Dreams Come True Weddings
Commonly Asked Questions and Answers
I have decided to have a "Dreams Come True" beach wedding. What now?
Call or e-mail for date and time availability.
The most popular times of the year for a wedding on the beach in this area is March - November; although we do offer our services year round. The most popular months being May, June, September and October; although mid November 2007 we were still having weather in the mid 70's.
Keep in mind that Friday & Saturday sunset ceremonies are the first to be booked.
We will be able to provide you the sunset time for the date upon your inquiry.
Where are you located?
We are located in Norh West Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
We service Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach Alabama, Gulf Shores Alabama, and Fort Morgan Alabama and surrounding areas.
Why should we choose your company?
2008 is our 3rd year in business. We have Happily Married Hundreds of couples.
We do not refer to ourselves as "Wedding Coordinators"... we are a "Beach Wedding Service".
Although in the past we have been able to say that our ceremonies are "unique" - many of the wedding companies in the area/state/nation now offer extremely "similar" services. That limits us to the information that we present on the website as well information via phone and mail until a deposit securing the date is received.
Shop around, there are several wedding companies in the area, it can be confusing as to which one to choose.
May companies claim to be the #1 Beach Wedding Company... this can be misleading...we realize we may not be for everyone!!
Read the "fine print". Is there a % added on for a service fee?
Make phone calls and send e-mails. Are your calls or e-mails promptly returned in a friendly manner?
Ask for references from former Brides and other businesses. Any Wedding Company should be more than understanding and provide you with this information.
Beware of Companies that ask for CASH or checks made out to an individual when booking over the internet. Unless the Individual has an Occupational License as their name, otherwise payment should be made in business name. All checks/money orders are made to Dreams Come True as well as credit card payments.
How soon should we reserve our date and time?
If you choose a Friday or Saturday sunset - we suggest putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided ( to hold the date.)
We will not take bookings any further than 1 year in advance.
How do we book our wedding?
Once you've decided the time and date and the availabiltiy is confirmed through our office - we require the appropriate deposit/payment for the services requested. There is a Request Form available on this site that can be printed to be filled out to be mailed with proper deposit/payment. We accept personal checks and Money orders. We also accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express; (we ask that you call our office with credit card information rather than send it via mail or e-mail.)
Once payment is received a letter of confirmation, a contract, our Beach Wedding format and a packet of vows to choose from will be mailed to you. You may call or e-mail as much as you'd like and ask as many questions as you'd like, even if it's the one. : )
Do you pick the location for the ceremony or do we?
The location is your choice. We go to County/State parks, hotels, condos and beach houses. There is an additional travel fee for "out of the area". The fee is based upon the services requested. Some of the locations do charge a fee for the use of the beach as well as a "Special Use Permit"... These fees are NOT included in any of the Dreams Come True Beach Wedding Packages.
Can we get married at the location we are staying at?
Yes, as long as you obtain permission from the hotel/condo.
Be sure to ask if there is an additional fee for the use of the beach for the wedding.
The couple is responsible for any "fees" that may be charged.
Are Rehearsals included?
No. There is an additonal fee of $250.00. Rehearsals must be scheduled no later than 2 hours prior to sunset.
Cost includes the Officiate and 1 other person from our company - who will also be there the day of your wedding.
Intimate Island Packages are officiate and photographer only - if you need someone to direct the "day of" your wedding the fee is $150.00
What happens if it rains?
Although we have been extremely "blessed" with the few hundred weddings in only having to move 2 due to weather - we do recommend "Positive Thinking" with a back up plan. You may want to consider WEDDING INSURANCE
It is the responsibility of the Couple to have a "back-up" location in case of inclement weather.
Will there be other people on the beach?
Yes. All beaches in the State of Florida and Alabama are public beaches. We cannot "rope off" any part of the beach.
There are obviously certain times of the year when the beaches have more beachgoers than others.
Even "in season" the Families are usually beginning to "pack up" and leave the beach around 4:00. Then there are usually couples going for strolls along the beach. Many of them "watch" from a distance. There are some areas that are less populated than others. In all of the weddings that we have done we haven't had any interference with beach goers.
Who performs the ceremony?
We provide the Officiate with all of our packages. There are both Male and Female officiates.
Can we bring our own Officiate?
Certainly, as long as he/she is Ordained or a Notary for the of Florida or Alabama.
We will deduct $150.00 from the Package you choose.
*******We will not release our ceremony which includes the verses for the Heart of Sand and the Blessing Stones... Only Officiates directly affiliated with Dreams Come True Weddings are provided this information whereas a confidentiality agreement has been signed.
Can we write our vows?
Yes. we encourage couples to be creative. We also send a packet of different vows/ring vows to choose from upon receiving deposit. When couples write their own vows - we suggest the "Message in the Bottle Vows" - as the vows are usually more "personal" and do not sound right being repeated after the Officiate.
Can we have a friend read a poem?
Yes, you can have a Friend/Family member read a poem, sing or lead in prayer.
Who takes the photographes?
All of our packages include photos by "our" photographers. We have many couples ask if they are "professional" - no they are "free-lance" and shoot for Dreams Come True Weddings only. All of the photos on the site have been taken by our photographers.
We strive to provide our clients with quality photos...however, weather conditions may affect the outcome. If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late - we may not be able to take the amount of photos in package... there will be NO adjustment on costs.
Can we provide our own photographer/videographer?
Yes. We will deduct our fee from the cost of the "package". (Fees vary according to package)
Do you provide music?
Yes. Music is an ala carte item. The fee is $50.00. We will play "mood music" as the guests arrive on the beach, the processional and recessional, then put the mood music back on during the photos being taken.
Do you provide chairs?
Yes, we do have chairs available on the ala carte list. However keep in mind that most of the guests will have a camera/camcorder in hand and do not "sit" in the chairs provided. We do not recommend havin a chair for each guest. If you're having approx 40 guests, we recommend approx 16 chairs for immediate Family or for any elderly guests or guests with health problems.
How do we obtain a Marriage license?
Both of you must apply in person, together at the Clerk of the Court. Both must have a State issued photo ID. Make sure it is not expired!
What happens if we have to "postpone"?
Any deposits/payments will be applied to your new date.
What happens if we have to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable. If you paid in full at the time of booking you will be refunded the difference of the appropriate deposit along with any other costs incurred of the amount paid in full.
Do you handle the receptions?
No, we do not - however we are more than happy to refer you to area restaurants, caterers, etc.
Do you have more questions? Feel free to call us at (850)607-7640 or send us and e-mail at info@dreamscometruebeachweddings.com
Happy Planning!!!
Staff @ Dreams Come True Weddings
