAMS RIVIERA?

Answer

Short answer, no. Long answer, highly preferred...a big part of the draw of the destination wedding is to be able to spend multiple days with our friends and family instead of having to cram all of the fun into a half-day event. We are planning activities over the course of 4 days and if you aren't staying at the resort, you will miss out on most of it. Also, if you do stay somewhere else, you will need to pay a resort fee of $65 to attend the ceremony (or $85 if you want all day access).

Question

HOW FAR IS THE RESORT FROM THE AIPORT? HOW SHOULD I GET THERE?

Answer

Dreams is only about 15 miles from the Cancun airport. I highly recommend reserving transfers ahead of time. Our TA will assist with securing the shared transfers included with our room block, combining with others in our group (if okay with you), and is also able to reserve private transportation if you prefer. When you get through customs at CUN, you will see vendors along the hall, they will try to offer free tours and assistance with your transfers. Please ignore them and find your transportation company outside of the airport doors.

Question

DO I NEED TO TIP AT THE RESORT?

Answer

Tipping is not required at the resort, but it is highly recommended! The staff work VERY hard and sincerely appreciate any tips received.

Question

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE SARGASSUM I'VE HEARD ABOUT IN THAT AREA?

Answer

Unfortunately, sargassum (seaweed) has been an issue in the area between Cancun and Tulum for years. It tends to be worse in the summer months so lucky for all of us that we will be there in January. That said, you will still notice some sargassum on the beach and in the water. The resort does an AMAZING job cleaning it up daily, but they can't work miracles. This isn't the spotless beach with bright turquoise water you might think of when Mexico comes to mind. But, we found it is still stunning and we think you will agree!

Question

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT CDC TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RETURNING TO THE U.S.?

Answer

NONE! As of June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to the U.S.

Question

WHAT IF I'M UNABLE TO ATTEND?

Answer

We will miss having you there, but we completely understand that an international destination wedding may not work for everyone on our guest list. Regardless of whether your decision is based on finances, logistics, pandemic anxiety, or something else entirely, we will understand if you are unable to make it. Just please submit NO on your RSVP so we can keep up with our expected headcount and we will plan to celebrate with you another time back in the states!

Question

WHAT IS THE UNLIMITED VACATION CLUB?

Answer

PLEASE DON'T FALL FOR THIS. Don't ask how I know, but just let us save you time and money by telling you to firmly let them know you aren't interested in the "vacation club". If you leave the door open a crack, they will continue to pester you to spend "90 minutes" at one of their amazing sister resorts nearby and have breakfast while getting their sales pitch about buying into their vacation club (they will not call it a time share, but in essence, that's basically what it is). 90 minutes turns into half a day of your vacation wasted, although you do get some nice perks like spa treatments and private beach dinners for attending...again, don't ask how I know that. Sorry to say they will likely approach you as they tend to do at most all-inclusive resorts. Unless you are honestly interested in a vacation club, tell them from the first meeting you have no desire to listen to their pitch and to leave you alone.