blog | Rosen Weddings

Reimagine Your Wedding Menu for a Memorable Meal

December 27, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A great wedding is made up of many parts.

As a wedding guest, one of the biggest elements of a memorable wedding is the food.

While many people love a traditional steak, fish, or chicken dinner, many couples are starting to rethink their wedding menus to reflect their personal palates and playful personalities.

If you’re trying to figure out what to serve for your celebratory first meal as a married couple, Rosen Weddings is here to help you find your inspiration.

Start by Reviewing your Wedding Contract

One of the best places to start when planning your wedding menu is your venue.

Depending on where you choose to host your wedding, there may be certain expectations or restrictions in place regarding vendors you can hire for your event.

For example, if a venue has an in-house catering department, they may require you to exclusively use their services or reach a certain food and beverage minimum with them before you’re allowed to bring in outside vendors.

Other venues may request that you choose your caterer from a list of exclusive or preferred vendors with whom they’ve established a trusting professional relationship.

Before you go dreaming of a food truck promenade or a specialty ice cream cart, check with your venue to go over their policies on external food vendors.

Let your Menu Reflect your Personalities

Your wedding is the next chapter of your love story. It should be a celebration as unique to you and your partner as your relationship.

Gone are the days of making wedding decisions because something is expected or traditional. Instead, let your unique personalities guide stylistic choices, from aesthetic details to your menu.

If Taco Tuesday is a weekly hit in your house or you kick off every weekend with pizza and ice cream on Friday nights, try incorporating those personal touches into your menu. Your guests will love sharing a glimpse into your everyday world – especially if it’s a glimpse as delicious as pizza.

Buffet vs. Plated

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to wedding catering is the choice of a plated dinner or a buffet.

Plated dinners feel more formal and typically offer your guests the option of a single entrée that will be served to their seat.

Buffets allow everyone to be in control of what ends up on their plate, though it may require them to stand in line before serving themselves.

While buffets seem more cost effective due to their less formal nature, they are typically the more expensive option. Since guests take varying portions, more food is needed to ensure everyone is well fed, increasing overall costs.

Your preference for a plated or buffet dinner can influence or be influenced by your menu, which impacts the cuisine you decide to share with your guests.

Non-Traditional Wedding Menu Inspiration

Farm to Table

Every season brings a new bounty of fresh, seasonal produce. Treat your guests to a dinner that showcases local ingredients with rustic dishes that let herbs, fruits, and vegetables take center stage.

A farm-to-table menu will typically feature simplistic recipes using sustainably sourced meats, seafood, and produce. The result is an authentically fresh-tasting and colorful wedding menu that your guests will savor until the last bite.

Did you know Rosen Shingle Creek has an onsite culinary garden? Ingredients from Emma’s Creekside Farm are used in dishes at our fine dining establishments, Cala Bella and A Land Remembered.

Talk to our catering specialists to see how we can incorporate fresh ingredients from Emma’s Creekside Farm into your farm-to-table-inspired wedding menu.

Pizza

You can’t go wrong serving pizza at your wedding.

Whether it’s a make-your-own pizza station where guests customize their toppings or a selection of gourmet woodfired pies served by the slice, nothing says “party” quite like pizza.

If the pizza vibe is a little too informal for your wedding, consider rolling it out as a late-night treat to refuel guests who have been grooving on the dance floor all night long.

Charcuterie

Opting for a menu of traditional cocktail hour grazing fare doesn’t mean your guests will go home hungry. Consider making elaborate charcuterie and cheese displays the main event for your wedding day.

Use long tables and counters to create beautiful arrangements of international and domestic cheeses, cured meats like salami and prosciutto, colorful dried and fresh fruits, flavorful spreads, and crunchy raw veggies. Take your displays to the next level by incorporating florals and greenery.

Accompany your crowd-pleasing charcuterie selection with an array of freshly baked artisan breads or decadent desserts and cakes. For a special touch, create a dessert bar with a variety of unique s’mores ingredients or fanciful treats to be dipped in a chocolate fountain.

Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast for dinner may be the last thing people “egg-spect” at a wedding, but everyone will love this topsy-turvy take on wedding food.

Push your imagination beyond a continental breakfast buffet; imagine chef-attended omelet and pancake stations and perfectly cooked eggs benedict straight off the griddle.

Heartier brunch fare like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and steak and eggs can round out your morning-inspired meal.

Don’t forget about freshly baked pastries, muffins, and donut walls for a sweet finish!

A mimosa bar with a variety of flavorful juices is a unique twist on drink offerings. Its base of sparkling wine can save pennies in the long run if you’re looking for an alternative to an open bar.

Feature Family Recipes

As you blend two beautiful families, honor your heritage and family members with special family recipes and cultural dishes.

Curate your menu with inspiration from past generations. Whether it’s using someone’s favorite ingredient, sharing an old family recipe with your catering team, or going all-in with a cultural culinary theme, your menu can be a beautiful tribute to the family you’re creating together.

Similarly, keep things cozy with your favorite comfort foods. Incorporate your favorite feel-good foods into your wedding day, like creamy mac and cheese, grilled cheese and tomato soup, or freshly made lasagna.

Late Night Snack

If you’re planning a more traditional wedding menu, consider adding some personal touches with a late-night snack.

After your guests have spent a few hours on the dance floor, they’ll be grateful for a pick-me-up snack – especially if they’ve been enjoying the bar.

This is the perfect time to roll out casual, simple, and delicious eats like sliders and fries, pretzels, ice cream, popcorn, and yes, pizza.

While late-night snacks aren’t required (or even expected), it can be a fun opportunity to share your favorite guilty pleasures with your favorite people as your night of celebration comes to close.

Switch up your Sweets

Not a cake person? Swapping wedding cake for other delicious desserts is becoming a trend.

Cookies, cannoli, and cake pops are all popular with couples looking to cut cake from the menu.

Check out our blog about wedding dessert alternatives to see if one of these celebratory sugary treats sparks your sweet tooth inspiration.

Let Rosen Weddings Help You Customize Your Wedding Menu

When you host your wedding at one of our spectacular resort venues, you’ll work with a phenomenal culinary team to curate a menu you and your guests will love.

We can craft everything from show-stopping steaks and perfectly prepared seafood to beautiful brunch displays served any time of day.

Let us help you make your first meal as a married couple as unforgettable as the rest of your wedding day.

6 Stunning First Look Locations at Rosen Shingle Creek

December 16, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A good wedding venue has the perfect location for an intimate, romantic first look moment.

A great wedding venue has so many locations, you’ll have a hard time choosing which one to pick for your unique first look.

Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida has a variety of gorgeous indoor and outdoor locations that set the scene for a breathtaking wedding and all the memorable moments it holds.

Here are 6 of our favorite first look locations at Rosen Shingle Creek, an incredible luxury Orlando wedding venue.

First Look Locations at Rosen Shingle Creek

Emma’s Creekside Garden Patio

An expanse of gray pavement with trees and a small lake in the distance.

Outside Rosen Shingle Creek’s beautiful ballrooms is an expansive courtyard with breathtaking views.

At the far end, a romantic cobblestone patio overlooks the sparkling blue water of a serene lake nestled into the rolling green hills of Shingle Creek Golf Course.

Couples looking for greenery can share their first look in front of Emma’s Creekside Farm. This lush onsite garden bursts with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, especially in winter and spring months.

A wood and wire fence covered in a climbing plant leads to a garden with greenery and a dirt path.

The courtyard is also home to a grand stone staircase that is the perfect dramatic backdrop for an elegant first look.

Stunning arched windows and a multi-story towering glass entry are also photogenic settings for a special first look moment.

A patio of gray cobblestone bricks with a hexagonal yellow building in the background.

Hospitality Courtyard

Tucked into a quiet back corner of Rosen Shingle Creek is the hospitality courtyard.

This partially hidden space offers tropical landscaping beneath the boughs of surrounding palm trees. The hotel’s beautiful exterior also serves as a stunning backdrop.

The biggest benefit to having your first look in this space is its proximity to the hospitality suites; whether you’re in a crunch for time or simply want to keep the action close to where you’re getting ready, this first look locale offers beauty without sacrificing convenience.

A small grassy area surrounded by a circle of pavement beside palm trees and a tall building.

Osceola Courtyard

A bubbling outdoor fountain in the foreground with a shrub-lined path and tall palm trees in the background.

Just outside the grand doors of Café Osceola and tucked between two of Rosen Shingle Creek’s beautiful pools is the Osceola Courtyard.

With dazzling fountains at either end, a walkway lined in rosebushes, and palm trees swaying overhead, the courtyard is a picturesque place for a first look.

Its prominent location in the central recreation area of the resort does make it a more public spot for a first look. If you don’t mind the occasional swooning onlooker, however, it’s a spectacular choice for a beautifully photographed moment.

Café Osceola Overlook

An interior balcony overlooking large dark wooden beams on the ceiling leading to two-story windows overlooking a beautiful courtyard.

Just past the grand lobby of Rosen Shingle Creek is a beautiful balcony overlooking Café Osceola below.

With a backdrop of majestic wooden beams along the ceiling and two-story windows overlooking the gorgeous Osceola Courtyard, this elegant indoor spot is a great option for a romantic moment.

The Café Osceola Overlook is perfect for rainy days or for couples looking to savor a special moment in the comfort of air conditioning.

This magnificent spot’s prime location in the Rosen Shingle Creek lobby is a central public area of the hotel.

If you prefer a more intimate indoor setting for a first look, our knowledgeable wedding specialist can help you find the perfect place for your special moment.

Tiled Staircase Behind A Land Remembered

A staircase with a stone railing and tiles against the back of each step, surrounded by tropical landscaping.

Off the back patio of our Legacy Steakhouse, A Land Remembered, is a beautiful tiled staircase with a grand stone railing.

When positioned just right, the craftsman-inspired archways of the restaurant with its sky-blue ceiling add a dramatic architectural touch to first look photos.

This secluded spot has lush tropical foliage and landscaping for a truly Floridian aesthetic. It’s a short walk from the hospitality suites but worth the stroll for this gem of a location.

A staircase with tiled stairs and a stone railing leading up to a building with craftsman style pillars.

Breezeway to A Land Remembered

A paved walkway with cream-colored arches and a light blue ceiling between landscaped bushes. The Breezeway is a great option for a first look at Rosen Shingle Creek.

This beautiful, paved pathway near the front entrance to the resort is a popular spot for first looks, couple portraits, and solo shots.

Surrounded by lush landscaping, the covered walkway has a robin’s egg blue ceiling that adds an elegant pop of color to photos.

While its location is close to the entrance, the breezeway winds the further it extends. This offers privacy for a truly intimate moment that you and your partner will treasure for a lifetime.

Choose Rosen Shingle Creek as your Orlando Luxury Wedding Venue

Rosen Shingle Creek is an ideal destination for couples looking for a venue that blends golf course elegance, ballroom sophistication, and resort convenience.

Luxurious accommodations await your guests. Spacious hospitality rooms are perfect for getting ready with your wedding parties, and onsite fine dining offers the ideal setting for your pre-wedding rehearsal dinner.

Rosen Shingle Creek truly has everything you need for your special day.

Let us help you find the perfect locations around our property for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, farewell brunch, and any other celebratory occasions your wedding weekend may hold.

Still unsure of whether a first look is right for you and your partner? Check out our blog To First Look or Not To First Look: A List of Pros and Cons to learn more about this trending tradition.

An exterior shot of a large hotel in the distance surrounded by trees and rolling green hills.

Post-Wedding Brunch: Keep the Celebration Going

November 7, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

An aerial view of a table set with breakfast items like toast, orange juice, bowls of fresh fruit, and more. A post-wedding brunch continues the celebrations beyond your wedding day.

Who says your wedding celebrations have to end after your reception?

A fun and festive post-wedding brunch the day after your ceremony and reception is a great way to spend extra time with friends and family while reveling in memories from the day before.

Affectionately known as a “farewell brunch,” it’s a great final hurrah before your guests hit the road and you and your partner jet set off on an epic honeymoon.

At Rosen Weddings, we’re all about keeping the festivities rolling as long as possible, and we’re here to help you make the most out of every moment celebrating you and your partner.

Wondering where to begin when it comes to planning a post-wedding brunch? Here are our tips to get you started.

Who Should You Invite?

Your post-wedding guest list is, first and foremost, dependent on your budget.

If you can afford to host all of your wedding guests, go for it! Otherwise, inviting your out-of-town guests and immediate family is a lovely gesture.

Be sure to invite fairly; if you invite extended family from one side, you should offer the invitation to everyone on the other side, too.

Where should you host your wedding brunch?

If you’re hosting your wedding at a hotel (hello, Rosen Weddings!), having your post-wedding brunch onsite is a wonderfully convenient option.

Assuming a good percentage of your guests will also have stayed at the hotel, everyone will appreciate being able to roll out of bed and head downstairs for an easy breakfast.

Local restaurants are great options for brunch as well, especially those with private dining areas.

Arrange for mimosas and bloody marys, or serve an array of breakfast bites and charcuterie featuring highlights from the restaurant’s menu.

Wherever you decide to host your brunch, your guests will be grateful!

How can you save money on a farewell brunch?

The biggest way you can save on hosting a post-wedding brunch is by nixing the alcohol.

Instead of serving mimosas and Champagne, offer a variety of coffee, juice, and tea and direct your guests to the hotel bar (if it’s open early).

Another way to save on brunch is to simplify: serve coffee and pastries for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s easy on the budget and still gives guests the chance to socialize and start their day with something delicious.

A display of dozens of different kinds of pastries, some dusted with powdered sugar, others drizzled in chocolate and icing.

What time should I host brunch?

Hopefully you and your guests had a wonderful celebration the night before worthy of a good night’s sleep.

If the festivities went late into the night, you’ll want to give everyone the chance to sleep in and wake up at their own leisure.

Consider hosting a drop-in brunch that allows guests to come at any time. Out-of-towners may have travel plans to work around and at the very least will appreciate being able to get ready in the morning at their own pace.

If you’re hosting your brunch at a hotel, consider starting your event around check-out time so your guests have a place to regroup and socialize before heading home.

What is your role at a farewell brunch?

While your wedding day is a gathering of all your favorite people, you may not get the chance to socialize with everyone during your reception.

A farewell brunch gives you the opportunity to spend more quality time with friends and loved ones with whom you may not have had the chance to the day before.

As the couple of honor, you and your partner’s role at a post-wedding brunch is simply to thank people for coming to the wedding and let them know you appreciate their presence.

An aerial view of six hands toasting glasses of Champagne over a table of fresh fruit, wildflowers, and rustic table settings.

Do you need a theme?

Your farewell brunch can be as elaborate, playful, and themed as you want it to be. It’s a great opportunity to showcase you and your partner’s personalities, or to keep things simple after an epic celebration the day before.

Feel free to reuse decor from your wedding to save on costs and create an event that is totally coordinated to the celebration at large.

From florals to candles to table runners, you can create a beautiful brunch aesthetic using the pieces you already own.

When do you send invitations?

You can include an invitation to your farewell brunch with your wedding invitation for those who are invited, or you can include it as an option on your RSVP.

Whether your RSVP is by mail or through your wedding website, it’s easy to include and gather information about extra wedding events, including your post-wedding brunch.

A tablescape with vases of yellow and purple wildflowers, a bowl with nuts, cherries, and cheese, a charcuterie plate, a burlap table runner, and blue and white ceramic dishes.

Do you need to have one?

Nope! A farewell brunch is a great way to spend a little extra time with friends and family, but it certainly isn’t required.

If you aren’t planning on hosting a brunch, providing out-of-towners a list of recommended breakfast and brunch spots in town is a nice touch to end a celebratory weekend.

Bring Your Dream Brunch to Life with Rosen Weddings

At Rosen Weddings, we’ll help you plan every event of your wedding weekend.

From the wedding day of your dreams to a farewell brunch or rehearsal dinner to welcome and indulge your guests, we have the perfect space and menu for every step of the way.

A close-up of a cappuccino on a white saucer sitting on a white table. A hand holds another coffee sits behind, out of focus.

6 Unique Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Day

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A brown and white dog with a floral collar sits on the sand in front of a woman in a long white gown and veil.

Pets are our family.

Whether your companion has fur, feathers, or even scales, the animals in our lives have us wrapped around their sweet little paws – or claws.

When it comes to major life events like weddings, it’s only natural to want to include a pet in your wedding day experience.

While it’s not always feasible to have your pet by your side on your wedding day, there are still plenty of ways to include them in the celebrations and honor how much they mean to you.

We’ve put together a list of 6 unique ways to include your pet in your wedding day so you can enjoy every moment knowing they’re there with you in spirit.

6 Unique Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Day

Make a Donation in Your Pet’s Name as Your Wedding Favor

While a well-intended gesture, many wedding favors end up being left behind after your guests have departed for the evening.

Instead of spending money on favors that may or may not leave your venue, you can instead take the money you would have spent on trinkets and make a donation to a local pet rescue or shelter in your pet’s honor.

Include a note at each table along the lines of, “In lieu of favors, a donation has been made to (pet rescue of your choice) in honor of our sweet (your pet’s name).”

Your guests will be touched by the sentiment and your local rescue will appreciate the extra support.

Use Their Replica as a Cake Topper

A small, one-tier cake on a crystal cake stand adorned with a black and white dog figurine posed to look like it's eating the cake. A cake topper is a cute way to incorporate your pet in your wedding.
Your wedding cake is a great place to showcase your personality. Incorporate your pet’s likeness with a fun figurine that can adorn your beautiful cake.

Whether your furbaby is proudly sitting atop the highest tier or mischievously nibbling their way through a layer of buttercream, it will feel like they’re celebrating alongside you when you cut the cake together as a married couple.

Your topper can then be saved as a darling keepsake of your special day.

Incorporate Their Picture into Your Signage

Make your pet your poster child by incorporating their picture into your wedding signage.

Whether it’s a welcome sign, directions to the bar, or even your ceremony program, your pet’s image is a welcome addition to any collateral your guests may see.

Their sweet, furry face will be a reminder to you and your partner that your pet’s presence is with you on your special day, even if they can’t be by your side.

Name a Signature Drink After Them

Two blue arched acrylic signs with stickers, including the face of a dog, and a drink menu. Name a drink after your furbaby to include your pet in your wedding day.

A signature cocktail is a fun way to share your favorite flavors with your guests.

Crafting or naming a drink in honor of your pet is a clever way to incorporate them into your celebration and include your pet in your wedding.

Whether you use their name, image, or even include their favorite ingredients (perhaps a peanut butter whiskey concoction in honor of your pup’s favorite human food?), your guests will get a kick out of raising a glass to your beloved pet.

Use a Cutout of Their Face in Your Photobooth

Wish you could have the perfect picture with your pet on your wedding day?

Have a larger-than-life cutout of their photo printed to keep in the photobooth.

You and your guests can take pictures with your pet’s image throughout the event, which is the next best thing to having them there in front of the camera with you.

Add Their Collar Tag to Your Bouquet

A more sentimental option is to incorporate your pet’s collar tag into your wedding bouquet.

As you carry your bouquet down the aisle, you’ll feel your pet’s presence in this monumental life event.

Alternately, you can also carry a photo of your pet in a locket, whether wrapped on your bouquet or worn in a necklace or bracelet.

As your family grows and becomes official, your pet will be with you in spirit, no matter how near or far they may be.

Trust Every Detail to Rosen Weddings

At Rosen Weddings, we believe that your wedding should be personalized to you, your partner, and the things that mean the most to you – pets included.

We’re happy to help you think of ways to include your pet in your wedding day that will honor them with love, and maybe a little humor. They are, after all, a part of the family.

A woman in a blue dress sits outside reading a book and petting a beige dog on a leash. On the table beside her is a bottle and a glass of wine.

Winter Weddings: 7 Useful Tips to Take Into Consideration

October 22, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A close up of a white anemone flower in a bouquet of greenery and white florals. Seasonal flowers like anemones are a beautiful addition to any winter wedding floral display.

A winter wedding is a wonderful way to start the next chapter of your love story. They can be romantic and festive celebrations with unlimited potential for flexibility and creativity.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Winter Wonderland event or a winter destination wedding away from the snow, here are seven useful winter wedding tips to consider when planning your perfect day.

Send Save-the-Dates Farther in Advance

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. If you’re planning a November or December wedding, you’ll want to be courteous and give your guests a generous heads-up so they can best accommodate your celebration.

It’s typically recommended to send save-the-dates eight to 10 months before your wedding date. For a wedding around the holidays, some experts say to send them 12 to 18 months prior to your wedding.

Keep in mind, too, that choosing a wedding date around the holidays might mean you have fewer guests in attendance.

While it may seem like convenient timing when people may have more time off from work, everyone has their own holiday expectations, traditions, and travel that might keep them from being able to attend.

BONUS: Hosting your wedding at a hotel provides your guests another level of added ease. From being able to stay onsite to taking advantage of block rate discounts, hotel weddings can be a wonderful way to make holiday travel even easier for out-of-town friends and family.

Check out our blog on the perks of hosting a hotel wedding.

Plan for a Shorter Day

Winter days are shorter than any other season when it comes to daylight, with the winter solstice on December 21 marking the shortest day of the year.

While there is plenty to love about a candlelit wedding after dark, fewer hours of daylight can affect your timing for photos and therefore your timeline for the entire day.

Fitting everything into your dream wedding day is perfectly doable, it’s just helpful to know that you’re working with fewer hours of daylight before you map out your wedding day timeline.

Play with Rich Winter Colors and Textures

A woman in a long-sleeved white dress holds a bouquet of white roses with dark red flowers, red berries, and sprigs of eucalyptus. Dark maroons are a beautiful and classic color palette for a winter wedding.

When it comes to your color palette, think outside the box.

Cool sage greens pair beautifully with neutral creams and pops of earthy browns.

Deep maroons and burgundies are classic winter color choices and can be complemented by blush pinks and dark greens.

Moody navy blue is a bold color choice when accentuated by pops of gold and a lighter misty blue.

In addition to rich colors, a winter wedding also lends itself to a variety of fun textures: think velvets, shiny metallics, and feathery evergreens.

Embrace the Season with your Menu and Florals

Winter may not seem like a season of growth, but there are plenty of produce and flowers that are best in the wintertime. A wedding is a great place to showcase the best fresh things the season has to offer.

For your menu, consider incorporating seasonal produce like squash, pumpkin, Brussel sprouts, and hearty greens like kale. Winter is the perfect time for fresh root vegetables like colorful beets, rustic fennel, and earthy turnips.

Winter is also the season of citrus. Liven up your bar with a signature cocktail featuring fresh Florida oranges or key limes, or use them for whimsical décor.

A two-tiered white cake decorated in dried oranges, gold leaf, and sprigs of rosemary. Seasonal citrus and pine-like herbs offer a wintery aesthetic for a winter wedding.

As far as florals are concerned, there are endless options for a wintery aesthetic.

Anemones, with their contrasting white papery petals and dark black centers are a dramatic choice for a bouquet or table décor. Tightly petaled ranunculus are in season, too. Crescent-shaped freesia and fragrant gardenias are also beautiful choices.

Enrich beautiful blooms with evergreen accents like eucalyptus, pine, cedar, and even magnolia leaves. Sprigs of holly with bright red berries and pinecones are lovely seasonal accents as well.

A Winter Wedding Doesn’t Have to Mean a Holiday Wedding

Winter weddings are often synonymous with “holiday” weddings, though the two can be quite distinct.

If you’ve always dreamed of a Christmassy wedding with holiday décor, then go for it!

But if you’re worried that a December wedding means a red and green color palette, strings of Christmas lights, and dancing to Bing Crosby all night long, we’re here to reassure you that your winter wedding can be whatever you want it to be.

The same thing goes for Winter Wonderland-themed weddings; winter doesn’t always have to mean snow.

Consider Travel Challenges

Winter is a notoriously tough time for travel. Even if your wedding location is somewhere warm, guests from snowier regions may have a more challenging time navigating winter storms on the roads or airways.

If you yourself are traveling to or from somewhere notorious for its winter storms, be sure to give yourself a travel cushion of an extra day or two just in case the weather gets unruly.

Even Florida Winters Get Chilly

A man in a black suit and a woman in a long white coat are walking outdoors facing away from the camera. Feel free to wear layers and add fun textures to your winter wedding attire.

A winter wedding in a warmer destination is always a fun option. (We’re quite partial to Orlando.)

Keep in mind that our winters can get relatively chilly, too. November through March, our average low temps are in the 50s and it’s been known to get even cooler.

If you’re planning an outdoor celebration, take the opportunity to make sure your guests are cozy and comfortable. Handing out blankets, hosting a hot cocoa bar, and placing plenty of portable heaters around will ensure everyone is having a great time, regardless of the weather.

Host Your Perfect Winter Wedding with Rosen Weddings

However you envision your winter wedding, Rosen Weddings can bring it to life.

Winter may look a little different for us in sunny Florida, but our palm trees and moderate temps can still be the perfect backdrop for a moody, cozy winter wedding.

Our four fabulous Orlando venues offer a variety of spaces to accommodate weddings of all sizes and aesthetics, so you can truly host the winter wedding of your dreams.

Reach out to our team today to discover which of our venues best suits your unique wedding vision.

A warm ballroom space with a geometric chandelier set up with white chairs and white floral arrangements facing an altar decorated in white florals.

Skip the Cake: 8 Fabulous Wedding Dessert Alternatives

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A two-tier wedding cake decorated with orange slices, gold leaf, and rosemary.

Some wedding traditions are just meant to be reimagined.

For some brides, it may be wearing a white gown or having only women in the bridal party. Perhaps it’s using the words “to honor and obey” in your vows. Or maybe it’s an outdated bouquet toss.

The new trend rebellion we’re embracing wholeheartedly is forgoing wedding cake for an alternate wedding dessert.

While wedding cakes can be things of extravagant beauty (and deliciousness), they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

Whether you’re not a fan of cake or you’re looking for ways to stick to your budget, switching up your dessert is a great option – and an opportunity to showcase your personality, too.

At each of our four Rosen Weddings venues, you’ll find an incredible culinary and pastry team ready and willing to help you reimagine your wedding dessert and create tasty celebratory treats that look as amazing as they taste.

Here are eight fabulous wedding dessert alternatives we’re loving right now.

Ice Cream Truck

Ice cream scoops in cups surrounded by cones and colorful toppings. An ice cream truck is a great wedding dessert alternative.

Is there anything better than the nostalgia of an ice cream truck?

Treat your guests to a cool surprise that’s as tasty as it is unique.

These days, many local creameries and ice cream shops have trucks or carts that can easily be hired out for events. Serve by the scoop and let your guests choose their own flavors and toppings for a playful wedding dessert experience everyone will love.

Croquembouche

A croquembouche is an elegant tower of fluffy cream-filled pastry puffs traditionally served at French weddings. The cream puffs are held together with caramelized sugar and often adorned in flowers, fruit, or chocolate.

A croquembouche makes a visual statement at a wedding and can be fun for guests to pick apart a piece at a time, though there’s no shame in cutting and serving the profiteroles on plates, too.

Cannoli

Two small cannoli on a plate dusted with green pistachios. Classic Cannoli make a fabulous wedding dessert alternative.

You don’t need to be Italian to appreciate great cannoli.

Crispy curved shells can be piped with a variety of creamy fillings, from classic ricotta to nutty pistachio or strawberry.

Dipping the shells in chocolate and adding festive toppings on either end (chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed nuts, etc.) take cannoli to the next level for your special occasion.

Cheese Wheels

Three tiers of cheese wheels stacked like a cake, decorated with grapes and figs in an outdoor setting: a savory wedding dessert alternative.

Take a savory approach to your dessert course with rustic cheese wheels stacked on top of one another to suggest the appearance of a tiered wedding cake.

Decorate your “cheese cake” with sprigs of rosemary, fresh figs, and colorful berries for a more elegant appearance. Serve it with classic charcuterie accoutrement like jam, prosciutto, marcona almonds, and grapes.

Donuts

A close-up of donuts glazed in chocolate and white icing, topped with sliced almonds, cereal, and bacon. Donuts are a popular wedding dessert alternative.

Celebrate your “holy” matrimony with a selection of whimsical donuts.

Feel free to go all-out with gourmet flavors and toppings. These perfectly portioned treats are beloved classics for a reason, and a fun way to end a celebratory soiree.

Cookie Cakes

Cookie cakes are relatively new to the wedding dessert trend but are always a hit. Tiers of thin, flat chocolate chip cookies layered with butter cream frosting are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

For a playful twist, serve slices of your cookie cakes with milk served in cookie shot glasses, or with a fun cookie straw.

Cupcakes

A plate of vanilla cupcakes decorated with daisies, berries, and lemon slices. Cupcakes are a wedding dessert alternative for couples who want the taste of cake without the cost.

Cupcakes have been a classic cake backup for a while now, and while the flavor profile is pretty much identical to a traditional wedding cake, their serving-sized cuteness has yet to wane.

Plus, when you choose to serve cupcakes over traditional cake, you can offer a variety of flavors and decorations for a display that looks as good as it tastes.

Bonus Tip: Pair your cupcake display with a matching small cake round so you can have your picture perfect “cutting the cake” moment as a new married couple.

Cake Pops

A row of pale pink cake pops decorated with leaves and flowers presented on a gold tray. Cake pops are an elegant single-serving dessert alternative that offer the perfect pop of sweetness.

Another cake alternative is cake pops, bite-sized baubles with endless potential for decorating and flavor combinations. The best cake pops are soft and moist with the perfect ratio of candy coating for a bite that truly satisfies the craving for cake.

Rethink Your Wedding Dessert and Other Traditions with Rosen Weddings

Whether you’re a wedding traditionalist or are looking for a way to mix things up, Rosen Weddings is here to help you make sure every detail of your wedding day is perfect.

Our four distinct venues and team of wedding professionals will bring your wedding vision to life however you imagine it.

Contact our team today to learn more about how you can be a part of the Rosen Weddings family.

A wedding setup at Rosen Shingle Creek, with blue sky, white clouds, tall palm trees, and a long cobblestone path leading to an archway draped in white fabric. Host your wedding at a Rosen Weddings venue.

Hotel Weddings: 4 Perks to Hosting a Your Special Day at a Luxury Hotel

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A ballroom with an ornately decorated carpet and a geometric chandelier set up with white chairs and florals for a wedding ceremony. There are plenty of benefits to having a hotel wedding.

When it comes to weddings, nothing influences the vibes quite like your venue. Whether it’s intimate or grand, indoors or outdoors, formal or casual, the setting makes a huge impact on your event.

Hotel wedding venues are known for their ease and experience, with plenty of space, amenities, and staff to coordinate an unforgettable event.

At Rosen Weddings, we’re experts in hotel weddings. With four unique venues – Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, and Rosen Shingle Creek – each with their own distinct amenities and aesthetics, hotel weddings are what we do best.

That’s why we’re here to share a variety of benefits to choosing a hotel for your special day. If you’re in the process of choosing your venue, here are four perks to hosting a hotel wedding we think you should know.

1. Convenience, Convenience, Convenience!

An event setting with sheer white drapery hanging from the ceilings and walls, pale pink uplighting, and round tables set with candles and florals. A hotel wedding can be a glamorous event in an elegant ballroom space.

One of the biggest perks of hosting a hotel wedding is the convenience of having everything in one place.

All four of our venues offer the opportunity to rehearse your ceremony in the actual space (depending on availability) or provide an alternative space where you can run through everything prior to your wedding day.

Each of our properties also offers onsite dining and separate gathering rooms that are ideal for hosting an intimate (or extravagant) rehearsal dinner.

On the morning of your wedding, get ready with your bridal party in a designated hotel room that is private and comfortable.

Rosen Weddings properties have large hospitality suites that offer perks like more space, kitchenettes, mirrors, and private bathrooms to accommodate a larger group.

The ideal hotel venue will have multiple spaces for hosting ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Your guests will appreciate not having to travel from venue to venue, ensuring they can spend every moment in attendance celebrating you and your partner.

At the end of the night, retreat to a private hotel room with your new spouse for a luxurious and well-deserved night of rest following an unforgettable wedding day.

2. Accommodations for Your Guests

For wedding guests, there’s nothing better than having the option to stay onsite for a celebration.

When your accommodations for the night are only an elevator ride away, it can mean not having to choose between indulging in a signature cocktail or driving home later that night or having the luxury of running up to your room to change into better dancing shoes.

Many hotel venues will offer wedding couples a block of rooms at a reduced rate to incentive and reward guests for staying onsite.

It’s a great way to show your guests you appreciate their traveling to celebrate with you and encourage everyone to take advantage of the benefits of staying at the venue.

If you have a large number of guests traveling from out of town, consider the location and amenities of your hotel venue. Perks like a refreshing pool, rejuvenating spa, and delicious onsite dining offer convenience and entertainment without the need for rental cars or ride sharing.

Additionally, choosing a hotel in a popular area gives your guests the freedom to explore local attractions and restaurants during their stay.

3. In-House Catering and Event Equipment

If you’ve ever attended a wedding, you know firsthand the importance of good food – and plenty of it.

At Rosen Weddings, we offer our own in-house catering, culinary teams, and commercial kitchens that prepare menus to suit your tastes and delight you and your guests.

You won’t have to worry about finding proper preparation space for outside caterers or fretting over whether the team will arrive on time (and with enough food to keep everyone satisfied).

You can feel confident knowing your venue team has plenty of experience preparing delicious food for large groups.

We also have tables, chairs, bars, linens, and other event necessities on hand, eliminating the need to rent furniture from a third-party company.

Additionally, our incredible events team will be on deck to help set up your space so you and your guests can focus on getting yourselves ready, not the venue.

4. Beautiful Backdrops

A cobblestone path leading to a distant arch draped with white fabric, surrounded by tall palm trees and set against a blue, cloudy sky. Hotel weddings can take advantage of beautiful landscaping.

Hotels are places of rest and respite, and the best ones have aesthetics that showcase a welcoming, unique, and stylish sense of hospitality.

Rosen hotel venues take pride in our spaces and keeping them updated, offering prospective couples a venue that is as beautiful as it is convenient.

Whether it’s an elegant ballroom space, a poolside patio, or a terrace with a sprawling golf course view, the right hotel venue will have beautiful event spaces that create a gorgeous backdrop for your picture-perfect wedding day.

Choose a Rosen Weddings Hotel Venue for Your Unforgettable Hotel Wedding

At Rosen Weddings, our four distinct hotels are perfect for hosting hotel weddings of all sizes, budgets, and visions.

8 men in matching black tuxedos stand outdoors in a courtyard surrounded by palm trees with a towering hotel behind them. Rosen Shingle Creek is perfect for an elegant hotel wedding. — Rosen Shingle Creek

Opt for grandeur at Rosen Shingle Creek, a magnificent resort with stunning views of our championship golf course and sprawling grounds.

A breathtaking two-story ballroom with views of an adjacent terrace and beyond is the crown jewel of event spaces at this spectacular venue.

A bride and groom stand on a green lawn with the entrance to Rosen Plaza behind them. Rosen Plaza is an elegant destination for a hotel wedding. — Rosen Plaza

Rosen Plaza is an ideal option for couples interested in a grand ballroom setting with plenty of flexibility and options for customization.

Welcoming hospitality suites, onsite dining, and other amenities make it the perfect place for a weekend of joyous celebration. Located in the heart of the popular I-Drive district, it’s a great destination to keep your guests entertained.

A bride and groom kiss on the front lawn of Rosen Centre at night, with the hotel and fountains lit up behind them. Rosen Centre is a beautiful destination for a hotel wedding. — Rosen Centre

The neighboring Rosen Centre offers beautiful outdoor locations with tropical backdrops and elegant indoor ballrooms for a one-of-a-kind event.

Our professional wedding planning team will work with master chefs and our catering manager to help you curate a wedding that tastes as amazing as it looks.

A panel of sheer fabric tied to a gazebo post overlooking a pond, grass, and trees. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista has a beautiful outdoor pavilion for a hotel wedding.

Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista offers a charming garden-like setting for intimate ceremonies and a contemporary ballroom with stylish light fixtures.

As a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, you and your guests can take advantage of special Walt Disney World amenities throughout your stay.

Our Rosen Weddings team can help you find the perfect hotel wedding venue to suit your unique vision. It is an honor to be a part of your wedding day, and we can’t wait to make your dreams a reality.

Your Guide to Building a Great Wedding Registry

September 17, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

Four boxes wrapped in blue and white ribbons and wrapping paper beside a green and white bouquet. Many guests prefer to give gifts purchased from a wedding registry.

Putting together a wedding registry is just as fun as it sounds. You’re basically making a giant wish list of all the things you’d like to have as you begin the next chapter married to the love of your life.

That said, there’s more that goes into making a registry than you might think, and it’s normal to be overwhelmed by the idea of starting one from scratch.

We’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Building a Great Wedding Registry so you can navigate this exciting wedding rite with less stress and more excitement.

Here are our favorite tips for putting together your wedding registry.

Identify your Needs and Wants

Ultimately, your registry is all about you and your partner, and should reflect your personal wants, needs, and style.

Work as a couple to decide whether you want to register for more everyday items, formal pieces, novelty gifts, or a blend of all three. Being on the same page can help you put together a registry that will set you up for a great start to a long, happy marriage.

Begin by making a list of things you need in your new household (even if you’ve been living together for a while already). Then fill in the gaps with items that would be really nice to have, although they might not be considered necessary.

If you and your partner already own something you might typically find on a registry (a blender, stand mixer, towels, etc.) feel free to leave it off your registry.

On the other hand, if you’re ready for an upgrade, now is a great time to think about what you’d like to update in your home.

Make Multiple Registries

Registering at multiple stores gives your guests plenty of options when it comes to purchasing a gift. It also allows you to register for a variety of things like home goods, kitchenware, artwork, travel needs, and so much more.

Additionally, certain stores may offer you discounts on items from your registry that weren’t purchased once your wedding date has passed.

Wedding websites like TheKnot.com and Zola.com can help you consolidate your registries into one clean location. That way, your guests can browse multiple registries on one website without confusion.

Include a Range of Prices

Two wooden shelves with bowls, plates, glasses, cutting boards, and a vase. Building a great wedding registry includes finding a balance of everyday items and heirloom pieces to be treasured.

Everyone’s gift-giving budget varies. Having a selection of gifts that cover a range of prices allows your guests to gift you something at a price with which they feel comfortable.

The average cost of a wedding gift ranges from $50 to $100, but make sure you have some outliers on your registry, too, for anyone who may be hoping to spend less or splurge a little more.

There are also ways to allow multiple guests to chip in on a big-ticket item. (Hellooooo pizza oven!)

Register for More Gifts than You Have Guests

You want to make sure you have a variety of options from which your guests can choose.

A good rule of thumb is to double the number of guests you’re inviting, provide that many gift options, and then sprinkle in a few extras gift ideas for good measure. This should allow your guests to find something they’re comfortable with as far as price, as well as something they’ll enjoy gifting you.

Consider Items for the Future

The latest trendy kitchen gadget is a great thing to add to your registry, but you also want your wedding registry to include items that are made to last.

Quality serving pieces, furniture, and decor could easily last decades, or even become heirlooms that get passed onto your children one day. Your wedding is a wonderful opportunity to collect these memorable items you’ll love for years to come.

Keep your Wedding Registry Updated

A couple sits on a white couch looking at a computer screen together. Making a wedding registry is a team effort, so be sure to work with your partner to create a registry you both love.

Registry items go in and out of stock all the time. This is particularly true if you’ve started putting together your registry well before your wedding date. Be sure you’re checking frequently to see what may no longer be available on your registry and replace it with something else.

If you’re having a bridal shower, there will likely be a surge of gifts purchased for that event. Be sure to check on your registry afterwards to add more items and refresh your list.

The best part about a wedding registry? You can continuously update it whenever you find something else to add. The options are endless.

Browse Other Registries

There is no shame in snooping on other couples’ registries!. You may be inspired by what you see or surprised to discover a few things you prefer to keep off your personal registry.

You can also learn a lot by asking your married friends what they loved having on their wedding registry and what they wish they’d registered for in hindsight.

Have it Ready at Least Three to Six Months Before the Wedding

If you’re planning on having celebratory events prior to your wedding date (an engagement party, bridal shower, etc.), you’ll want to have your wedding registry completed before the first party invites are delivered.

Some of your guests will get their invite and immediately head to your registry before it slips their mind, and others may decide to send a gift once the event has come and gone.

Regardless, you want to have a full registry ready to go to help guide your guests should they want to purchase a gift.

Find a Blend of Practical and Fun

Two round wooden cutting boards hang against a white tile wall with other accessories. When building a wedding registry, keep it updated so guests don't run out of options.

There are going to be guests that love giving practical gifts they know you’ll use, and there are others who would rather treat you to something you may not otherwise buy for yourself.

Having items like dishes and a knife set on your registry will satisfy those looking for practicality, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Sometimes it’s more fun to gift a piece of artwork you’ve picked out for the perfect spot in your house, or a backyard fire pit around which you’ll make countless memories together.

Your wedding registry should be a blend of what you need and what you want. Let your guests decide what they’d prefer to buy for you.

Gift Cards are a Great Option

In addition to specific items, it’s a good idea to put gift cards to your favorite stores on your registry, too. Some of your guests may decide to leave it up to you how you spend their gift.

Plus, gift cards come in handy once the wedding has come and gone and you can figure out what you still need in your home.

While places like Amazon and Target are always safe bets, home improvement stores like Home Depot, airlines, hotels, and even meal prep subscription service gift cards are fun options as well.

Honeymoon Funds are Fine, Too

A couple dressed in white walk along a beach with clear blue water. A wedding registry can also include experiences and a honeymoon fund.

A more recent trend in wedding registries is the Honeymoon Fund. This allows your guests to contribute to the cost of your dream honeymoon, wherever it may be.

You can also use registry services like Hitchd or The Knot to add experiences to your registry, whether they’re honeymoon-related or not.

Your guests may feel more comfortable giving a cash gift knowing it will be put toward treating you to dinner at your favorite restaurant, a romantic couple’s massage on the beach, or even a Safari Tour while you’re honeymooning in the savannas of Africa.

Some guests may love the idea of gifting you memories and experiences rather than a tactile object.

Even if your preference is for guests to donate to your Honeymoon Fund, it’s still a good idea to include a few actual items on your wedding registry for the more traditional gift-givers.

Plan for Late Shoppers

Just because the wedding has come and gone doesn’t mean the party’s over! Traditionally, guests have up to a year to send a gift to newlyweds, and you may be surprised how many gifts trickle in after you’ve already said, “I do.”

Keep your wedding registry up to date so late gift-givers still have a variety of options when they’re ready.

Make it Easy to Find…but Not on Your Invitations

Wedding etiquette says that including your registry link on your wedding invitation is a tacky move. Your guests should feel invited because you want them there, not because you’re hoping they’ll bring a good gift.

Instead, consider including a link to your wedding website on your invitation, where guests will be able to find info about the wedding party, celebration timelines, travel information, and, yes, your registry.

Write Thank-You Notes

This one is non-negotiable. If you receive a gift, you should write a thank you note, ideally within three months of receiving it.

Remember, wedding gifts should never be expected and should always be appreciated.

A couple kiss outdoors after walking down the aisle, surrounded by people throwing flower petals.

Turn to Rosen Weddings for More Wedding Tips

When it comes to wedding planning, having the right people by your side can make all the difference. At Rosen Weddings, our team can help guide you as you plan your dream wedding in one of our beautiful luxury venues.

We hope you’ll bookmark our website for more wedding planning tips.

10 Helpful Tips for Planning an Orlando Destination Wedding

September 16, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A woman in a light blue sari sits on the side of an outdoor fountain with a groom standing behind her. Rosen Shingle Creek is the perfect elegant venue for an Orlando destination wedding,

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.

A man in a suit holds a woman in a long, white dress close with a background of tropical plants and trees. Rosen Plaza has plenty of nature-rich photo locations for your Orlando destination wedding.

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.

A woman in a lacy white gown holds a bouquet of pink and white roses while standing in a courtyard surrounded by palm trees. Your Orlando destination wedding could be full of lush palm trees and tropical foliage.

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.

A woman in a long white gown holds her dress as she is spun by a man in a gray suit in a courtyard surrounded by roses and palm trees. An Orlando destination wedding puts you and your guests at the heart of the world's premier entertainment destination.

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.

5 Unique Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas

September 13, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A closeup of bouquet with orange, pink, and yellow flowers held by two bridesmaids in blush pink dresses and a bride. Ask your besties to stand by your side with a unique bridesmaid proposal.

Congratulations – you’re engaged!

Now it’s time to assemble your “I Do Crew.”

While you may have gotten the first proposal, it’s time to pop the question to your closest friends and family: “Will you be my bridesmaid?”

These days, the trend of elaborate bridesmaid proposals has emphasized the importance of this question more than ever.

It’s not uncommon to propose to your bridal party members-to-be with personalized pajamas, monogrammed wine glasses, and other trendy gifts.

But while these things look beautiful when presented, they’re often not the most practical and can end up unused in the back of a closet or cupboard.

Instead, consider proposing with something a little more personal (and often more cost-effective). Your bridal party members-to-be will appreciate the thought and not having to find space for a new mug that says “bridesmaid.”

Here are 5 unique bridesmaid proposal ideas that we love.

Note: The word “bridesmaid” tends to be associated with female-identifying individuals, but these days, your bridal party can be made up of whomever you choose to stand by your side as you say, “I do.”

For the purposes of this blog, the term “bridesmaid” is used frequently, but refers to anyone, female, male, or non-binary, that you choose to be a part of your bridal party.

5 Unique Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas

A Gorgeous Bouquet of Flowers

A bouquet of peach, pink, and white flowers with greenery in a pale pink box. Sending a beautiful floral arrangement is a great bridesmaid proposal idea.

Nothing brightens your day quite like getting a stunning bouquet of flowers. Sending your besties an arrangement makes a big, beautiful impact that will undeniably bring a smile to their face.

This is a great option if you have bridesmaids all over the country, though you can always hand-deliver the flowers yourself to anyone who lives nearby. Do a little research and find some fabulous local florists that can create and deliver a spectacular floral display.

Accompany the arrangement with a heartfelt card that pops the question. You can guarantee that even if you can’t ask them to be in your bridal party in person, it will still be a bridesmaid proposal they’ll never forget.

Sugar Cookies

Two sugar cookies decorated to look like lovebirds wrapped in cellophane with a pink ribbon. A beautifully decorated cookie is a great idea for a bridesmaid proposal.

Beautifully decorated sugar cookies are a trend that look as amazing as they taste. A customized cookie decorated to say, “Would you be my bridesmaid?” is a lovely way to ask someone to be a part of your big day.

Plus, a delicious cookie will never sit around and create clutter. Let’s face it, it’s going to be swiftly eaten. It’s arguably one of the more delicious bridesmaid proposal options.

Many cities have bakeries and independent artists dedicated to the fine art of cookie decorating. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of Etsy shops that will customize and decorate a cookie (or set of cookies) to suit your vision.

These beautiful cookies also ship well, so it’s easy to get them to your bridal-party-to-be, wherever they live.

Quality Time

Two women on a picnic blanket sitting on a green lawn overlooking a body of water at sunset. Simply spending quality time together is a great option for a bridesmaid proposal.

It’s getting harder to find the time to connect with our friends and loved ones due to crazy busy schedules. One of the best ways to ask your bestie to be in your bridal party is to ask them in person while spending quality time with them.

Maybe you treat them to a mani/pedi or buy them a drink at happy hour after work one day. Or meet for a walk around the park for some quality catch-up time. You’ll both love the good company, and you can have the honor of asking them to be a part of your big day in person.

Contribute to Their Wedding Costs

Being a bridesmaid isn’t cheap. Between the bachelorette party, the dress, the hair and makeup, and potential travel expenses, there’s a lot of money that goes into being in a bridal party.

One of the ways you can acknowledge the weight of the question you’re asking is by contributing to their wedding expenses as part of your bridesmaid proposal.

Instead of spending money on things that will end up gathering dust in a cupboard, use it on a gift card to the boutique where you plan to choose their bridal party outfits. It may not cover the entire ensemble, but every little bit helps.

Offer to pay for their hair or makeup on the big day. Contribute to a hotel room if you’re planning a destination wedding.

Again, it doesn’t have to be a major financial gift, but something to show that you understand and appreciate the money you’re essentially asking them to spend can be meaningful.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

A pile of polaroid photos on top of a map. A unique bridesmaid proposal idea is sharing photos and memories that emphasize the importance of your relationship.

Your bridal party is an array of people who have known and loved you through many different walks of life. There’s no better way to show them how much they mean to you than by putting together a collection of personal memories you share with that person.

A small album of photos, a memory box of trinkets, or even a handwritten letter can mean the most when it comes to family and friends.

You can even try to recreate one of your favorite memories or an element of a memory that is special to you.

For example, if your favorite memory with your bestie is of the two of you sipping Aperol Spritzes while backpacking through Europe, make an Aperol Spritz at home and toast to that special moment that means the most to you.

Or, if you and your sister used to spend hours drawing in the driveway with sidewalk chalk as kids, meet her somewhere outside with a bucket of chalk and take a moment to revisit your childhood.

Writing “Will you be my bridesmaid” on the pavement in chalk could be the perfect way to pop the question.

When it comes to incorporating memories into your bridesmaid proposal, the possibilities are endless.

Keep in Mind

Make it Personal

Presumably, the people you’re asking to be in your bridal party are some of the people you know best in the world. While a beautifully prepared box of goodies may look picture-perfect, it can sometimes risk feeling impersonal depending on the person to whom you’re gifting it.

For example, the idea of a personalized wine tumbler and a mini bottle of prosecco could be a great fit for one friend but seem thoughtless to someone who you know doesn’t drink alcohol.

Even the most beautifully decorated cookies could be considered in poor taste when gifted to someone who can’t eat gluten.

If you’re planning on putting together a bridesmaid proposal with a gift, make sure your favorite people feel special by giving them something that shows you know and appreciate them as individuals.

You Don’t Have to Go Big

The question “Will you be my bridesmaid?” is a big deal in and of itself; how you ask the question doesn’t have to be. Don’t feel pressured to go above and beyond with a big gift or a flashy surprise for your bridesmaid proposal.

These are the people who know you best. Hopefully, they’re honored just to be asked, with or without a gift.

They’re Allowed to Say “No”

Something else to keep in mind: over-the-top bridesmaid proposals can put a lot of pressure on someone to say “yes.”

Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility that requires hefty time and financial commitments.

If someone isn’t in the right place to commit to being in your bridal party, it can be really hard to say so, and even more uncomfortable having just opened an elaborate, personalized gift.

Understanding that “no” is an acceptable option leaves room for those who aren’t completely committed to accepting your proposal. If someone says no, let them know it’s ok. They should still be invited to your wedding.

You Do You!

That being said, it’s your wedding! If you’ve been dreaming about the moment of asking your besties to be your bridesmaids with customized pajamas and wine glasses, go for it! The bridesmaid proposal sentiment is still thoughtful and will be appreciated.

Let Rosen Weddings Be Your Next Proposal

A bride in a white gown and four bridesmaids in light pink gowns hold bouquets and stand beneath a wooden archway covered in vines.

Now it’s our turn to propose.

Will you be a Rosen Weddings couple?

We would be honored to have you visit one of our four elegant wedding venues to see which one best suits your vision for your dream wedding.

We’ll impress you with decadent catering packages, generous room discounts for your guests, and amazing amenities to make your wedding day unique to you.