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

October 22, 2024 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.

Your Ultimate Orlando Bachelorette Party Guide

August 5, 2024 by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

Celebrate your bride-to-be with an Orlando bachelorette party!

The bride has spent months, if not years, putting together every detail of her wedding. Now it’s your turn as the Honor Attendant to make sure she feels celebrated with an unforgettable bachelorette party.

These days, a destination “batch” party is a great way to travel with friends, take on new adventures, and make some incredible memories. If you’re looking for an exciting spot to gather and celebrate your bride, Orlando may be the perfect place for you.

Here in Orlando, we really have it all. You can spend time in our world-famous theme parks, explore our vibrant food and beverage scene, and kick back and soak up the sun. Enjoy poolside cocktails beneath the swaying boughs of palm trees and live your best life at some of Orlando’s best bars and nightclubs after dark.

Whether it’s already one of your favorite places to vacation or you’ve been waiting for the perfect reason to visit, it’s a great time to plan an Orlando bachelorette party.

We’ve put together an Orlando Bachelorette Party Guide to help you start to get ideas about how you can throw a bachelorette party that is the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

Even if you don’t have time for everything on the sample itinerary, you can start by picking and choosing a few days that sound best to you and go from there!. Here is how we recommend breaking down your Orlando bachelorette party.

Disney Day

Every little girl dreams of finding her Happily Ever After, and there’s no better way to celebrate a bride finding her Prince or Princess Charming than with a day at the most magical place on earth.

Put on your coordinating shirts, sashes, and Minnie Ears and head to one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks here in Orlando: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. While there are incredible things to explore in each of the parks, it’s really up to your bride and her preferences and interests to choose the right one for your group.

Magic Kingdom is the most romantic of the parks, with plenty of classic Disney characters and iconic photo ops in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

EPCOT is great for foodies and drink enthusiasts who love the challenge of Drinking Around the World, which is trying a drink from each of the countries represented in the park.

If your bride is a Star Wars fan, then Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios will be an unforgettable way to celebrate.

If animals, safaris, and Avatar are more her thing, opt for a day in Animal Kingdom.

Of course, you can always get a Park Hopper ticket that allows you to visit more than one park in a day, or plan to spend more than one day at Walt Disney World!

Universal Day

There’s room for more than one theme park at your bachelorette party! Universal Orlando has so many thrilling rides and attractions that are perfect for celebrating a bride-to-be. Plus, with the opening of their brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, on the horizon for 2025, there is plenty of excitement and buzz surrounding Universal these days.

Similarly to Disney, Universal is two separate parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You can never go wrong with a 2-park ticket so you can make sure you don’t miss a single sight of Universal Orlando.

Islands of Adventure is home to incredible coasters like the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It’s also where you can wander the quaint village of Hogsmeade from Harry Potter and take pictures in front of the Hogwarts castle towering high above the streets.

Universal Studios has a more “old Hollywood” feel with plenty of nostalgia. It’s where you can enjoy classic rides like E.T., Men in Black, and The Mummy. It’s also home to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, with its fire-breathing dragon perched atop Gringotts Bank.

Whichever park you decide to explore on your Universal day, you can end with a stroll around Universal CityWalk, which is home to a variety of fun restaurants, bars, and shops.

Wherever you decide to dine for dinner, be sure to stop by The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for insta-worthy milkshakes and other mouthwatering desserts.

Pool Day

A pool day is a great way to unwind and relax after a busy day in the theme parks, or to rest up for an evening of late-night entertainment. Staying at a resort with a beautiful pool, plenty of lounge seating, and a nearby bar can make all the difference when it comes to a luxurious day in the sun.

If you really want to take things up a notch, stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, where you can reserve a private cabana by the pool and sip on signature poolside cocktails and snacks from Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille. Each of the resort’s four pools is seasonally heated so you’ll be able to comfortably unwind in the water year-round.

When you’ve had your fill of Vitamin D, head back to your room to get ready for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Sangria and tapas at Café Tu Tu Tango are always delicious options and perfect for sharing with a group. Taverna Opa serves up authentic Greek cuisine and entertainment with traditional Zorba dancers walking and dancing on the tables.

Then it’s time for a night out on International Drive. At ICEBAR, you can sip on drinks surrounded by over 70 tons of hand-carved ice. Book their VIP Bachelorette Package for premium fur coats, champagne, cocktails, and, of course, VIP treatment all night long.

If cold isn’t your thing, heat things up at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, a vibrant nightclub and lounge with tropical drinks, dazzling live performances, and lots of spice. For a night of live music and high-energy dancing, Howl at the Moon also has a Bachelorette package that guarantees seating, a round of drinks, and plenty of other perks.

Downtown Day

Orlando is so much more than theme parks. Our downtown area is vibrant and energetic with a variety of charming neighborhoods and attractions perfect for celebrating a bride-to-be.

Begin your day with brunch at the beautiful Briarpatch in the Winter Park district (their pancakes are a must-try.). Spend the morning walking up and down Park Ave shopping for treasures at local boutiques and stores like Lily Pulitzer and Lululemon. If you’re there long enough and work up another appetite, enjoy lunch or a cocktail sitting outside at Prato.

Then, make your way over to Lake Eola in the heart of downtown, home to iconic Orlando sights like the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain and the rainbow-colored Walt Disney Amphitheatre. On a beautiful day, you can rent a swan paddle boat to take out on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the surrounding park and cityscape.

A short twenty minute walk from the lake is The Wellborn, a specialty cocktail bar tucked into a historic antebellum-style mansion. Enjoy refreshing drinks sitting in a charming garden courtyard or overlooking the palm trees and magnolias from one of the mansion’s second-story decks.

From the Wellborn, take a short walk to SAK Comedy Lab and enjoy a comedy show. This institute of improv is where Wayne Brady got his start, and their current cast of comedians will have you cracking up. T

o close out the night, head over to Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a stylish speakeasy. Check their twitter account to find the day’s password so you can get entry into one of the hottest bars in town.

Spa Day

A spa day is a fabulous way to treat yourselves to some much-needed self-care. Before you unwind on the massage table, you can start your day practicing being present with baby goat yoga! Wildflower Farms is a darling local farm that hosts yoga classes where you get to bottle feed adorable baby goats and practice guided yoga while they jump on your back and curl up on your mat.

It’s the perfect unique bachelorette activity to start your self-care day.

Then, head on over to a spa like The Spa at Shingle Creek or The Spa at Rosen Centre to indulge in a day of true pampering. Treat yourself to a stress-relieving massage, a revitalizing body treatment, or a rejuvenating facial – or splurge on a package and enjoy a full day of relaxation.

Since you’ve spent the day treating yourself, let the indulgence continue with dinner at one of the hotel’s exquisite restaurants. Savor an indulgent meal at the legendary steakhouse A Land Remembered, or at Cala Bella for Italian-inspired fare prepared with ingredients from the resort’s onsite farm.

Shopping Day

A little retail therapy is a great way to spend time together while maybe treating yourself to a little something special. Orlando is home to several major outlet malls, including the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

While there’s nothing wrong with some good ol’ fashioned outlet shopping, you’re in town for a celebratory occasion and you may want to spend the day somewhere special, like Disney Springs!

Disney Springs is a massive shopping and entertainment center with a little extra Disney magic. It’s home to popular stores like Anthropologie, Free People, Kate Spade, and plenty of other recognizable brands.

You’ll also find a variety of Disney-themed stores, playful boutiques, and fun sweet shops like Gideon’s Bakehouse and Salt and Straw.

When you’re ready to refuel after shopping, stop at one of the amazing restaurants at Disney Springs, like Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Edison, and Summer House on the Lake. Depending on your timing, you may even be able to catch some live music or street entertainment.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can try a tethered balloon ride in the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon or a Vintage Amphicar Tour that drives out onto Lake Buena Vista in an amphibious convertible car. At the end of your day, catch a jaw-dropping performance of Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney.

Let Rosen Weddings Help You Throw the Perfect Orlando Bachelorette Party

Here at Rosen Weddings, we are experts in all things wedding and all things Orlando. We know that every bride deserves an incredible bachelorette party, and as an Honor Attendant, you deserve a planning process that’s simple and an itinerary that everyone will love.

Let us help you put together a celebration that exceeds your wildest dreams. With the amenities, resources, and convenience of Rosen Hotels & Resorts at our disposal, we’ll help you plan an Orlando bachelorette party that you and your bride will remember for the rest of your lives.

To First Look or Not to First Look: A List of Pros and Cons

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

A bride in a red and white sari happily greets a groom in a red coat with a long white turban outdoors, a romantic first look from Rosen Shingle Creek.

When it comes to weddings, no moment is quite as special as when a couple sets eyes on each other for the first time that day. Traditionally, it’s a moment shared at the beginning of the ceremony when walking down the aisle.

More recently, however, couples have been reimagining the “First Look” as a private, more intimate moment that happens prior to the ceremony.

Today, a First Look refers to an arranged meeting between the couple (and, typically, their photographer) before the wedding ceremony.

While it’s a popular option for contemporary couples, it may not be the right choice for every wedding. If you’re still deciding whether it’s the right option for you, then this list of First Look pros and cons might help.

PROS

More Time with Your Photographers Means More Photos

One of the biggest pros about doing a First Look is that you’ll be able to dedicate more time to taking portraits of you and your partner, family shots, and full-wedding-party photos prior to the ceremony.

If you wait to see each other at the altar, you’ll likely be squeezing all those prized pictures into the span of a cocktail hour, giving you a more limited album.

Additionally, a First Look prior to your ceremony offers more daylight for beautiful photos.

Privacy in the Moment

A bride and groom on an outdoor terrace overlooking blue sky and the tops of green palm trees walk away from the camera after a private first look moment. That pivotal moment when a groom (or bride) sees their bride (or groom) walking down the aisle can be really special for your guests to experience with you. However, if you or your partner tend to be more introverted, it can be a moment built up with pressure and nerves.

A First Look allows you to share an unforgettable moment with just the two of you, helping to diminish fears and expectations that could otherwise cloud a perfect moment.

You Basically Get Two First Look Moments

Most married couples who opted to do a First Look will tell you that seeing each other before walking down the aisle didn’t make that first moment at the altar any less special.

Sometimes, it’s even more emotional because you’ve already spent time getting excited and ready for the big moment together.

Seeing your partner standing at the end of the aisle or walking down it is an incredible experience regardless of whether you’ve already seen each other that day. Plus, you get to see their reaction twice!.

You’ll Get to Spend More Time Together

It’s amazing how little time you traditionally spend with your partner on your wedding day. Realistically, if your wedding is held in the evening, you’ll only end up with each other for the last few hours of the day.

Choosing to have a First Look means you’ll get extra time to spend with your favorite person – and isn’t that what your wedding day should be about?

It also offers you coveted alone time before you jump into your celebrations with friends and family for the rest of the day.

Spend More Time with Your Guests

If you’ve had the chance to take most of your photos prior to your ceremony, then you could be free to mingle with your guests during cocktail hour.

After all, your favorite people have gathered to celebrate you and your partner, and there’s a pretty good chance they won’t all be together in the same room again. Having extra time to enjoy their company and soak it all in can be really special.

CONS

You Lose the Tradition of the First Look Moment Walking Down the Aisle

The moment a couple first lays eyes upon each other on their wedding day is a highly anticipated highlight of a wedding.

Some couples prefer to honor the tradition by waiting to see one another until walking down the aisle, simply to savor the magic of a moment they’ve been dreaming about their entire lives.

You’ll Need to Wake Up and Be Ready Earlier

To prepare for a First Look prior to your ceremony, you’ll need to make sure you are picture-perfect earlier in the day.

That can mean a significantly earlier wake up call for you and your wedding party to get a jumpstart on hair, makeup, and other preparations.

You may be lying awake or up early with excitement anyway, but serious night owls may want to take an early rise into consideration.

You May Not Get to Include Friends/Family in the Special Moment

A couple is silhouetted against three arched windows overlooking green palm trees, blue sky, and a distant pool during an intimate first look. If you’ve ever attended a wedding, you know that being able to share in the moment when a couple sees each other at either end of the aisle is one of the best parts of the day.

If you opt to do a First Look, you’ll have more privacy in that moment, but your guests won’t be a part of the true first look.

If the idea of not having family and close friends included doesn’t sit right with you, you can always invite them to come along (or ask that they watch from a distance, so you still have the moment to yourselves.)

Consider Vendor Time Constraints

When you’re on an earlier timeline, that means everyone else needs to be, too.

Your hair and makeup team will need to arrive earlier, as will your florist, photographer, and wedding coordinator. Be transparent about your timeline with your vendors early on so everyone is on the same page and has realistic expectations.

Keep in mind that, if you have a larger wedding party, your hair and makeup team may need to be onsite extra early and could charge an early arrival fee.

You Won’t Actually Be Married in Your Portraits

For some couples, knowing they aren’t officially married yet in their portraits doesn’t faze them, but others may find it bothersome.

If the authenticity of the moment captured in a photo matters to you, you may want to forgo a First Look and save the pictures until after you’ve said, “I do.”

Let Rosen Weddings Help You Host the Perfect Wedding

Regardless of whether you ultimately decide to do a First Look or honor tradition and wait to see one another until your ceremony, the first moment you lay eyes on each other on your wedding day will be nothing short of magic.

After all, your wedding is ultimately about the two of you and everything you dream your special day to be. A list of First Look pros and cons can help you decide more confidently, but ultimately, how your day is organized is entirely up to you!.

At Rosen Weddings, we are ready to help you make your wedding dreams come true. We’ll help you honor your vision so every detail you’ve been dreaming of becomes a reality.

Our four wedding venues are the perfect settings for weddings that are elegant, memorable, and an authentic reflection of you and your partner.

A black and white image of two grooms on a stairway landing in front of a towering window.

Wedding Expos: 10 Best Tips for Attending a Wedding Expo

by Kate Cohen

By Kate Cohen

Congratulations, you said “Yes!”

Now the planning begins.

Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day your entire life or are thinking about it for the first time, you may want to consider attending a wedding expo.

What is a Wedding Expo?

Florida Wedding Expo logo in Tiffany blue

Wedding expos, also known as bridal shows or bridal expos, are showcases of products, vendors, and trends all gathered under one roof.

You can spend your day talking to some of the industry’s best and brightest, making connections as you gather ideas and take advantage of discounts and giveaways.

One wedding expo worth attending is right here in Orlando.

The Florida Wedding Expo is being held at the Orange County Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s a great way for brides and grooms from all over the state to engage with fabulous vendors.

You’ll be able to sample food and cakes, receive a free makeup trial at the Glam Bar, enter for prizes and giveaways, and meet hundreds of vendors like florists, DJs, photographers, planners, and so many more.

If you’ve never been to a wedding expo before, we have a few tips to help you make the most of your experience. Here are our 10 Best Tips for Attending a Wedding Expo.

1. Create a Custom Email Address for Your Wedding Planning

If you haven’t already, you’ll want to create a custom email address for all your wedding planning signups and communications. As you continue to sign up for newsletters, e-blasts, specials, and sale notifications, you may notice your regular email inbox getting crowded.

A designated email address will keep your wedding-related content and communication organized into one easy-to-reference inbox.

2. Print Mailing Labels for Drawings and Raffles

Catering samples on display at a wedding expo.

Expos are known for their vendor raffles and giveaways, and most of them are well worth entering. But trust us, you’re going to get tired of writing your name, email address, and phone number over and over and over again. Going to an expo with pre-made labels with your name and contact info makes it so much easier to take advantage of every giveaway you can find.!

On your labels, consider including your name, your fiancé’s name, contact information, and your wedding date (if you already have one).

BONUS TIP: You can totally skip adding your phone number to labels or entry cards. If you want to be contacted by phone, go for it. Otherwise expect to receive a lot of text messages and phone calls regarding your trip to the expo.

3. Buy Your Tickets Early

A lot of expos charge for tickets, but most of the time you can get a great discount (or even free tickets) if you purchase them ahead of time. If you know there is an upcoming expo that you want to attend, check their website as soon as possible to see what kinds of promotions they’re running.

Some smaller expos will sell out before the event, so reserving tickets ahead of time is even more important. You can always try to see if there’s room at the door, but it’s a much safer bet to get your tickets online asap.

4. Bring the Right People Along

Wedding expos are always more fun with people you love!. Whether you’re in the early brainstorming phase of planning or the decision-making phase, having the right people there to support you can make or break an expo experience.

So, who should you bring? It’s a good idea to bring anybody who will be helping you make decisions. Whether that’s a partner, a parent, an in-law, or whomever, you may want them to meet vendors and see new trends and offerings in person with you.

Or bring a friend! If you’re primarily planning solo or just find too many opinions to be overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with the company of a trusted friend.

5. Make a Plan Ahead of Time

Expos can be overwhelming. Yes, the overarching theme is “wedding,” but you’ll be face-to-face with hundreds of vendors representing thousands of products, services, and ideas. Knowing what you’re looking for ahead of time can help you stay focused and weed out what you don’t need.

For example, if you know you’re looking for a DJ, then look at the directory ahead of time and see what DJ vendors will be in attendance. Make a point to seek them out while you’re there. But if you’ve already booked your photographer, there’s no need to stop by every photography booth.

Many expo vendors offer some pretty incredible day-of discounts, meaning if you sign up with them at the expo, you’ll save a good chunk of change. Going in knowing what you still need – and your budget for that particular line item – can make signing with expo vendors an easy choice when you find one you love.

Going into an expo with a clear outline of what you’re still looking for can make your experience more focused, organized, and fun, all while saving you money in the long run.

6. Use Your Camera to Remember What You Loved

A sample table setting at a wedding expo with a long wooden table, gold chiavari chairs, simple white florals, and greenery hanging from a transparent tent overhead. When you’re perusing hundreds of vendor booths in a single day, they can all start blending together in your mind. If you see something you really like, take a picture of it. Then you’ll be able to easily reference it again when the dust has settled and you’re recapping your day.

Take pictures of products, logos, business cards, table settings, portfolios – you name it! When you’re ready, go back and see what has stuck with you and is worth looking into further, and what you can just delete from your phone.

Of course, if a vendor requests no photos be taken of their work, be respectful and see if they have a flyer or card you can take instead.

7. Arrive Early

Expos are known for drawing large crowds, especially when they center around something as fun as weddings. Typically speaking, the earlier in the day you arrive, the smaller the crowds will be.

Some expos sell VIP tickets that grant you early access to the event before doors open to the public. If you’re a person who doesn’t thrive in large crowds, it may be worth paying a little extra to have a bit more elbow room as you browse.

8. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expos involve being on your feet for a good chunk of time. Do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes that make wandering from booth to booth nice and easy. Save the heels for your wedding day; your future self will thank you.

9. Be Open-Minded

When it comes to getting the most out of attending an expo, going in with an open mind means you’ll be more receptive to new ideas and inspiration.

You never know what you could find at a great wedding expo. Maybe you see a dress style that you hadn’t considered before, or a fun new photobooth trend your guests would love. You could stumble onto a table setting that makes your heart soar, even if you’d never envisioned something like it on your Pinterest boards.

Let yourself be open to new ideas. You never know what you’ll discover at a wedding expo!

10. Eat the Cake

There will be cake samples. Eat them.

Trust Rosen Weddings with your Special Day

At Rosen Weddings, we know how important it is to get every detail right for your wedding day. Attending a wedding expo is a great way to meet a variety of vendors in a short amount of time. At the very least, you’ll hopefully come away from the event with a renewed sense of excitement for planning your wedding!

Our four beautiful wedding venues offer elegant, flexible spaces that can accommodate any wedding vision. Let us show you how Rosen Weddings can help you host the wedding of your dreams.

Two women in professional attire standing in front of a white floral expo backdrop. Meet the Rosen Weddings team at the Wedding Expo!

What Wedding Dress Will Make You Say ‘Yes’?

July 11, 2024 by Yasmene Warren

Bride wearing a strapless wedding dress decorated in beads while holding a pair of white high heels.

Your wedding dress is one of the main focal points of your special day. We know you’re looking for The One that dazzles the eyes of your wedding guests and makes you dazzle.

But with literally millions of dresses to choose from, finding The One is overwhelming.

We curated from our experience all the tools you’ll need to make saying “Yes!” to the dress easy. Below is a breakdown of dress style and the body types they are best suited for.

What to Know Before You Go

Wedding dress shopping is special. We suggest bringing your mom, future mom-in-law, or your maid of honor to help you get in and out of dresses as well as give you their thoughts on how the dress looks.

Since you’ll be changing in and out of a lot of dresses, you’ll want to go in comfortable clothing. Sweatpants, leggings, gym shorts, and a loose-fitting T-shirt are just a few, low-maintenance clothing items you can wear to the bridal shop.

You may want to bring your wedding shoes, if you have them already. This way you can get an idea of what your whole ensemble will look like. No worries if you don’t have shoes. Just know you’ll need to bring them to the dress fitting.

Check to see if your bridal shop requires reservations for browsing and trying on wedding dresses. This will ensure you undivided attention and help in your search. They might also be able to help match your body type to the wedding dress silhouette that best shapes your figure.

Body Types

We all have unique body types. Shapes, fruits, objects — our figures mirror a variety of everyday things. It’s odd how a few items have been used for a long time to describe body types. Until someone comes up with a better system, let’s go through each body type.

Inverted Triangle
Shoulders and bust are a bit wider than the hips.

Rectangular
Shoulders, bust, and hips have similar widths.

Hourglass
The waist is visibly smaller than the bust, shoulders, and hips.

Apple
The waist is wider than the shoulders and hips.

Pear
Hips are wider than the shoulders and bust.

Ball Gown Wedding Dresses – Pear, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle

A bride wearing a ballgown wedding dress holding the groom wearing a gray tuxedo.

Inspired by princesses and royalty, this dress is elegant and timeless. The silhouette is form-fitting up top with its sculpted bodice. The dress expands below to a large, flowy skirt. Ball gowns have layers of tulle beneath the skirt, providing as much or as little volume you desire.

If you want your waist to have a more snatched look, ball gown wedding dresses are the way to go. Try on a ball gown if you have a pear-shaped body type. For brides on the taller side, a ball gown wedding dress will flatter your figure and complement your height.

A-Line Wedding Dresses – All Types

Similar to ball gowns, an A-line wedding dress offers a classy, chic effect with a petite bodice and voluminous skirt. For these dresses, the skirt resembles a capital “A” and is a more modern version of the ball gown.

A bride wearing an A-line wedding dress holding a glass of champagne and walking in arms in the grass with her groom.

If you’re unsure as to what kind of silhouette is best suited for your body type, an A-line wedding dress is a perfect, neutral option that universally flatters. It seamlessly slims the upper body and leaves your lower half with a subtle volume for those looking to hide their stomach or hips.

Brides with a bigger bust will stun in an A-line wedding dress as its silhouette allows the volume of the skirt to balance out your upper half. Those with petite frames but curvy figures will show off a sleek hourglass silhouette. Apple-shaped brides will also find their silhouette well-balanced wearing an A-line dress.

Mermaid Wedding Dresses – Inverted Triangle, Hourglass

Bride wearing a mermaid style wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers. Mermaid wedding dresses are an ideal go-to for brides who want to show off their figure. It slims, flatters, and accentuates all your best features. Whether your curves are big or small, a mermaid silhouette is going to hug every last one while elegantly flaring out halfway down the skirt, giving off a dramatic, regal effect.

Fit-and-Flare & Trumpet Wedding Dresses – Hourglass, Pear

Brides who want a modern wedding with a timeless touch should consider a fit-and-flare or trumpet wedding dress. Similar to mermaid silhouettes, these wedding dresses accentuate the waist. The dress is fitted around the bust and hips, then flares out at the bottom.

Unlike mermaid wedding dresses, fit-and-flare and trumpet dresses have less volume in the flare. This allows for a softer, more subtle, and romantic vibe while still maintaining a classic, tasteful feel.

Whether you have a pear shape, hourglass, curvy, or athletic figure, a fit-and-flare or trumpet wedding dress is sure to make you look and feel like the bride you’ve dreamed of being!

Column & Sheath Wedding Dresses – Rectangular

This dress was practically made for brides who want to elongate their height. Column or sheath wedding dresses are narrower and flow down directly from the neckline to the hem.

The straight lines on column gowns give the illusion of an elongated figure — perfect for shorter brides who want to appear taller. Similarly, sheath gowns continuously flow from top to bottom, allowing height to be made where there is none and flaunting existing height.

Know the Necklines

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress. Now that you’ve got a silhouette style in mind, it’s time to find the right neckline to go with it. There’s a wide range of necklines to look for while dress shopping — each flattering in its own way.

Straight Necklines
A strapless, off-the-shoulder style neckline that offers coverage across the bust.

Sweetheart Necklines
A romantic, timeless off-the-shoulder neckline with a bodice that curves around the bust and dips in the middle like a heart.

Boat Necklines
A high neckline style that sits on the collarbones and extends to the shoulders with a soft curve.

V-Necklines

V Neckline A V-shaped neckline with straps starting at the shoulders that veer down to the bust diagonally to create the V shape.

Square Necklines
A straight neckline with the addition of vertical straps or sleeves, supporting the bodice and framing the collarbones.

Sweetheart Plunge Necklines
A combination of the sweetheart and V-neck with a dip that extends past the bustline in a sharp drop — typically accompanied by a tulle mesh backing.

Halter Necklines
A high neckline that cuts away from under the arms to the neck, allowing you to seamlessly show off your shoulders.

Deep V Necklines

Deep V Neckline

A V-neckline with a dip that extends deep past the bustline, sometimes as far down as the waist, with the support of a tulle mesh backing.

Draped/Cowl Necklines
A neckline where a continuous piece of fabric drapes from shoulder to shoulder across the bodice.

Illusion Necklines
A neckline giving the illusion of strapless with the support from a sheer tulle or lace bodice, available in sleeveless, short-, or long-sleeve styles.

Show It off at Your Rosen Wedding

No matter what kind of wedding dress you choose, you’re sure to stun on your special day and stand out with a Rosen wedding. Our enchanting indoor venues and lush outdoor venues will complement every beautiful bride. Rosen Weddings offers four hotel venues located in Orlando’s core, keeping you close to everything you need to ensure your wedding day is nothing short of perfect.

Wedding Planning & What to Expect During Your First Year

July 8, 2024 by Gabriela Lobo

The question has been popped, and the excitement of being engaged has leveled up to intense as you enter the world of wedding planning.

A notebook for wedding planning.

With so much to consider, organize, and coordinate, we’ve taken our years of wedding planning to write down what needs your focus right now.

Let’s make sure all your loose ends are tied up so that you can tie the knot stress-free.

Set a Realistic Budget When Wedding Planning

While this is a big life event worth immortalizing, make sure you’re being realistic with a budget both you and your partner feel comfortable setting.

Consider the size, location, and level of extravagance you want. Talk through the different sections that make up a wedding. There might be areas you’re both willing to splurge on whereas other areas might not be too important.

This can mean a hotel wedding venue with included catering and entertainment but homemade floral arrangements and DIY invitations/favors.

Finding the perfect balance can do wonders for your budget.

A calculator for budgeting wedding planning.

It is also important to factor in the costs of a honeymoon, especially if that’s important to you and your partner.

Heed the warning that budgets are almost never kept exactly; consider adding a cushion to your budget for surprise costs and unexpected fees.

Draft a Guest List

Aside from the person meeting you at the altar, you’ll want to share this moment with the most important people in your life.

Draft a list of the absolute most important people who need to be there. These will be your core guests.

Then, branch out and create a second round of guests that will add value to you and your partner’s big day. These will be friends, some co-workers, distant family, and consider who you’ll want to give a “+1” to.

Keep in mind that each guest will need a place to sit and will want to eat. Venue and catering costs might force you to adjust your guest list based on your budget.

Discover our in-depth guide to your ideal guest list to assist you in wedding planning.

Select a Date

Time to get out the calendars and decide on a date with your partner. Consider typical weather patterns that occur at different times of the year.

For example, an Orlando outdoor wedding should be cautious of summer storms that will often roll over midday.

It is also important to consider major holidays that could affect your guests’ availability. A December wedding may not be the best idea both for financial and availability reasons.

Another important thing to note for your wedding day and wedding pictures is Daylight Saving Time. A spring wedding could mean more time with the sun, resulting in naturally lit pictures.

Have a couple of dates in mind when wedding planning. Availability with the vendor and caterer may fluctuate as well.

Choose a Venue & Caterer

After deciding on a head count and date, the next step in your wedding planning is finding the perfect venue to host your celebration of love.

Begin by identifying your must-haves for a venue. Do you want an all-inclusive venue? A venue that also offers catering? A venue that offers indoor/outdoor portions for the ceremony and reception?

For ultimate convenience for both you and your guests, consider a hotel venue. That way, guests can book rooms there and not have to stress about driving or choosing a place far away.

A hotel wedding venue can also erase the worry about catering, entertainment, florists, decorations, etc., as they usually work with trusted vendors who have a history of providing excellence.

With the room to host a big or small wedding with almost everything included, you may find the cost per person is cheaper at a hotel than at a stand-alone venue.

Happily Ever After with a Rosen Wedding

The most important tip to help you on your wedding planning journey is to enjoy the ride! When you begin to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place.

Celebrating the union of two people who want to dedicate their lives to loving each other is an extremely special moment.

Rosen Weddings brings all the excitement, care, and consideration you need, with none of the stress.

Let us help create your fairytale wedding today!

Which Hotel Wedding Venue is ‘The One’ for Your Special Day?

June 13, 2024 by Yasmene Warren

Bride and Groom kissing in front of Rosen Plaza, a hotel wedding venue.

If you’re looking for an Orlando wedding venue that can provide more than your ordinary ceremony and reception, then consider a hotel wedding venue. Your wedding should be everything you imagine and more, and the right hotel can make it happen.

That said, how do you know which hotel can provide everything you need to turn your wedding vision into a reality? The right hotel can provide locales for the main wedding events as well as food, drinks, cake, chairs, tables, and on-site rooms for you and out-of-town guests. Far less coordinating with separate vendors for each major item means you can spend less time planning and more time celebrating.

Identify the parts of your wedding vision that are most important; think wedding budget, décor, catering, and how many guests you want there to celebrate you on your special day. Once you’ve identified the ones that matter most, choose a venue that excels in each area.

Every Rosen hotel wedding venue is “multitalented,” but each has its own key strength. Here, we break them down to help you find “the one.”

What Comes with a Rosen Wedding

Every Rosen hotel wedding venue works diligently and thoughtfully to deliver the wedding of your dreams.

Each of our Orlando wedding venues gives you exclusive access to the hotels’ luxurious amenities and discounted room rates. We help with wedding planning up to the day of the event. You also have access to our outstanding culinary and banquets team.

If there is something we do not cover, such as floral arrangements or a wedding videographer, we have our trusted network of preferred vendors we can confidently say will do an amazing job. Each vendor on our list has established a great working relationship with us, which means they share our work ethic and desire to deliver quality service.

Indoor Wedding Rosen Shingle Creek

A Rosen wedding takes away the stress of finding everything you need to ensure your wedding is executed flawlessly. Our venues are large enough for a ceremony and reception. If needed, we can provide arches, chairs, tables, linens, and uplighting.

Weddings at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

When you’re planning a wedding with a strict budget and no more than a few hundred guests in mind:

Maintain the magic of your wedding day without breaking your budget by choosing Bella Vista at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista as your hotel wedding venue. This Orlando hotel near Disney Springs, which is also a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, offers captivating indoor and outdoor spaces to help create an unforgettable experience on your wedding day.

Fountain and lake pavilion at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.

Outdoors, you’ll find a covered pavilion overlooking a gardenesque setting with Leisure Lake and an enchanting fountain in the backdrop. Indoors is the 2,400-square-foot ballroom, which can be decorated to your heart’s content. Bella Vista wedding venue is ideal for small, intimate receptions and larger parties with flexible floorplans that include an optional dance floor.

If affordability without sacrificing extravagance is your primary focus for planning your wedding, Bella Vista at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is your go-to. Ceremony rentals in our Bella Vista Ballroom start at $600, and reception rentals start at $900.

Weddings at Rosen Plaza

When you want to ensure your wedding is nothing short of wholesome and elegant:

Take your dream wedding to new heights by hosting it at Rosen Plaza. Our wedding packages put the intricacies of wedding planning in the hands of our professionals. The wedding experts at Rosen Plaza will customize your menu and event to meet your every need.

You won’t have to limit your guest list due to a lack of space at Rosen Plaza. From a stunning courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flora to various indoor event spaces made to fit everything and everyone important to you, Rosen Plaza has so much to offer for your wedding.

Rosen Plaza wedding ceremony site fees start at $1,500 and take care of setup, service, equipment, and labor charges associated with your wedding.

Weddings at Rosen Centre

When you want a classy, upscale wedding and luxe accommodations:

Your wedding day is a grand celebration — one that Rosen Centre can take on with ease. Wedding packages at this hotel come complete with everything you need for an unforgettable ceremony.

Keep wedding planning stress free with our on-site professionals. We’ll bring you an expert catering manager, ceremony rehearsal, wedding party ready rooms, a complimentary wedding suite, and so much more.

Rosen Centre boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor locations fit for both a ceremony and reception, which makes bringing your dream wedding to life an easy feat.

Site fees for both a ceremony and reception start at $1,800 and start at $1,300 for a reception only at Rosen Centre. These fees include charges for setup, service, equipment, and labor.

Weddings at Rosen Shingle Creek

When you dream of maximizing the possibilities for an enchanting wedding day:

There’s almost no limit to what you can do for your big day when you host it at Rosen Shingle Creek. Luxury. Elegance. Grandeur. These are among the many impressions to be made from a wedding at our hotel.

Indoor hotel wedding venue at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Our wedding experts pay keen attention to detail and can execute your wedding exactly as you envision it. What makes Rosen Shingle Creek stand apart from the other Rosen hotel wedding venues are the indoor and outdoor locations. Our outdoor venues bring stunning views of the Shingle Creek Golf Course while our indoor ballrooms offer breathtaking balconies and chandeliers.

A wedding package at Rosen Shingle Creek brings you plush honeymoon guest room accommodations, discounted room rates for your guests, a ceremony rehearsal, a newlyweds room, and reception details to make your special day as stress-free as possible.

Rosen Shingle Creek has a site fee of $2,700, which absorbs all charges for setup, service, equipment, and labor. You can also add ceremony enhancements such as a two-tier wedding cake, champagne and sparkling cider toast, and a 25% discount at our award-winning restaurants for an additional fee.

Nothing Beats a Rosen Hotel Wedding Venue

Ensure your wedding day is everything you want and more by choosing Rosen Weddings to make it happen. With four hotel wedding venues that each offer something unique, the possibilities are truly endless. Our hotels are centrally located in the heart of Orlando, allowing you to make the most of your special day and giving you another reason to say “Yes!” to a Rosen Wedding.