By Kate Cohen
If you’re considering an Orlando destination wedding, we have some important tips for you to make the most of your experience.
While many people know that Orlando is an incredible place for a vacation or getaway thanks to world-famous theme parks, amazing weather, and vibrant cultural communities, we’re also an amazing destination for a spectacular wedding celebration.
Here are a few tips and tricks that we recommend to make your Orlando destination wedding planning process a little less stressful from afar.
1. First, Determine Your Budget
Figuring out the budget isn’t anyone’s favorite part of wedding planning, but it’s a critical first step.
Knowing what you want (and have) to spend on your Orlando destination wedding means making confident choices as you plan your dream wedding day.
2. Hire an Orlando Wedding Planner
If you are planning an Orlando destination wedding, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional who lives locally.
A great wedding planner can be your eyes, ears, and even taste buds as decisions need to be made. They’ll be able to refer you to other reliable vendors and advocate for you when you may be unavailable.
If possible, book your wedding planner before you book your venue so they can help by asking all the right questions on your behalf.
If a wedding planner isn’t in your budget, a day-of coordinator who can help set up a venue and orchestrate the different segments of your wedding can offer much needed assistance.
Our in-house wedding coordinators work seamlessly with wedding planners and day-of wedding coordinators. We can provide a list of qualified wedding planners and day-of wedding coordinators who know our wedding venues very well.
3. Think About Your Guest Count
How many people do you envision joining you for your celebration? Is it an intimate group with your closest friends and family or a large list of a hundred or more?
Guest counts can play a large part in picking out your venue, as some may have limited capacities. Also keep in mind that it may not be within everyone’s budget to travel for a wedding, so be understanding if friends and family can’t attend.
4. Choose Your Wedding Date Wisely
Orlando weather can be absolutely beautiful – and it can turn on you. While the forecast can be unpredictable, there are a few seasonal predictions that can be made to help you as you plan your wedding.
Winter and early spring months are a wonderful time to host an event in Orlando. While we do get some chillier days, the temperatures are generally much more comfortable and ideal for an outdoor celebration.
Orlando summers are exceptionally hot and humid, and big afternoon thunderstorms can be a daily occurrence. If you are dreaming of a summer wedding in Orlando, consider an indoor venue with air conditioning for the comfort of you and your guests.
Another summer – and fall – consideration is hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. Obviously, it’s a challenge to predict hurricanes months ahead of time, but a good wedding insurance policy can add a little peace of mind to your event planning.
5. Consider Where Your Guests Will Stay
Destination weddings are wonderful excuses to travel with some of your favorite people. That said, they’re still your guests and you want to ensure they are well taken care of.
While destination wedding etiquette doesn’t require you to cover the costs of your guests’ accommodations, offering them several lodging options at a range of rates can help everyone stick to their budget.
Try to keep hotel suggestions close to the venue and see if you can arrange for hotel blocks to offer your guests lower prices for their stay.
6. Plan to Visit in Advance
While you can absolutely plan an Orlando destination wedding remotely (especially with the help of a great planner), it’s a smart idea to schedule at least one visit prior to your wedding.
Ideally, a trip three to four months before your wedding date will allow you to finalize details, sample and customize your menu, and do any hair and makeup trials ahead of time.
7. Consider Planning Additional Events
Your wedding day is the main event, but if you have guests coming to Orlando from all over the world to celebrate you and your partner, why not extend the festivities?
A welcome party or post-wedding brunch are popular activities to engage your guests beyond your day-of itinerary. You can also coordinate unique opportunities like sunrise yoga classes and of course, theme park excursions.
8. Make Sure Your Paperwork is in Order
If you live out of state but are planning an Orlando destination wedding, obtaining a marriage license is straightforward.
Even if you apply online first, you’ll need to visit a county clerk’s office in person. Orlando has four locations. There is typically a 3-day waiting period once you’ve obtained your license, but that doesn’t apply if you and your partner both live out of state.
To obtain your license, you’ll need to bring in a completed application, a form of government-issued ID, and your social security cards (if you are US residents).
Of course, these requirements can always change, so be sure to check out the Orange County county clerk’s website for all the information you’ll need.
9. Send Save the Dates Early
Since most of your guests will likely need to make their own travel arrangements, giving them plenty of notice is a courteous gesture.
Sending event information nine to 12 months ahead should provide enough time. If you have details arranged earlier, there’s no harm in giving people even more of a heads-up.
It may also be a good idea to include travel information with your save the dates rather than waiting for your official invitations, just so guests can book their trips ahead of time.
10. Make Planning an Orlando Destination Wedding Easy with Rosen Weddings
Hotel weddings have the major benefit of almost being a “one-stop venue.” Hotels can typically offer venue, furniture rentals, catering, and some day-of assistance to help your wedding coordinator.
When you host your wedding at a Rosen Hotels & Resorts venue, you’ll also give your guests the convenience of being able to stay onsite while still being close to everything Orlando has to offer.
We’re also happy to work with you to find room block rates to accommodate your guests’ budgets.
Rosen Weddings is among the best in Orlando with its incomparable service and luxurious locations. With four unique hotel venues, your wedding can be everything you’ve dreamed it would be and so much more.
Located in the bustling International Drive area of Orlando, you’ll be close to attractions like our famous theme parks, vibrant entertainment scene, and world-class dining.
If you’re ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams, our Rosen Weddings team is ready to help you take the first step. We can’t wait to help you host an Orlando destination wedding that is uniquely you and truly unforgettable.
