By Kate Cohen
August 7, 2025

 

An event venue can make or break a wedding, especially when it comes to your guests’ experience.

You understandably want a beautiful space where you can bring your wedding day dreams to life and host the celebration of a lifetime, while your guests appreciate comfort and convenience.

A hotel wedding is the perfect compromise.

 

 

The right hotel can deliver everything you need to host an unforgettable event that you and your guests will love.

Still need a little persuading?

Here are the best hotel wedding perks that guests love.

 

Key Takeaways

• On-Site Accommodations
• Group Room Blocks & Discounted Rates
• Multiple Event Spaces
• Welcome Bags
• Hotel Amenities Between Events
• Welcome Reception and Farewell Brunch Options
• On-Site Spa
• Customizable Catering Menus
• Beautiful Backdrops for Photos
• Host Your Unforgettable Wedding at a Rosen Weddings Venue

 

On-Site Accommodations

 

 

One of the biggest benefits of having a hotel wedding is giving your guests peace of mind when it comes to where to stay.

Guests that choose to stay onsite don’t have to think about getting to the ceremony or back to their bed at the end of the night.

Out-of-town travelers won’t feel the need to budget for a rental car or ride share fees.

Plus, with a hotel room a mere elevator ride away, it’s easy to freshen up, change into a more comfortable pair of shoes, or even manage an unforeseen wardrobe malfunction.

And when the DJ has played the last song of the night, your guests can safely make their way to their room without worrying whether or not they should have had that final glass of Champagne.

 

Group Room Blocks & Discounted Rates

Typically, when you book your wedding at a hotel venue, you’ll be able to reserve a block of rooms at a discounted rate to extend to your guests.

Friends and family will love that they get to save money. Plus, booking accommodations from a room block ensures they’ll be close to friends and family who are also attending your event.

 

Multiple Event Spaces

 

 

Many hotel wedding venues have multiple event spaces, allowing you to host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception without ever leaving the property.

You and your partner can save on the costs of providing transportation, and your guests can relax and enjoy the celebration knowing the next chapter of the evening is only steps away.

 

Welcome Bags

When you know where your guests are staying, you’re better able to spoil them with a little something special.

Welcome bags are the perfect way to greet friends and family.

Whether they receive it at the hotel check-in or discover their gift waiting for them in their room, a welcome bag makes a lovely first impression.

Include personalized goodies, helpful information, and travel must-haves for a thoughtful touch everyone will appreciate.

 

Hotel Amenities Between Events

 

 

While you may not have much downtime throughout your wedding weekend, your guests likely will.

Choosing to host your wedding at a hotel with a variety of onsite amenities gives your guests plenty of opportunities to entertain themselves.

Beautiful pools, well-equipped fitness centers, and in-house bars and lounges are all ideal for anyone looking to embrace the vacay vibes of your wedding weekend.

 

Welcome Reception and Farewell Brunch Options

In addition to your ceremony and reception, you may want to host a few events for out-of-town guests.

Most hotels can accommodate welcome receptions, rehearsal dinners, and farewell brunch gatherings, whether in comfortable meeting spaces or at onsite restaurants.

You and your partner will love having more time to connect with loved ones beyond the wedding itself, and so will your guests.

 

On-Site Spa

 

 

Who doesn’t love a little extra pampering?

An onsite spa is a wonderful amenity for guests traveling for a special event.

Sure, they can treat themselves to an indulgent massage, facial, or body treatment during downtime.

But it can also mean easy access to hair, makeup, and manicure services before a big event.

 

Customizable Catering Menus

When your hotel venue has a thriving onsite banquet and catering program, you can make the wedding menu of your dreams a reality.

Working with in-house caterers often means more flexible dining options that can accommodate not only personal taste and style, but also dietary restrictions and requests.

Plus, your catering team will know the ins and outs of their policies and procedures, meaning your event will be as smooth and seamless as possible.

 

Beautiful Backdrops for Photos

 

 

When it comes to weddings, aesthetics matter.

Luckily, when you pick the right hotel venue, you’ll have a variety of beautiful backdrops for stunning photos and portraits you’ll treasure forever.

Lush landscaping, tropical palm trees, ornate architecture, and water features can all enhance your wedding album – and can be found at all four Rosen Weddings hotel venues!

 

Host Your Unforgettable Hotel Wedding at a Rosen Weddings Venue

At Rosen Weddings, our four unique hotel venues offer all the amenities outlined above – and more.

Plus, our hotels’ convenient locations near the best entertainment and theme parks in Orlando mean your guests can easily explore and adventure in their free time.

We’ll put our decades of hospitality expertise and local Orlando knowledge to good use while helping you plan an incredible wedding here in The City Beautiful.

Reach out to our wedding specialists today to learn more about our venues and the benefits of hosting your wedding with Rosen Weddings.

 

By Kate Cohen
July 10, 2025

 

Wherever you decide to get married, you’ll likely have guests traveling to your destination to celebrate you and your partner.

Show appreciation for guests who have made the effort to attend your wedding by gifting them a welcome bag.

 

 

Welcome bags are usually a mix of practical and fun personalized items to make your guests’ stay more comfortable and get them excited for your wedding events.

They can also help introduce friends and family to a new area, helping them make the most of their time in a new place.

These tokens of appreciation can be as simple or grand as you like, depending on factors like your budget and ability to transport them to your wedding destination.

Regardless of what may be waiting for your guests in a welcome bag, they’ll be grateful you thought of them and are excited for their attendance on your big day.

 

Key Takeaways

• • • Ideas to Include in Your Welcome Bags
      • Local Treats and Items
      • Seasonal/Destination Items
      • Something to Toast to Your Love
      • Spa Items
      • Travel Guide
      • Weekend Itinerary
      • Handwritten Thank You Note
      • “In Sickness and in Health” Supplies
      • The Couple’s Favorite Treats
    • How to Deliver Your Welcome Bags
    • Make Your Guests Feel Most Welcome at a Rosen Hotel with Rosen Weddings

 

Ideas to Include in Your Welcome Bags

Looking for inspiration on what to include in your wedding welcome bags?

Here are some of our favorite items that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

If you’re hosting a wedding in Orlando, we’ve also included some Central Florida-specific ideas for you to consider.

 

Local Treats and Items

 

 

There’s no better way to welcome someone to a special destination than surprising them with local goodies that represent the area’s spirit and specialties.

Is there something your city is famous for producing? Are there any special brands that call the area home?

Including a special treat or even an item that pays homage to your wedding city is a great way to get out-of-town guests even more excited for your big day.

Orlando examples: cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse, chocolates from AJ Chocolate House, Orlando stickers, Disney-themed luggage tags, an ornament

 

Seasonal/Destination Items

 

 

Depending on where your guests are traveling from, they may or may not be equipped for your wedding destination.

If you’re hosting a winter wedding somewhere snowy, provide your guests with hand warming packs or a lightweight pashmina.

On the contrary, if you’re saying “I do” somewhere more tropical, a pair of sunglasses, travel-size sunscreen, or hand fan might save the day.

Orlando examples: a pair of flip flops for time spent poolside, SPF 30 sunscreen (travel size), mini handheld fan

 

Something to Toast to Your Love

 

 

Nothing takes the edge off traveling like a drink.

It’s even better when you don’t have to leave your hotel room to enjoy it.

Craft beer from a local brewery or a pre-prepared mini cocktail can be a lovely way to welcome your out-of-town guests.

(Note: If you’re providing something in a bottle, make sure your guests have a way to open it easily. Screw tops are your friend!)

If alcohol isn’t your vibe (or it doesn’t fit your budget), consider a fun soft drink or flavored sparkling water for a refreshing zero-proof option.

Orlando examples: a can of beer from Tactical Brewing Co., orange flavored probiotic soda like Poppi

 

Spa Items

 

 

Treat your guests like true VIPs by gifting them a spa-inspired self-care item.

Face masks, bath bombs, lip scrubs, and travel-sized lotions all add a special touch of TLC to a welcome bag.

Whether your guests use them throughout their stay or take them home as a special souvenir, everyone will appreciate an indulgent spa-like treat.

Orlando examples: bath bombs from Basin

 

Travel Guide

 

 

Your guests are bound to have some downtime while in town for your wedding. Make things easier for them by providing a simple travel guide.

This can include local attractions and entertainment, recommended restaurants and coffee shops, and anything else that’s noteworthy and nearby.

If any of your wedding events are offsite, make sure your guests have clear directions, and any necessary information on how to get there.

You can easily make these travel guides yourself with a program like Canva or purchase a customizable template from Etsy for a truly one-of-a-kind feel.

 

Weekend Itinerary

 

 

 

Whichever events your guests are invited to, keep them informed (and hopefully on time) with a printed itinerary of the weekend’s events.

Include addresses, timelines, specific dress codes, and any other relevant information on the printed handout.

Even if your guests can access info on your wedding website, many people will still appreciate having a hard copy for easy access.

For a cohesive look, design your itinerary to match the travel guide.

 

Handwritten Thank You Note

 

 

A personalized note can make a lasting impact when welcoming guests from out of town.

It doesn’t have to be anything lengthy, but a quick handwritten “Thank you for being here to celebrate with us” addressed to your guests is a lovely touch.

Orlando example: write your personalized note on custom Orlando stationary or Orlando postcards

 

“In Sickness and in Health” Supplies

 

 

Whether it’s from travel germs, that final round of drinks, or prolonged exposure to the sun, sickness happens.

Providing your guests with a small first- aid kit can help them manage any immediate minor health concerns.

Items like Band-Aids, antiacids, bottled water, vitamin C powder, and travel-sized packets of over-the-counter pain relievers come in clutch for a late-night malady.

Mints, hand sanitizer, and makeup removing wipes are also helpful to have on hand when staying somewhere new.

 

The Couple’s Favorite Treats

 

 

Looking for a way to make your welcome bags feel even more unique to you and your partner?

Include a selection of your favorite items or things that have special meaning to you as a couple.

Toss in your favorite candies or snack food labeled with the name of the person who favors them.

Was your first date at the movies? Include a bag of popcorn tied to a note that explains the significance of the special snack.

The opportunities to share your personalities and your love story are endless.

 

How to Deliver Your Welcome Bags

 

 

Now comes the strategy; once you’ve created the perfect wedding welcome bag, how do you make sure they successfully make it to your guests?

If you’re hosting a welcome party for out-of-towners, you can always hand them their welcome bag in person.

Do you have a block of rooms reserved for your guests at a preferred hotel? Another option is to have the welcome bags waiting for them at the front desk as they check in.

Some hotels can anticipate your guests’ check-in and place the welcome bags in their designated hotel rooms. This service is often available for a small fee.

 

Make Your Guests Feel Most Welcome at a Rosen Hotel with Rosen Weddings

 

 

Our four Rosen Wedding venues aren’t just known for elegant and flexible event spaces,; they’re also beautiful hotels known for exceptional hospitality and service.

When you host your wedding at Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, Rosen Shingle Creek, or Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, your guests can conveniently stay onsite in our beautiful accommodations.

They’ll be able to take advantage of amenities like onsite dining, seasonally heated swimming pools, and complimentary theme park shuttles.

See for yourself how your dream wedding can come to life at a Rosen Wedding venue, and all the perks of hosting a hotel wedding in the heart of Orlando.

Reach out to one of our wedding specialists to start planning your perfect wedding day.

 

By Kate Cohen
June 11, 2025

A wedding is a beautiful celebration and reflection of a couple’s love.

Sweet DIY touches can make it feel even more personal.

The term “DIY” stands for “do-it-yourself” and encompasses an array of handmade projects and creative efforts.

For some couples, DIY-ing elements of their wedding can add charm and personalization.

If you’re considering making something special for your big day, here’s a few tips and suggestions for what to DIY for your wedding.

Helpful DIY Tips

Enlist Help

You don’t have to tackle DIY alone.

Enlist your partner to help you create and put together projects for your wedding.

If you have friends and family that live nearby, ask for help preparing for your big day. Make an event out of working on projects and turn it into a fun brunch or dinner activity.

There’s a fine line between taking advantage of free labor and involving your friends and family, however.

Set clear expectations for your helpers and yourself to make sure everyone is on the same page before getting involved.

The Internet is Your Friend

You can learn to do just about anything on the internet now, thanks to YouTube and social media. Additionally, take advantage of sites like Pinterest which can help you narrow down an inspirational aesthetic for your big day.

Is there a skill you’ve always wanted to learn that you can put to good use prepping for your wedding?

Try teaching yourself!

From calligraphy to using online design programs and everything in between, if it can be taught, you can probably find an instructional video and get started.

Just remember, learning a new skill requires practice. Don’t get frustrated if it’s not something you master right away.

Leave the Big Stuff to the Pros

In the few days leading up to your wedding and the day you say “I do,” you don’t want to be thinking about anything other than soaking in every moment and marrying the love of your life.

Avoid DIY-ing big, critical elements of your wedding that will add extra stress to your itinerary.

This means leaving elements like catering, photography, videography, hair and makeup, music, and florals to the pros.

Think of DIY projects as special personal touches that let you and your partner’s personalities shine more than practical efforts to save money.

Be Proactive with Your Projects

There is nothing worse than spoiling the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming wedding day with an un-checked to-do list.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete your projects.

And, if a DIY task is adding more stress to your life than joy, ask yourself if you really need it.

Chances are, anything stressing you out isn’t worth the hassle in the end.

What to DIY for Your Wedding

Design and Print Your Own Invites, Menu, Programs, etc.

Designing your own paper materials for your wedding has never been easier.

Websites like Minted.com offer beautiful, professionally designed invite templates that are easily customizable.

Etsy has customizable invites and wedding suites that you simply download and edit with your personal wedding information.

You can even design your own from scratch or use a template on Canva for a truly personalized look.

From there, you can have your materials printed and sent to you for organization or mailing, if they’re intended to be sent to your guests.

Escort Cards

Escort cards are the traditional tokens that tell a guest where they’re meant to sit at your reception.

They’re also a great way to integrate a personal DIY touch to your tables that your guests will enjoy.

Depending on your theme, you may want to incorporate shells, leaves, or stones you and your partner have collected, with the name of each guest beautifully written on each one.

Put your calligraphy skills to good use on tile, cardstock, or acrylic for a handmade-yet-formal aesthetic.

The world is your oyster when it comes to escort cards. Get creative and put your skills to good use.

Welcome Bags

If you have guests attending from out of town, providing a welcome bag is always a welcome gesture.

These goodie bags are typically waiting for your guests either at the front desk of their hotel or in their rooms prior to check-in.

Welcome bags can include basics like bottles of water, snacks, a small first aid kit, and a printout of your wedding itinerary – although you can also let your imagination run wild.

Destination-specific details are always fun, as are special treats. Perhaps include the favorite snacks of the couple of honor?

Decorate the bags and include personal handwritten notes for an extra personalized touch.

Signage

Big, beautiful signs are a lasting trend when it comes to weddings.

Put your Etsy or Canva skills to good use and design welcome signs, specialty drink signs, and any other signage you may need for your big day.

Signs are also another opportunity to put calligraphy and painting skills to good use, perhaps with the guidance of a great YouTube or TikTok tutorial.

Photobooth Props

Wedding guests love a good photobooth.

Instead of just using generic provided props in your pictures, DIY your own.

Even the most basic DIY props can be reimagined to suit your theme or your personal hobbies and interests.

You can even have giant cutouts of you and your partner’s face made for the photobooth, or pictures of beloved pets who might not be able to celebrate with you in person.

Get Thrifty

Dreaming of a specific look? Wondering how you can add eclectic charm to your wedding aesthetic?

Go thrifting in search of unique décor like bud vases, candlesticks, rugs, lamps, and other fashionable décor.

Repurpose an old bar cart to serve specialty drinks or give an old chest of drawers a fresh coat of paint and reimagine it as a station for your guest book and gifts.

With enough imagination and patience, you can create an aesthetic that feels bespoke, timeless, and romantic.

Let Rosen Weddings Take Care of Everything (and Everyone) Else

If DIY details bring you joy on your wedding day, we’re all for it.

For all the big details, let us at Rosen Weddings take care of the work.

From extensive catering menus to spacious venue spaces to a team of experienced wedding specialists, we’re ready to help you put together the wedding day of your dreams.

Contact us today to learn how your vision can come to life with Rosen Weddings.

Your wedding should be all about you and your partner beginning your life together as a new family.

Amid all the celebrating, however, it’s nice to acknowledge and include some of the most important people who have helped you grow into the people you are today.

Whether it’s family members or lifelong friends, including loved ones in your wedding day is a wonderful gesture of appreciation and love.

Traditional ways to honor loved ones in your wedding include asking them to perform a reading during your ceremony or even be a part of your wedding party.

There are plenty of other options when it comes to including friends and family in your wedding day, too.

Here are some of our favorite creative ways to include family members in your wedding.

Ask Them to Officiate

Having someone you love officiate your wedding is truly special.

Whether it’s a friend or family member, being married by someone who knows you adds a uniquely personal touch to your wedding.

Not only will your officiant sign your marriage license, they’ll also be featured in the bulk of your ceremony photos, too.

Looking back on those sweet moments with a familiar face in the pictures is a lovely way to make your wedding day feel even more personal.

Make sure your officiant is legally ordained. Do a little research ahead of time; requirements vary from state to state.

Have Them Be a Ring Guard

Few roles require more responsibility than guarding the wedding rings.  

A young ring bearer is a really sweet addition to your wedding ceremony. Still, it’s usually a good idea to designate someone responsible for holding onto the rings until they’re needed. 

When it comes time to exchange rings, you can include a tender moment of inviting your honored ring guard to the altar to hand you the rings.  

Ask Them to Be Your Witness

While it’s traditional for a best man and maid of honor to sign your marriage license as witnesses, you can switch things up and ask a special friend or family member to sign it.

Anyone who attends your ceremony can sign if they are over the age of 18.

Having their signature on your legal marriage document can be a lasting reminder of their presence on your special day.

Have Them Give a Toast

Often, the people who love you most would be honored to toast to your happiness as you celebrate the start of your marriage.  

Ask someone special to lead a toast, either at your wedding reception or your rehearsal dinner.  

Be sure to ask them early to make sure they have plenty of time to prepare before their big moment.  

Honor Them with a Dance

Mother/son and father/daughter dances have become traditional at many weddings.

It’s a lovely way to share a special moment with a parent who has been instrumental in helping you become the person you are today.

You can also honor parents or grandparents by including their wedding song on your playlist, or a special song of importance to you and a family member or friend.

Include Children

If you and your future spouse have children, including them in the ceremony is a lovely and heartfelt gesture.  

After making your vows to one another, invite your child or children to the altar for a family vow.  

Promising to care for one another as a family can mean the world to a child and reassures them this day is a true celebration of love – including them.   

Have a Private First Look

A wedding day can feel like a whirlwind of events.  

Sometimes, you can be so busy getting ready and taking photos that your loved ones may feel they don’t get to spend much time with you. 

One way to include them in a truly special way is to invite them to a private first look once you’re dressed and ready to say, “I do.”  

Find a quiet spot where you can share a sweet moment together.  

Invite your photographer if you’d like to have photos of their genuine reaction. Or at least have some tissues nearby.  

Gift Them a Corsage or Boutonniere

From coordinating outfits to matching bouquets and boutonnieres, your wedding party is recognizably important on your wedding day.  

Show someone you love how important they are by gifting them a coordinating corsage or boutonniere.  

They’ll feel honored that they’re visually recognizable as an important part of your wedding day.  

Make a Family Recipe as a Party Favor

Does your family have a beloved recipe that reminds you of someone special? 

Add a personal touch to your party favors by preparing the recipe and handing goodies out at the end of your reception.  

A non-edible option would be to collect a variety of family recipes associated with loved ones and make a mini recipe book to send home with your guests at the end of the evening. 

There are few things more sacred than a family tradition. Let your friends and family know how important they are to you by sharing a personal tradition that reminds you of them. 

Celebrate Your Love and Honor Your Loved Ones with Rosen Weddings

At Rosen Weddings, we’re all about making your wedding day as special and unique to you and your partner as possible.

From our four distinct and beautiful venues to our incredible wedding specialists, we’re here to help your wedding dreams come to life.

Contact our team today to learn how your wedding fantasies can become reality with Rosen Weddings.

The tradition of a bridal shower is centuries old.

Years ago, when a woman was going to be married, her family would provide money, livestock, and other resources to make her more appealing to a groom.

Sometimes, a woman’s family couldn’t provide a proper dowry, or they’d refuse to provide one if they didn’t approve of the marriage.

In those circumstances, a bride’s friends and family would gather to offer gifts to help the new bride transition into married life more easily.

Today, a bridal shower is the perfect excuse to celebrate a bride-to-be and show similar support with gifts to begin a new phase of life with her partner.

As traditions shift and evolve, it can feel complicated to keep track of trends, etiquette, and expectations.  

If you’re a Maid of Honor planning a party for your bestie or a bride wondering what to expect from your pre-wedding celebration, our Rosen Wedding experts have you covered.  

Here is your guide to hosting a beautiful bridal shower.

Who Hosts a Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, a bride’s maid of honor or bridal party will host a bridal shower in her honor.

The mother of the bride, her future mother-in-law, and other family members can also host or contribute to the shower.

While the bride herself doesn’t typically play a part in planning or hosting the shower, it’s always a good idea to consult her about her preferences, taste, and ideal guest list.

Can Men Attend?

Traditionally, bridal showers are attended only by women.

However, many wedding traditions are being challenged as more brides have inclusive and co-ed bridal parties.

Technically, a co-ed bridal shower that includes the groom as a guest of honor is known as a Wedding Shower.

Check with the bride to see if she’d prefer a more bride-centric celebration or would feel more comfortable sharing the spotlight.

If you do decide to have a shower just for the bride, ask the groom to show up at the end of the party, preferably with a bouquet of flowers for his bride-to-be.

What Happens at a Bridal Shower?

A bridal shower is a party celebrating the bride prior to her wedding day.

It’s often a more intimate gathering of the bride’s closest friends and family coming together.

Typically, guests enjoy eating, drinking, and showering the guest of honor in gifts to start her new phase of life as a married woman.

Bridal showers also frequently include playing games revolving around the bride and perhaps a brief toast or two from the host or the bride herself.

When Should a Bridal Shower Take Place?

In general, a bridal shower is typically held four to six weeks prior to the wedding day.

Factors like venue availability, travel, and timing of other wedding events (bachelorette party, engagement party, etc.) could also play into which date you choose.

Be sure to include the bride in the discussion of when to host her shower.

Who Gets an Invite?

Wedding showers are the perfect excuse for a bride’s closest friends and family members to come together and celebrate this momentous time in her life.

A bridal shower guest list can be as extensive or intimate as you’d like.

It should, at minimum, include the bridal party, the bride’s immediate family members, and perhaps any soon-to-be family members of note.

While a bridal shower invite list will likely not include all the wedding guests, anyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding.

It’s also a good idea to have the bride double-check the bridal shower invitee list to make sure no one is left off or invited without her approval.

Where Should we Hold the Shower?

A bridal shower can be as lavish or simplistic as you want it to be.  

Treat your bride to a backyard garden soirée, or a seated luncheon at her favorite restaurant.  

Galleries, rooftop bars, and community clubhouses are also great options for bridal shower venues.  

Where you choose to host the shower depends primarily on your budget. The home of a family member or friend is an incredibly cost-effective choice for a party.  

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

The person hosting the event typically pays for the party, including venue, food, decor, and any other expenses.

However, it’s becoming increasingly common for other members of the bridal party, the bride’s parents and future in-laws, and even the bride and groom themselves to contribute to the budget.

Be sure to determine your budget before you start planning so you know exactly how much is available to spend.

What Should I Serve?

Every party needs good food.

What you serve (and the amount of it) depends on your budget, theme, and the time of day you’re throwing the party.

For example, you can keep things light and simple with finger sandwiches and pastries or go all-out with a catered luncheon of your bride’s favorite foods.

Alcoholic beverages are often served at bridal showers.

A playful mimosa bar is perfect for a brunch shower or serve elegant wines with charcuterie for an evening soirée.

What you serve at a bridal shower is up to you and your imagination – as well as your budget.

What Gifts Should Guests Bring?

At the time of the bridal shower, the bride and groom will likely have a wedding registry available to share with guests.

The registry should have items that range in price so guests can find a gift that suits their budget.

To make things easier for guests, include the couple’s wedding registry URL on the bridal shower invitations.

Should There be a Theme?

A great theme can make a bridal shower feel playful, cohesive, and unique.

Here are a few of our favorite bridal shower themes to consider:

• Cottagecore Queen – If your bride loves all things countryside chic, she’ll adore a cottagecore-themed bridal shower. Decorate simplistically with wildflowers and rustic textiles. Serve farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing cocktail with an herb garnish.

• Bridgerton Babe – An English high tea experience is a feminine, elegant way to celebrate any bride. Use an assortment of fanciful teacups and saucers (rented or thrifted) for a whimsical effect and set the table with tiers of finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Play classical music for an extra touch of sophistication.

• Mediterranean Tile and Citrus – Inspired by ornate blue and white tiles found throughout the Mediterranean, this theme is as fresh as it is classic. Decorate with lemons and lemon slices and serve cocktails made with limoncello. Invite your guests to dress in shades of blue, white, and yellow for a beautiful, cohesive look.

• Rosé All Day – Perfect for the bride who loves pink, Rosé All Day is a theme that’s as pretty and light as a glass of blush wine. Integrate as much pink as you can into the décor with florals and rose gold accents. This is another great theme for a color palette dress code: ask your guests to wear pink for a special touch. Make sure you have plenty of rosé on hand!

• In Her Bridal Era – Is your bride a Swiftie? Celebrate her in her bridal era with a party full of Taylor Swift music, friendship bracelet making, and plenty of lyric-inspired touches. Find out the bride’s favorite T. Swift album and use it as inspiration for cocktails, décor, and the perfect photo backdrop.

Host Your Bridal Shower at a Rosen Weddings Venue

Looking for the perfect Orlando venue to host a bridal shower?

Rosen Weddings has four distinct venues that offer a variety of spaces ideal for a grand or intimate bridal shower.

From ballrooms to private dining rooms, outdoor patios to restaurant rentals, we have the perfect space for your shower.

Plus, our fabulous onsite catering and bar service make impressing your bride and guests easier than ever.

Talk to one of our wedding coordinators today to find the perfect venue for an unforgettable Orlando bridal shower.

By Kate Cohen

Orlando is a wonderful place for a romantic wedding that can bring your wildest dreams to life.

But when it comes to the time of year, not all seasons are created equally.

Fall, winter, and spring are ideal for an outdoor wedding in Orlando, but summer’s extreme heat and frequent rainstorms can be a challenge for couples and their guests.

The good news is Orlando summer weddings are absolutely doable with a few things to keep in mind.

Our biggest tip for hosting a summer wedding in Orlando?

Have it indoors. With air conditioning.

We understand the allure of an outdoor wedding in Florida, surrounded by lush wildlife and swaying palm trees.

But the risks of potentially problematic and uncomfortable weather may outweigh the appeal.

Plus, your perfect wedding venue could have windows overlooking scenic landscapes and letting in natural light, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

Everyone will be able to focus on celebrating you and your partner rather than worrying about staying cool and out of the sun on a hot summer day.

If your heart is still set on spending some time outdoors, here are a few tips for a successful summer wedding in Orlando.

 

Provide Plenty of Refreshments

Keeping your wedding party and your guests hydrated is critical if you’re having an outdoor wedding.

From the moment guests arrive, offer them cool water as they head to their seats for the ceremony.

Consider playful, boozy popsicles during cocktail hour to keep everyone refreshed.

Prioritize refilling water glasses throughout your celebration and reminding everyone to stay hydrated as they take to the dance floor.

 

Have a Really Solid Rain Plan

In addition to the intense heat and humidity, summer also happens to be Orlando’s rainiest season.

Summer storms, while often fleeting, are almost daily occurrences from May through September.

If your heart is set on an outdoor summer wedding, be sure you have a solid (indoor) backup plan in case the clouds come closing in.

 

When Outside, Provide as Much Shade as Possible

An outdoor ceremony may be scenic, but no one wants to sit and swelter in the sun.

If your guests are seated in the sun, offer plenty of shade using either umbrellas or overhead drapery.

Many wedding venues won’t allow tents in the summer due to the likelihood of the aforementioned storms.

When possible, try to seat your guests in a nice patch of shade. They’ll appreciate being out of the path of direct sunlight.

Placing handheld fans on every chair is always a welcome gesture, too.

Another way to work around the heat is to plan a sunset ceremony, when the temperatures begin to drop slightly.

If you choose a sunset ceremony, you may want to schedule bridal, couple, and wedding party photos for prior to saying “I do” to take advantage of natural light.

 

Set Realistic Expectations of your Florals

Many couples love the aesthetic of lush floral designs and arrangements on their wedding day.

Most flowers, however, don’t do well in the unrelenting Florida summer heat.

White flowers in particular tend to brown and wilt quickly, leaving ornate arches and displays looking tired.

Your florals will thank you for an indoor, air-conditioned space almost as much as your guests!

You’ll also be able to repurpose your ceremony flowers for your reception if they’re kept in cooler conditions indoors.

 

Have Extra Hairspray and Makeup on Hand

Florida summers aren’t just known for the heat. They’re also extremely humid.

Unfortunately, humidity can be the demise of a great hair style and can induce makeup-dripping sweat.

If you’re spending any part of your wedding day outdoors or even taking photos outside, you’ll want to plan for hair and makeup touch ups as needed.

Provide your wedding parties with gentle facewipes or handkerchiefs for the ceremony and photos.

It may even be worth hiring your hair and makeup artists to hang around, so you look fresh and picture perfect from the moment you walk down the aisle until your grand exit.

 

Pick Lightweight Attire

A heavy bridal gown laden with lace and a long train may look beautiful but can be miserable in the heat.

Similarly, formal tuxedos are not a great match for temps in the 90s and high humidity.

Instead, choose light fabrics and limited layers so you and your bridal parties can be as comfortable as possible.

 

Let a Planner Make the Tough Decisions

Every well-organized wedding needs a backup plan, especially summer weddings.

On your wedding day, you don’t want to be making big decisions about shifting plans and accommodating the unexpected.

Hire an experienced wedding planner or coordinator that you trust to make key decisions as issues arise.

The right person can ease your concerns while you rest easy knowing they’re advocating for the wedding you’ve worked so hard to plan.

 

Consider a Hotel Summer Wedding

While summer may be the slow season for weddings, it’s the busiest time of year for Orlando’s booming tourism industry.

Hosting your wedding at a hotel has a variety of perks, including the opportunity to offer your guests onsite rooms at discounted rates.

Our four beautiful Rosen Weddings hotel venues offer multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, in-house catering, and a skilled team of wedding specialists to help bring your dreams to life.

By Kate Cohen

Every great production needs a rehearsal, and weddings are no exception.

Once everyone has practiced walking down the aisle, figured out where to stand, and knows when to hand over the rings, it’s time for a well-deserved celebration.

The rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to kick off your wedding weekend with the people who mean the most to you.

Here are Rosen Weddings’ 5 Rehearsal Dinner Tips for a Memorable Occasion.

1. Prioritize Quality Time

One of the best things about a rehearsal dinner is that it offers additional time to spend with your closest friends and family.

On your wedding day, you and your partner are going to be in demand for pictures, special dances, speeches, and other important moments.

Chances are you’ll barely have time to greet everyone and thank them for coming, let alone spend quality time with long distance family or even your bridal party.

Your rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to enjoy one another’s company, soaking in all the love and savoring every moment.

2. Keep it Close

Being able to hold your ceremony rehearsal at your actual venue is always a plus.

If your guests are staying nearby (or even onsite if you’re hosting a hotel wedding), keeping your rehearsal dinner venue local is a wonderful convenience.

Look for nearby restaurants that can accommodate your group’s size to keep things simple.

If your hotel wedding has onsite dining options, it never hurts to see if you can host your rehearsal dinner there and potentially save a little extra.

3. Use the Time for Speeches

Weddings are a wonderful time to invite the most important people in your life to make a toast or a speech in honor of you and your partner.

If you have more than a handful of people that you’d like to invite to speak, the rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to hand off the mic.

Siblings, members of the bridal party, or other dear friends or family members who aren’t speaking at the wedding may appreciate the opportunity to say a few words.

Similarly, it’s a great opportunity for you and your partner to thank your favorite people for being a part of your celebration.

4. Limit your Guest List

Like your wedding, your rehearsal dinner can be whatever you want it to be.

If you want a big celebration, go for it! But don’t feel pressured to invite all of your out-of-town guests as a courtesy.

Your rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to feel like a second wedding, especially if it’s not in the budget.

Customarily, anyone who is requested to be at the rehearsal should be invited to the rehearsal dinner.

If possible, it’s a lovely gesture to extend the rehearsal dinner invitation to plus-ones of your bridal party and family members.

From there, feel free to invite any guests that you feel should be included in the event.

If you feel obligated to host an event for out-of-town guests, consider a casual welcome party at a nearby venue. Serve desserts and maybe a welcome drink but remember the real party you’re hosting is the following day.

5. It’s Okay to Keep Things Simple

Your rehearsal dinner is an extension of your wedding day and is still an event for you and your spouse-to-be to enjoy.

But just because you’ve pulled out all the stops for your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to go all out for your rehearsal dinner, too.

Hosting your rehearsal dinner at a fun, funky restaurant or embracing an experience at a bowling alley or arcade can be just as memorable as something formal.

Your guests may even appreciate something as simple as poolside pizza the night before a long day of celebrating.

Host your Wedding Weekend – including the rehearsal dinner – with Rosen Weddings

Rosen Weddings has four beautiful venues that are perfect for hosting an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Host your rehearsal dinner in one of our ballroom spaces, or let our renowned culinary team treat your guests to an incredible meal at one of our onsite restaurants.

Your guests will love being able to stay onsite in a beautiful hotel that’s convenient to everything Orlando has to offer.

Let our team of wedding specialists help you curate the perfect celebration worthy of your happily ever after.

By Kate Cohen

It’s time to tackle one of the most controversial wedding topics: whether or not to invite kids to your wedding.

For some couples, kids might be a distraction that draws attention away from the day’s activities.

For others, it’s unfathomable to host a family-centered celebration without their favorite little ones in tow.

Whether you choose to invite kids to your wedding or keep things adults-only, there are several things to consider before making your decision.

Here are some important things to think about when deciding whether or not to invite kids to your wedding.

If you DO Invite Kids to Your Wedding

Offer a Kids Menu

While your adult guests may enjoy a menu with dynamic flavors and ingredients, chances are your younger guests have pickier palates.

Offering a kid-friendly menu option will be appreciated by your kids and their relieved parents.

The good news is kid’s menus are often less expensive, so you’ll save a little money on your catering invoice, too.

Consider a Kids Room

If your venue has the space, consider designating a special area as the “Kids Room.”

This could be a corner of your reception space, or it could be a lounge or hospitality suite in a separate area from the party.

Hire certified babysitters to keep an eye on the kids while their parents are free to enjoy the rest of the reception.

You can fill the space with activities like coloring books, board games, crafts, and even video games to keep kids entertained.

As the evening goes on, set up a late-night movie with cozy blankets and pillows to help your younger guests wind down.

Be Mindful Making your Seating Chart

While it’s tempting to put anyone under the age of 10 at a designated “kids table,” you may need to be a bit more intentional about where you assign your guests seating.

Children under the age of 7 should typically be seated at a table with their grownups. This way, their parents can make sure they’re eating and assist as needed.

It’s very appropriate to seat families with young children at a table together.

Kids 7 and older can usually handle being seated at their own table, though designating or hiring a caregiver to sit with them is always a good idea.

If you DON’T Invite Kids to Your Wedding

Do You Want a Flower Girl and/or Ring Bearer?

Flower girls and ring bearers are arguably one of the cutest parts of a wedding ceremony.

If you have special kids in your life that you’d like to participate in your wedding day, then you should absolutely include them.

Some couples choose to invite kids to be a part of the ceremony, but not the reception.

Ideally, anyone included in your ceremony should be able to celebrate with you afterwards, kids included.

Your flower girl and ring bearer have gotten dressed up, purchased or rented an outfit, and maybe even traveled to get to your wedding. Inviting them to the reception is a way to acknowledge the efforts they’ve made to celebrate you and your partner.

You Can Make Exceptions, but Make them Fairly

Even if you want a mostly kid-free wedding, you may have a small number of kids who are important to you and you feel strongly about being a part of your big day.

The good news is you can still include them without having to extend an invite to every child in your social circle.

The key is to make your exceptions fairly.

For example, if you’re inviting nieces and nephews from one side of the family, you should extend the invite to kids on the other side, too.

Don’t be Offended if Guests Don’t Attend Because Their Kids Aren’t Invited

For some families, finding childcare just isn’t feasible for one reason or another, especially if your wedding is out of town.

As a result, don’t be offended if certain guests RSVP “no” because their kids haven’t been invited.

Just as you made the decision that was best for your wedding, your guests are allowed to make the decision that is best for their family.

Elegant Events at our Breathtaking Rosen Weddings Venues

Our four beautiful Rosen Weddings venues are perfect for accommodating weddings of all sizes – with or without kids on the guest list.

Our team of wedding specialists will help you bring your dream wedding to life with added perks like hospitality suites, discounted room rates for your guests to stay onsite, and fantastic in-house catering.

Schedule a consultation or a tour today to start envisioning your wedding with Rosen Weddings.