If you’re currently engaged like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Orlando Family Magazine’s annual wedding guide can assist with each detail for the wedding of your wildest dreams.

Photo Courtesy: Bellamore Studio

From selecting a venue, food and a dress to settling essential details like music, flowers and a color scheme—planning such a joyful moment can be a high-stress time. However, such labors of love are destined to pay off on the wedding day, thanks to all of the locales, expert assistance, experiences and options available in Florida.

Where the Heart Is

Most people have an idea of their ideal wedding setting, and the area is home to a variety of picturesque locations. Often, that dream venue is a beach—which can be accommodated almost any time of year with Florida’s often warm climate.

“A beachfront wedding creates an unforgettable destination experience where the natural beauty of the ocean becomes the backdrop. Couples and their guests get to enjoy not only a romantic ceremony, but also a full resort experience with coastal views, relaxation and celebration all in one place,” says Sandra Oliveira, catering sales manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “It’s truly a setting that turns a wedding into a getaway.”

The coastal setting can influence design elements like color and theme, or the style of dress—such as a mermaid-style gown. The wonderful thing about a natural setting is that any style that the couple chooses will fit beautifully.

“Because of our location on the famous sugar sand beach of Clearwater, a large number of our couples [have] destination weddings from all over the country. In addition to the pristine beach, the location is also known for walkability to a variety of shops, restaurants and family-friendly activities. Even our local weddings love to indulge in the fun and relaxation of our beach scene,” say Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach’s team that includes Catering Manager Wendy Baratta, and conference services managers Kathryn Hogan, Rebecca Dearing and Kayla Bell.

Furthermore, couples and guests will enjoy indulging in the vacation destination lifestyle. It’s what Florida is most known for, so featuring that characteristic magic is easily done.

“Weddings booked at the Swan Reserve in the Vue Ballroom get to view the nighttime fireworks display from Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios,” says Jennifer Sharpe, senior catering sales manager at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve. “We also have an outdoor terrace that is a raised, 360-degree octagon shape with an oak tree canopy over it. It’s nestled on the side of the Swan Hotel next to the waterway where the Disney Friendship boats pass by.”

A resort wedding calls for indulging in all of the other amenities resorts offer. Whether it’s golfing for the groomsmen or a spa day for the bride, weddings in Florida are essentially getaways. That is why wedding venues see a mix of couples, both local and from out of state.

“We see a wonderful mix of couples, though the majority travel from out-of-state. Hammock Beach Resort offers a one-of-a-kind coastal setting that draws couples from across the country who are looking for something special and memorable,” says Oliveira.

Many locations offer a variety of venue options, indoor and outdoor alike. With a recognition of the unique ideals of each couple, Mission Inn Resort & Club offers multiple venues to accommodate any aesthetic.

“Three beautiful outside ceremony venues on the property each have a specific style. Our Legends Courtyard and Ballroom features an intimate whimsical garden, surrounded by a mature oak tree that creates an ideal ambience for hanging lanterns, chandeliers and fairy lights to create that one-of-a-kind memory. Plaza La Fontana has a view that is like no other, golden hour cast over a beautiful lake,” says Deborah Farish, director of catering & convention services at Mission Inn Resort & Club. “Both areas have gorgeous Spanish-style fountains with the flowing sound of water that makes one believe in the magic of the day. Marina Del Ray offers a breathtaking view of Lake Harris with Spanish moss hanging from oak trees: an ambience of Florida Coastal with soft breezes and country lakeside memories.”

If a bride and groom would like to exchange vows while surrounded by natural wonders with a greater focus on flora and fauna, and an array of colors fit for a tropical fairytale, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is another excellent choice.

“When you book your wedding with us, the entire property is yours. We host only one event at a time, so you and your guests can enjoy access to all of our stunning venue spaces. One of the most magical aspects of hosting your wedding with us is the seamless transition of your celebration among our lush event spaces,” says Beth Franklin, the botanical garden’s event coordinator. “The Butterfly Garden is lovely for small ceremonies or elopements. We have the Courtyard with a waterfall wall that offers a serene space for ceremonies or smaller receptions. There is the Meadows, which is a relaxing place for a breezy cocktail hour under the Cuban palm trees. The Terrace is the perfect space for a lively reception under the stars. Your guests stay together while the atmosphere evolves around them. It’s like having many venues in one, without ever leaving paradise.”

Spicing Things Up

Food can make or break any event and with so many courses to plan, consulting with an expert can make all the difference. Many locations—including Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and Rentyl Resorts properties—offer collaborations for customizable menus and tastings with their chefs as a part of their wedding packages.

“Many couples are personalizing menus, adding craft cocktails and blending cultural dishes,” says Angelica Navedo, event sales manager at Rentyl Resorts—including The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando, Encore Resort at Reunion and Spectrum Resort Orlando. “Couples increasingly choose action stations—pasta, stir-fry, carving—for interactive dining … where guests choose their own ingredients, creating a fun, customized dining experience. Specialty carving stations [like] prime rib with horseradish cream, mojo pork loin with cilantro crema, skirt steak with chimichurri, or oven-roasted turkey with cranberry mostarda—all [offer] elevated twists on classics.”

Customization has been the reigning trend the past few years, and it can be incorporated into personalized touches or it can be the reigning consideration for a uniquely individual wedding. Food is a traditional method of expressing the tastes and preferences of the bride and groom, and often their guests.

Cake toppers can include a replica of the couple, or the design can reflect a personalized symbol of love rather than the classic all-white tiered cake. Both food and bar menus can consist of the couple’s favorite foods, and a special cocktail can blend their preferences together.

Sharpe has noticed increased popularity for “incorporating pets into the wedding via life-size cutouts, figurines for the cakes, swizzle sticks, [and] specialty beverage names.” Some especially unique ideas she’s witnessed are canned cocktails, personalized macarons and a cannoli vendor.

Head Over Heels

Music inspires and encapsulates emotion. Thoughtfully featuring songs that are special to the couple is essential, and different tempos and genres can designate different parts of the wedding. It also doesn’t need a theme: It can be a mix of classic and contemporary songs.

“It is another strong year of lyrics being the main drive for couples when choosing their songs, so the more popular songs by artists who write authentic romantic pieces are still popular and we love that,” says Emily Bergman, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Centers in Orlando. “We used to get a lot of Ed Sheeran songs, but now more artists are writing songs that are more personal rather than generic, so couples are connecting more with that. We hardly see couples coming in with the same songs.”

The wedding will include as many opportunities for music and dancing as the couple chooses: unique processional music, their first dance, bridal party routines, parent and child dances, and more. Couples can share choreography that they practice together for months ahead of the wedding, creating memories and strengthening their bond even further.

“Most couples want a simple choreography so that they look confident on the floor with all their guests watching them. Then you have those that want to impress their guests and not only show their dance skills, but also showcase their relationship dynamics. That’s why we offer the wedding consultation as a free add-on for programs. That way you can come in, meet your wedding specialist, get on the floor and try a few styles we would choose for you, and watch us create exactly the first dance you want,” says Bergman. “Our favorite routines are always the ones where the students let the choreography take over and just have an amazing moment together. When they look at each other with such love and happiness, it makes us cry every time. We also love when they allow us to showcase their silly personalities and not take the dance too seriously.”

A Perfect Fit

There’s a general consensus that spotlighting personality is the ultimate trend for modern weddings. Creativity makes wedding events an even more memorable experience, and since the bride and groom are the stars of the show, they should be featured as such.

“We’re seeing couples move toward more intentional, personalized celebrations that reflect their values and personalities. These are used toward their customized favors, cake design and music selection. It’s a year for creativity, authenticity and celebration without compromise,” says Natalie Arroyo, director of social catering at Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Many weddings lately are reflective of the generation that is having them. This includes bold colors and designs, whimsy and areas for content creation. Such examples include “organic textures and sculptural floral installations [that create] immersive environments that feel both modern and artfully connected to nature.”

“Couples are designing dedicated backdrops and photo moments throughout their weddings, giving guests stylish spaces to capture and share on social media,” continues Navedo. “Beyond traditional photographers and videographers, couples are hiring dedicated content creators to capture candid, behind-the-scenes moments optimized for Instagram [and] TikTok.”

Sticking to a conventional wedding plan still leaves room for inventiveness. Weddings in 2025 are achieving a harmonious balance between classic and contemporary by putting an individualized spin on certain elements.

“In past years a ‘party vibe’ was desired, and while we still see that request, there is a trend moving toward couples wanting a very personal experience. For example, requesting to have their wedding meal alone in a quiet space before they join the wedding guests,” says Farish.

Tradition remains an important factor, and many venues and caterers will assist in providing cultural customs. This is inherently a celebration of a bride and groom’s identity, and can influence more specific choices in design, food, music and location.

“We host multiple South Asian weddings and have learned how to accommodate a few of their traditions, to include reserving a beautiful outdoor pathway for their Baraat. We partner with outside catering that will offer authentic Indian cruise for the guests while still receiving the Waldorf Astoria white glove service,” says Arroyo.

“In addition to welcoming outside caterers for our South Asian weddings, our world-class culinary team is able to craft custom menus in line with the cultural traditions of our couples,” add Baratta, Hogan, Dearing and Bell. “We recently held an Egyptian wedding that included a zaffa: a wedding processional that features drummers and dancers.”

The best advice is to get creative and to craft from the heart. After all, anything that celebrates a couple’s intimacy will fit into the itinerary seamlessly.

“With multiple lush, open-air settings and a naturally stunning backdrop, our venue offers endless opportunities for personalization, whether it’s whimsical florals, custom lighting or a ceremony layout that breaks the mold,” adds Franklin. “Couples today are crafting weddings that reflect their unique stories rather than following a one-size-fits-all template…they’re seeking spaces that feel personal, flexible and reflective of their unique love story.”

2025 WEDDING RESOURCES

BRIDAL LINGERIE

Fairvilla
Orlando
(407) 425-6005
Fairvilla.com

DANCE LESSONS

Arthur Murray Dance Centers
Clermont, Lake Mary, Orlando
(407) 290-5441
ArthurMurrayOrlando.com

JEWELRY

Lauren Sigman Collection
Winter Park
(321) 444-6941
LaurenSigmanCollection.com

VENUES

The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando
Kissimmee
(407) 698-5587
BearsDenOrlando.com

Encore Resort at Reunion
Kissimmee
(407) 698-5587
EncoreReunion.com

Hammock Beach Resort
Palm Coast
(386) 597-6363
HammockBeach.com/Weddings

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Key West
(305) 296-1504
KeyWest.Garden

Lightner Museum
St. Augustine
(904) 824-2874
LightnerMuseum.org

Mission Inn Resort & Club
Howey-in-the-Hills
(352) 324-3916
MissionInnResort.com

Shephard’s Beach Resort
Clearwater Beach
(800) 237-8477
Shephards.com

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Orlando
(407) 597-3622
HiltonBonnetCreek.com

Spectrum Resort Orlando
Kissimmee
(321) 888-3875
ResortsBySpectrum.com

Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Orlando
(407) 597-3622
WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Lake Buena Vista
(407) 934-1883
SwanDolphin.com/Weddings

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach
(727) 281-9500
WyndhamGrandClearwater.com