blog | Rosen Weddings

The Do’s and Don’ts of Save-the-Date Etiquette

January 23, 2025 by ntrujillo

You’re engaged! The bubbly has popped, the rings are on, and the excitement is buzzing.

Now that you’re officially embarking on your journey to “I do,” it’s time to shift gears from celebrating the engagement to diving into the wonderful world of wedding planning.

One of the first things you’ll do as part of your planning process is let loved ones know about your big day.

But the big question here is, how?

Are save-the-dates still the best practice for letting people know about your wedding? When’s the best time to send them? Digital or paper? Or is it best to do both?

The good news is we’ve got you covered here at Rosen Weddings, where our expertise on all things from planning to partying extends deep down into every nitty gritty detail of the wedding planning process.

Breath out a sigh of relief – and excitement – as you tick this next task off your list using our do’s and don’ts of save-the-date etiquette guide.

A beautiful flat lay featuring a bouquet of yellow flowers, white shoes, a wedding ring in a pink box, and a save-the-date postcard.

DO send save-the-dates

You may already be dishing out all your wedding details to close family and friends, it’s important to give all your guests advance notice of your nuptials. Even if you’ve mentioned your wedding date in person, it’s likely you’ll be getting a, “what’s the date again?” message more than once if they don’t have it written down somewhere.

Save yourself from answering the same question repeatedly by sending out a save-the-date.

DON’T worry about your design too much

If you’re not someone who’s been dreaming up every detail of your wedding day since you were young, then perhaps you don’t have your wedding color scheme or theme finalized yet. That’s okay!

Your save-the-dates don’t have to match your invitations perfectly. If you have a rough idea of the colors or design elements you’d like for your wedding then you can pull one detail or one color from your palette to use for your save-the-date. For example, using sunflowers you know you’ll incorporate into your wedding even if you dont’ have a final color scheme yet.

If you truly have no clue what your design or aesthetic will end up being, keep it very minimal – white background, black text, standard fonts.

The truth is no one is going to fixate – or likely remember – your save-the-date design. What matters is they’re notified of your date so they can make plans accordingly.

Focus on getting your guests the relevant information in a tasteful, timely way versus having the most extravagant or perfectly themed s.

DO send them early

While there are varying opinions on when to send your save-the-date, the sweet spot seems to be anywhere between six to eight months in advance.

If you’re hosting a multi-day affair, a destination wedding, or having your big day around a popular holiday, your timeline should increase to eight to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests adequate time to request the time off work and make travel arrangements.

Sending them more than a year in advance runs the risk that people will forget they ever received one. ending them close to the big day risks people being unable to attend.

DON’T go with the flow for your guest list

Even though a save-the-date isn’t a formal invitation, it is confirmation that you will be inviting that person to your wedding.

Make sure you’re sending these announcements exclusively to your guest list, which you’ve taken the time to intentionally select, and avoid any awkward “you’re uninvited” conversations in the future.

Create an A-list to begin with of people who you 100% know for certain you want to be there on your special day and go from there. This is also a sticking within your budget in the long-run. It’s okay to have a secondary list for additional guests you’d like to invite, but aren’t a 100% must to start with.

Want additional help with your guest list? Check out these tips for writing your ideal guest list.

DO know you can expand your guest list over time

Maybe you sent your save-the-dates ten months in advance to give potential attendees ample time to plan accordingly, and then suddenly you meet or bond with new friends over the next couple of months who you’d love to include in your wedding day.

Remember, your save-the-dates list is not your be-all-end-all guest list.

Yes, you DO want to be 100% intentional with who you send a save-the-date to, but the beauty of that is you can still add people to your official invite list AFTER sending your first round of announcements.

Keep in mind there may be pricing changes if you requested quotes on an original number and have now added guests.

Avoid inviting people after the final cut-off date for catering and other purposes, as you may not be able to guarantee those guests a seat or meal.

The remaining domino effect can still be quite substantial, though, if you’re adding guests after the fact – table assignments will need to change, party favors will need to be added, and so on.

While you can add to your guest list later in the planning process, proceed with caution!

DON’T overcomplicate the details

A save-the-date can be a simple way to let your guests know when your big day will be and where, even though you don’t have to specify your wedding venue or times yet.

Month, day, year, and general city or state will suffice for this first round of announcements.

A great idea would be to create a wedding website for your nuptials and include the URL on your save-the-date so potential guests and attendees can get real time updates.

Even though you’ll be sending an official invitation in the future, you can give guests the chance to RSVP early via your wedding website if you choose to include it on your save-the-date.

Extra details, like plus ones, special requests, dietary requirements, and more can be reserved for your invitations.

And on that note…

Many save-the-date envelopes next to each other with gold wax seals and names written on them in an elegant font.

DO consider digital options

In the digital age we live in, it’s absolutely acceptable to send a save-the-date via email as a cost-efficient, sustainable, and convenient option.

Keep in mind that email isn’t perfect though, as it’s possible your message will get filtered into some invitees’ spam folders or that they may not have access to the account you sent the E-vite to.

A great way to ensure everyone on your guest list gets your announcement is by requesting a response to your save-the-date, having a follow-up plan in place, or by sending both a digital and print option.

DON’T send more than one per household

You can bundle spouses or members who live under the same roof into one save-the-date as long as it’s addressed appropriately.

“The Connor family,” “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,” or “Dorris and Delilah Smith” with a corresponding address will suffice.

DO mention a formal invitation will follow

Although you may consider it common knowledge, some people may still need the reminder that an invitation will follow with extra details and formalities.

This simple mention will save you from having to answer questions about your wedding details to guests who may have assumed your save-the-date announcement was all the information they were going to receive.

DON’T stress about your save-the-dates

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the details when it comes to your wedding, but rest assured, save-the-dates are simple.

Take a sigh of relief and let this guide help you streamline your process. Above all, go with your gut and what you and your partner feel is best for your special day.

A bride dressed in a white gown and groom dressed in a grey suit kissing outdoors at Rosen Plaza, a beautiful wedding venue to host your big day.

Let Rosen Weddings Make Your Special Day Unique

Whether you choose paper or digital, colorful or minimal, or whether you include an RSVP option, sending your save-the-dates is one exciting step closer to the most magical day.

At Rosen Weddings, we are ready to help your wedding dreams come true. We’ll help streamline the process and tailor our Orlando wedding packages to fit your unique taste and vision.

If you’re ready to take the next steps in having the wedding of your dreams, our Rosen Weddings team is ready to help you.

Top Tips for Renewing Your Wedding Vows

by ntrujillo

By Noelia Trujillo

What’s better than proclaiming your love for your spouse once?

Doing it twice!

There’s something magical about celebrating your love and union all over again.

Whether it’s five years or fifty years after your wedding, a vow renewal ceremony is like hitting “refresh” on your love story; it’s both a great reminder of what you’ve been through as a couple and a proclamation of partnership for whatever adventures lie ahead.

Going from fiancés to spouses or planning an event to honor your commitment to each other all over again? At Rosen Weddings, we love helping you celebrate your love.

To help you take the guesswork out of planning such a special occasion, we’ve put together a guide to renewing your wedding vows.

A close-up image of a bride and groom where the groom is putting the ring on the bride. The bride is wearing a formfitting white dress holding a bouquet of tulle and pearls. The groom is wearing a grey blazer and appears to be wearing a kilt.

Why do people renew their vows?

Couples choose to renew their vows for a variety of reasons. Many choose to celebrate major milestones in their marriage, like 10th, 25th, or 50th anniversaries.

Others choose to renew their vows to honor overcoming a challenging time in their relationship. Reasons could include conquering an illness, or to welcome a new chapter ahead, like coming home for the last time from military deployment.

Some couples choose to renew their vows so they can include their kids in their special day. Maybe they want to throw a big, reception-style ceremony in honor of not having a big wedding the first time around.

There is no rulebook to follow when it comes to renewing your wedding vows. As long as it’s something you and your partner desire, there’s no reason not to.

When do you renew your vows?

Again, no rules means you can choose any time, date, and year to renew your wedding vows.

For couples who choose to do so on their milestone anniversaries, having a vow renewal ceremony or celebration on your actual wedding anniversary date makes the most sense.

For couples who are wanting to celebrate a new milestone or to honor their relationship before saying goodbye – if one spouse is terminally ill, for example – then the date may be selected based on circumstances more than intentional timing.

You can also choose how frequently you want to renew your vows.

Want to celebrate with new vows every year between you and your partner? Great; it’s an anniversary tradition.

Prefer to wait for the numerical milestones? Awesome, that’s perfect, too.

Your celebration, your choice for renewing your wedding vows.

Two white cards with gold ink, one reading "Her Vows" and the other "His Vows" in calligraphy, resting on a piece of white tulle fabric against a wooden surface.

Tips on how to renew your vows:

Choose a Meaningful Location

The setting for your vow renewal should reflect your story. It could be at the same location as your original wedding or somewhere completely new.

Maybe you and your spouse live in your dream home where you’ve raised a beautiful family. If so, the comfort of your own cozy backyard could be the perfect venue for your vow renewal ceremony.

Always dreamed of a whimsical family vacation to the most magical place on Earth? Why not pick a venue in Orlando for renewing your wedding vows before taking the ultimate family vacation to Walt Disney World?

At Rosen Hotels, our venues are perfect for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations alike, offering stunning backdrops that feel both personal and elegant. They’re also close to all the best things to do in Orlando.

Choose a location that’s meaningful for you both.

Reimagine Your Ceremony Style

The best part about renewing your vows is that there aren’t as many traditions or norms behind this type of celebration as there are for weddings.

Fancy a casual, intimate beachside gathering? Prefer to jump on a dinner cruise and use your time on the water to utter wholesome new vows to each other? Or perhaps you’d love to invite friends and family over for a get-together where you can surprise them with your vow renewal ceremony.

The style in which you plan and execute your second “big day” is completely up to you, whether you want to keep it intimate or extravagant, classic or adventurous, expertly planned or go-with-the flow.

And yes – you can absolutely have a vow renewal ceremony that’s just between you and your spouse.

There are no hard and fast rules, which means let your imagination run wild and choose whatever feels best for you both.

Two open ring boxes, one to the left with a gold diamond ring and the other one to the right with a plain band made of a dark metal, resting on top of a typed letter with wedding vows. Writing new vows is a special tip for renewing your wedding vows.

Write New Vows

When you “renew” your Netflix subscription or driver’s license, you usually get the same features or document you did the first time around.

Vow renewals are different.

While you are “renewing” your vows, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to saying the same words you did the first time around.

The idea is that you’re celebrating or honoring the journey you’ve taken since making those initial vows, which were promises for the future you’d have as a couple.

When renewing your wedding vows, you can focus on details of your story and how you’ve made those initial vows come to life. You can share favorite memories from your journey or powerful stories about what you’ve overcome together.

Then, you can once again look and make promises for the future, now with a deep appreciation for the people you’ve both grown to be side by side in marriage.

Involve Your Loved Ones

If you had a big wedding or quite a few years have passed since your big day, chances are there are people on your original guest list who are no longer as close to you as they once were or are no longer around.

It’s perfectly fine if most people who celebrated your initial union are not a part of your special ceremony the second time around.

Vow renewals are known to be more intimate, family-focused celebrations though again, it’s completely up to you and your spouse how you choose to mark the occasion.

This could be the perfect opportunity to involve more family or loved ones to be an active and integral part of your day as opposed to simply spectating.

Do you have children who have seen your marriage grow over the years and can share sweet or funny stories about you two? Relatives who can attest to your love for each other or share a meaningful toast in honor of your vow renewal?

While your marriage is bonded by the love between you and your partner, it’s also bonded by the love that surrounds you, too.

Inviting loved ones to participate in renewing your wedding vows could make the occasion much more personal and memorable for all involved.

A colored tiered wedding cake made of stacks of small cakes, decorated with flowers and greenery.

Have Fun with the Details and Throwbacks

While your vow renewal ceremony can differ entirely in style to your wedding day, it could still be fun to sprinkle in throwbacks from your big day.

Hang or share pictures from your wedding day for guests to enjoy or for you and your spouse to take a trip down memory lane together.

Include your wedding colors, flowers, or flavors from your wedding cake, but in a modern twist that reflects you two as a couple in the present day.

Maybe instead of recreating your minimalist, three-tiered wedding cake you can serve miniature three-tier wedding cake cupcakes that look just like your cake did on your big day.

Or perhaps you can both choose to wear your original wedding attire, making alterations that reflect a completely new look or style for renewing your wedding vows.

You could add new rings that match your existing wedding bands, or you can have a tattoo artist ink your favorite line from your partner’s newest vows onto you and vice versa.

Small nods to the past paired with fresh updates create the perfect blend of nostalgia and newness to make it a meaningful and unforgettable occasion.

Don’t Forget to Capture the Moment

Whether you’ve chosen to make this a grand occasion or an intimate adventure with just you and your partner, you deserve to document it to reflect on this day for years to come.

You can hire a photographer or videographer to capture the laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments from your vow renewal ceremony, or involve your guests by providing digital cameras for them to capture moments throughout your celebration.

Even if you choose a fun adventure for renewing your wedding vows that’s just between you and your spouse, like going overseas to visit an iconic setting from your favorite romantic comedy or to a chapel in Las Vegas for a fun, laid-back atmosphere, you can still hire a private videographer or photographer to capture the occasion.

Whether you opt for a full production or a few cherished snapshots, the most important thing is to capture the unique spirit of your vow renewal so you can reminisce on this special milestone for years to come.

A silhouette of a couple standing face to face on their wedding day in front of windows that show beautiful greenery and views of Rosen Shingle Creek.

Celebrate Your Love Story Again and Again with Rosen Weddings

Your vow renewal is a celebration of your love story—past, present, and future. Whether you choose to keep it simple or go all out, remember that this day is about honoring the journey you’ve taken together and the bond you’ve built over the years.

If you’re considering a vow renewal ceremony at a beautiful and versatile hotel venue in Orlando, our expert team is here to make your vision a reality. From intimate ceremonies to lavish receptions, we’ll help create a day that’s as special as your love story.

Ready to plan your vow renewal? Contact us today to begin designing the celebration of a lifetime.

Thoughtful Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones at your Wedding

January 10, 2025 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

Weddings are a time of immense joy. Surrounded by friends, family, and tradition, they are opportunities to celebrate happiness, love, and connection.

For couples who have lost loved ones, however, the day can feel a little extra emotional.

A close-up of a woman’s hand with black nail polish, an engagement ring, and a wedding band holding a flowing, lightweight white skirt.

Celebrating a special, momentous occasion without a loved one is inarguably hard. Finding a way to honor them throughout the celebration can help you feel their presence is near.

At Rosen Weddings, we understand the importance of including friends and family who have passed in your wedding day. We’ve put together a list of thoughtful ways to honor lost loved ones at your wedding to help you feel at peace on your special day.

Remember, tributes to lost loved ones don’t have to be big public displays.

Dealing with grief is highly personal and individual. If you’d rather not publicly acknowledge a loss at your wedding, then don’t. You’ll find your loved one in quiet moments throughout the day that you don’t need to share with anyone.

As with all wedding decisions, it’s your special day. Only do things that feel right for you and your partner.

Thoughtful Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones at your Wedding

Write a Note in your Program

If you’re planning on passing out programs prior to your wedding ceremony, you can include a sweet note acknowledging your loved one.

A printed passage allows guests a more private moment to consider the memory of someone who has passed, which may be appreciated by those in attendance who are also feeling the weight of loss on your special day.

If you aren’t comfortable writing a short tribute, a meaningful quote is more than enough to honor their memory.

Incorporate a Photo into your Attire

A close-up on green stems of a bouquet wrapped in brown twine with a gold and silver floral locket tied around it.

To help you feel like your loved one is close on your wedding day, incorporate a photo of them into your attire.

For brides, this could be as easy as wearing a locket necklace or tucking one into your bouquet so you can carry your loved one’s image down the aisle with you.

Grooms can use a photo in a boutonniere, or have a photo stitched into the back of their tie to keep a loved one’s familiar smile close.

Reserve a Seat in the Front Row

Leaving a seat for a loved one who has passed is a powerful visual representation of both their presence and their absence.

Hang a favorite jacket or sweater over the chair or leave a framed photo on the seat so you can see their face throughout your ceremony.

You can also ask your florist to design a piece to place on the chair that brings color, vibrancy, and beauty to your thoughtful tribute. Utilize your loved one’s favorite flower or colors for an arrangement that makes you think of them fondly.

Light a Candle to Represent Their Presence

A lit pillar candle glowing orange against a black backdrop.

A burning candle is a beautiful way to honor a loved one throughout a day of celebration.

Whether you take a private moment to light it with your partner at the beginning of the day or incorporate lighting it into your ceremony, a candle is a simple and elegant tribute to a loved one.

Additionally, if your wedding ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, you can always have the candle brought to your celebration as a continued reminder of their presence.

Display Photos on a Memory Table

If a picture is worth a thousand words, light up the room with stories.

Designate a table as a memory table and proudly display photos of your loved ones. They can either be more formal portraits, or photos from your favorite memories with them throughout the years.

Some digital picture frames also support videos, making it easy to share even more special memories in an entirely new way that you and your guests will love admiring.

Name a Signature Drink for Them

A man in a suit and a woman in a white dress wearing a diamond ring and wedding band toast cocktail glasses garnished with dried citrus slices.

Did your loved one have a favorite cocktail or spirit that reminds you of them?

Serve it as a specialty bar menu on your wedding day.

Write up a little explanation about why you chose that special drink in their honor. Place it on the bar so guests can appreciate it even more as they toast to both your happiness and your loved one’s memory.

Donate to a Charity

Many couples are choosing to donate to charity on behalf of their guests in lieu of wedding favors.

If you are in a position to make a charitable donation, choose an organization that was significant to your loved one. Consider causes they were passionate about, personal interests, and issues that affected them directly throughout their life.

Wear an Item that Belonged to Them

A flat lay photo featuring various pairs of antique earrings, a vintage comb, an old photograph, and several soft pink flowers. To honor lost loved ones at your wedding, wear a piece of their jewelry.

Including a family heirloom in your wedding day is a time-honored tradition. You can wear an item that belonged to your lost loved one and treat it with the same reverence and honor as a multi-generation keepsake.

It may be jewelry, a tie, pocket square, hair pin, or literally anything else of significance – as long as it means something to you.

This can be a nice, subtle way to honor a loved one without calling too much attention to your tribute.

Custom Embroidery Patch

Keep your loved one’s words close to you throughout your wedding day with a custom embroidery patch of their handwriting.

Crafters on sites like Etsy can transform almost any handwriting into a special embroidered piece that can easily be stitched into the train of a wedding dress or the inside of a suit jacket.

This unique tribute is personal, meaningful, and private, making it a great option for brides and grooms in search of a more intimate way to honor a lost loved one.

Honor Your Loved Ones with Rosen Weddings

You deserve your wedding to be filled with joy and happiness.

Let us help you find the perfect way to honor your loved ones who can’t physically be a part of your special day.

Contact one of our wedding specialists to talk about how Rosen Weddings can bring your perfect wedding day to life.

A woman in a long, white dress and a man in a black tuxedo stand in front of a pathway lined with raised landscaping and leading to multi-story glass windows.

The Ultimate Orlando Honeymoon Itinerary

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

Congratulations – you’re married!

Now it’s time for a well-deserved honeymoon where you and your spouse can relax, unwind, and have fun.

Orlando is a unique destination for a post-wedding couples’ retreat. Our sensational weather, unmatched entertainment, and vibrant culture make The City Beautiful the place to be for all things romance.

If you’re considering honeymooning in Orlando, let us help. We’ve taken some of the work out of travel planning by putting together the Ultimate Orlando Honeymoon Itinerary.

Here’s how we think you and your honey should spend your time together during your stay.

Romantic Experiences for your Orlando Honeymoon

Romance is everywhere in The City Beautiful. Here are a few suggestions of romantic experiences to try on your Orlando honeymoon.

Rent a Swan Boat

The back of a white Swan Boat looking out over Lake Eola with the city skyline and the rainbow-painted Walt Disney Amphitheater in the distance.

In the heart of downtown Orlando is Lake Eola, a serene lake encircled by a .9-mile walking path adorned with beautiful sculptures, park areas, and artwork.

Lake Eola Park is also home to some of Orlando’s most iconic residents: swans.

While you’re admiring the five different species of swans gliding elegantly across the lake, you and your partner can rent a swan boat and paddle on the water to join them.

Take in the sights of Orlando’s beautiful skyline and the signature Lake Eola Fountain from the water before paddling back to shore for your next adventure.

Take a Sunset Ride on The Orlando Eye

In the foreground, a large observation wheel glows bright purple while looking out at a lit up stretch of Orlando below at dusk. The Orlando Eye is a romantic thing to do on your Orlando honeymoon.

An iconic landmark of the Orlando International Drive skyline is The Orlando Eye, a towering observation wheel with city sights from 400 feet above the ground.

Each capsule has enough room to walk around and take in dazzling 360-degree views. They’re also air-conditioned and stability-controlled for your comfort.

You and your partner can cozy up together on your Orlando honeymoon throughout the 20-minute ride, basking in the glow of the setting sun and the start of the next chapter in your love story.

While a ride on The Orlando Eye is beautiful at any time of day, if you time your visit just right, you may even catch nightly fireworks from the theme parks bursting in the distance.

Kayak through Wekiva Springs

A river surrounded by lush palm trees and greenery with a dock of chairs and small buildings on one side.

If you’re a couple who loves spending time together outdoors, Wekiva Springs is a must.

Explore Florida’s wild ecosystem from a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Keep your eyes open for incredible birds, slow-moving manatees, and of course, the iconic Florida alligator.

After your leisurely paddle down the river, stop by Wekiva Island for refreshments with some of the most peaceful views in Central Florida.

Grab beer and wine from the indoor/outdoor beer and wine bar, The Tooting Otter. Enjoy a bite to eat from the Without a Paddle Café food truck, and then grab a seat on a wooden Adirondack chair along The Boardwalk to watch the sun set over the river.

Restrooms, fire pits, and the charming General Store are also onsite for a cozy and convenient day outdoors with your special someone on your Orlando honeymoon.

Treat Yourselves to a Trip to the Spa

A man and a woman in white robes lie on their backs while hands massage their heads.

Throwing an epic wedding is a lot of work.

Treat yourselves to a well-deserved spa day at The Spa at Rosen Centre so you can relax and recover together.

The Escape Together massage package allows you to customize your spa experience for a relaxing getaway, curating the perfect day rejuvenating with your new spouse.

All spa services at The Spa at Rosen Centre include access to the steam room, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness center so you can make the most of your indulgent day for a truly satisfying experience.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner for Two

A dimly lit restaurant with leather chairs and white linen tablecloths. The walls are decorated in amber glowing lights and dozens of framed caricatures.

A quiet dinner for two is the perfect way to spend quality time together on your Orlando honeymoon.

Enjoy delicious fine dining at Jack’s Place, voted the Best Steakhouse on International Drive by Orlando Magazine.

Romantic amber lighting sets the tone for an intimate evening with your sweetheart. Enjoy a glass of wine from the curated wine list or a creative craft cocktail to delight your taste buds.

The décor in Jack’s Place is a fun conversation starter, too. The walls are covered in caricatures of celebrities and world leaders, all drawn by Rosen Hotels & Resorts founder Harris Rosen’s father, Jack.

On Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can find a live caricature artist at Jack’s Place. Have your complimentary caricature drawn for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon souvenir you’ll treasure for years to come.

Looking for other dinner spots to round out your itinerary? Check out our Top 5 Romantic Restaurants in Orlando.

Spend a Day at the Theme Parks

Orlando’s theme parks are a huge draw for couples from around the world.

Here are our favorites to consider for a romantic Orlando honeymoon.

Discovery Cove

A man and a woman stand in waist-deep water smiling and interacting with a gray dolphin.

Discovery Cove is a piece of paradise right in the middle of Central Florida.

This all-inclusive day resort offers both serenity and excitement so you can make the most of your experience.

Owned by SeaWorld, Discovery Cove offers guests a variety of exciting animal encounters that may already be on your bucket list.

One of their most popular experiences is their signature Dolphin Swim, where you can get in the water alongside a playful bottlenose dolphin. Learn about their behaviors, communication, and habits from an expert animal care specialist before taking to the water for a once-in-a-lifetime swim.

Snorkel with rays and thousands of tropical fish in a 1-million-gallon reef habitat. You can also hand-feed hundreds of exotic birds in Explorer’s Aviary and enjoy surprise animal encounters throughout the park.

When you’re ready to unwind with your partner, enjoy pristine white sand beaches at Serenity Bay, float along the soothing currents of the Wind-Away River, and sip cocktails at the Freshwater Oasis alongside playful otters and marmosets.

Breakfast, lunch, all-you-care-to-eat snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine) are all covered in your ticket. Upgrades like premium drink packages, private cabanas, and other animal experiences can also be purchased.

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

A man and a woman sit on a bench feeding each other popcorn with a carousel and Cinderella Castle in the background.

For many couples, a kiss on Main Street USA in front of Cinderella Castle is the epitome of fairy-tale romance.

Lean into your prince/princess alter ego with a day at Magic Kingdom for plenty of romantic moments.

Enjoy a whimsical ride on Prince Charming’s Golden Carousel for some of the best views in the park of Fantasyland.

Make a wish for a long and happy future together at Cinderella’s Wishing Well.

Hold each other close during the breathtaking Happily Ever After fireworks show in front of Cinderella Castle at night.

Be sure to pick up your complimentary “Happily Ever After” pin at any Guest Relations office or ticket booth so you can share your cause for celebration.

Epic Universe

A Conceptual rendering aerial view of Celestial Park at Epic Universe, with glowing buildings surrounding a large water central pond.

There’s something for everyone at Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe, set to open on May 22, 2025.

This incredible theme park is sure to have its fair share of romantic locations and experiences.

Celestial Park is the entry point to the other four unique worlds at Epic. This serene area is full of gardens, water features, and architecture inspired by the night sky. It’s the perfect spot for walking with your new spouse hand-in-hand and taking in the sights.

As you enter the portal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, you’ll be transported to 1930’s Paris. Shops, cafes, and other Parisian-inspired destinations create an atmosphere of romance – with a little extra magic, of course.

Experience breathtaking views of dragons soaring overhead in the Viking village of Berk, inspired by the DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Brave classic Universal monsters together in the spooky Dark Universe.

Enjoy playful competition in the brand-new SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where you can race, ride, and explore Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.

There are so many adventures to be had at Epic Universe. Take them all on with your favorite person by your side.

Take in a Show

The view from onstage looking out over hundreds of audience seats and glowing balconies. — Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Orlando’s reputation for entertainment extends beyond our theme parks.

We’re also home to state-of-the-art facilities that showcase some of the world’s most incredible talent.

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a breathtaking venue that hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedians, and so much more.

It’s home to several performance spaces, each uniquely suited to host a variety of shows. Catch a spectacular performance in the expansive Walt Disney Theatre, a stunning space with over 2,700 seats. Steinmetz Hall is a one-of-a-kind multiform theatre designed to be one of the world’s most acoustically perfect spaces.

Also at the Dr. Phillips Center is Judson’s Live, an intimate space where you can enjoy some of the most highly respected musicians and performers in the industry while sipping artful cocktails and noshing on shareable plates.

Just down the street from the Dr. Phillips Center is the Kia Center, home to the city’s NBA team, the Orlando Magic.

Cheer on your favorite basketball team(s) or check to see who may be performing while you’re in town for your Orlando honeymoon — the Kia Center hosts some of the world’s largest names in music, comedy, entertainment for can’t-miss tours and events.

An aerial view of a basketball court with the Orlando Magic logo and players mid-action on top of it.

Stay Somewhere Special

When you’re not out exploring Orlando with an exciting itinerary, make your home-away-from-home somewhere you can unwind and enjoy staying in with your new husband or wife.

Rosen Shingle Creek is a wonderful option for a romantic honeymoon stay.

An aerial shot of a tall hotel amidst green grass, trees, and a serene lake. — Rosen Shingle Creek

Cozy up in a spacious, elegant guest room or suite and take advantage of in-room dining service available 24 hours a day.

Lounge by one of the four seasonally heated pools, perhaps with a signature cocktail in hand, or enjoy a round of golf at the onsite golf course designed by the renowned Arnold Palmer Design Company.

When you’re ready, venture out of your room to visit one of the 12 onsite dining establishments, including Banrai Sushi, Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria, and the legacy steakhouse A Land Remembered.

Each of our four Rosen Weddings hotel venues offers a relaxing stay with unique amenities and warm hospitality that will make your Orlando honeymoon truly special.

The front exterior entrance of a large hotel with two wings, surrounded by palm trees and blue sky. — Rosen Plaza

The corner of a building tower that reads “Rosen Centre” surrounded by palm trees. — Rosen Centre

A rust-colored five-story building glows at sunset beside a pool and palm trees. — Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

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
Updated August 4, 2025

A winter wedding is a wonderful way to start the next chapter of your love story.

They can be romantic, festive celebrations with unlimited potential for flexibility and creativity.

A close-up of a winter wedding bouquet with lots of greenery and a pristine white ranunculus flower.

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.

Key Takeaways

Send Save-the-Dates Farther in Advance
Plan for a Shorter Day
Play with Rich Winter Colors and Textures
Embrace the Season with Your Menu and Florals
A Winter Wedding Doesn’t Have to Mean a Holiday Wedding
Consider Travel Challenges
Even Florida Winters Get Chilly
Host Your Perfect Winter Wedding with Rosen Weddings

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 have more time off work, everyone has their own holiday expectations, travel, and traditions 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’s 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 bridal gown holds a bouquet with white and red flowers and greenery.

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 decor.

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 decor.

Tightly petaled ranunculus are in season, too, and crescent-shaped freesia and fragrant gardenias are also beautiful choices.

Enrich beautiful blooms with evergreen accents like pine, cedar, eucalyptus, 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 decor, 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 known for its winter storms, be sure to give yourself a travel cushion of an extra day or two in case the weather gets unruly.

Even Florida Winters Get Chilly

A bride in a coat walks beside a man in a dark suit along a path surrounded in greenery.

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

Keep in mind that our Central Florida 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 has 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.