From Spectacular Intimate Weddings to Extravagant Welcome Receptions and After-Parties, Four Seasons Resort Orlando Event Experts Share the Hottest Wedding Trends

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is ready to dazzle couples saying “I Do” in 2024. The Resort, home to weddings on the intimate scale to the very grand, is known for hosting exceptional ceremonies and receptions with phenomenal cuisine, signature guest service, and the Resort’s stunning lakeside woodlands as the backdrop.  Read on for the top four wedding trends experienced by the Resort’s talented team of catering and events professionals:

1. Immersive experiences: Every event at Four Seasons Resort Orlando is personalized and tailored to the couple, with each detail curated to emanate the essence of those being celebrated. “Couples want to take guests on a journey of their love story, showing what bonds them and why they are sharing this day with the world,” says Laure Hitzig Clavette, Director of Catering. Clavette’s expertise is getting to know her clients on a personal level, allowing her to design each moment of their special day with the utmost intention and customization. “I am passionate about finding out what makes a couple tick,” notes Clavette. “From the designers they follow to their favourite vacation spot, to their pet peeves and the first drink they shared, or even their go-to Tuesday night restaurant of choice.” Clavette emphasizes that the small details and personalized touches are what create the vibe couples envision. “We can get really creative with integrating a theme across all aspects of the event and turning up colour tones, playing a specific style of music, offering signature welcome drinks, custom food stations, décor, and even dress code to match, with everything from the ceiling treatment and LED projections to the choice of garnishes for craft cocktails being customized,” says Clavette. A prime example is a “neon jungle safari” welcome party hosted on the Resort’s Lady Palm and King Meadow Lawns for a bride and groom who bonded over their travels together across the African continent. The setup included chic lounge areas with animal print accents, vibrant coloured tablecloths with intricate print patterns, stunning centrepieces showcasing lush palm fronds and jungle-themed florals, and a curated dinner menu infusing elements of traditional African cuisine. These custom details are what makes each event so memorable at Four Seasons, with experts designing a unique, immersive atmosphere from start to finish.

2. Over-the-top intimate weddings: Swapping expansive guest lists with elaborate celebrations is a trend that is here to stay, according to Christina Borr, Catering Sales Manager. Couples are sparing no expense when it comes to intimate weddings, with an emphasis on attention to detail and event space transformation, while creating a sense of togetherness with those closest to them. “With intimate weddings, our ability to customize is heightened,” says Borr. “We can name tables after locations they have lived or travelled together, offer special foods inspired by where they grew up or their favourite place to eat, and truly share their story with those who matter most to them.” For those who wish to infuse a touch of magic, Disney Celebrations and Events is available to assist Four Seasons clients with arranging guest appearances by Mickey Mouse and other beloved characters. Plus, the Resort serves as an unparalleled destination for those who opt to turn their honeymoon into a vacation with their newly extended family by enjoying post-wedding activities together. With a private five-acre (two hectare) water park, complimentary kids club, adult-only pool and convenient access to the nearby Walt Disney World Theme Parks, couples can continue the excitement and create even more memories with their closest friends and family.

3. Unique after-parties: In addition to exciting welcome receptions, the after-party has become an increasingly popular focus, providing another outlet for couples and guests to let loose and enjoy creative and captivating festivities. "We see a lot of couples get really out-of-the-box with playful after-party themes,” says Maile Suganuma, Catering Sales Manager. “From having guests change into monogrammed pajamas and slippers to unique concepts such as carnivals, karaoke and comedy clubs, the after-party is a great way to break the mold and bring new elements of delight that raise the excitement level.” Interactive activities can include everything from cigar-rolling stations to yard games, and custom food enhancements such as build-your-own gelato sundae bars or “Happily Ever After Meal” slider stations.

4. Wedding weekend festivities: While intimate rehearsal dinners for immediate family and friends are still quite popular, many are opting to expand beyond tradition with an all-encompassing wedding weekend event, allowing their guests to experience the Resort as a destination and build excitement for the special day. The Resort offers many versatile venue options and amenities that can be utilized at different points throughout the weekend, including the Grand and Palm Ballrooms, immaculately manicured event lawns, six incredible restaurants that can be bought out, and amazing recreation facilities. “An exciting event to kick off the wedding is an excellent way to set the tone for the weekend and what’s to come,” says Hannah Turnbull, Catering Sales Manager. “Couples are taking the opportunity to have fun with more unconventional celebration concepts and really taking advantage of everything their guests can enjoy at the Resort,” notes Turnbull. The wedding party can hit the greens on the Resort’s 18-hole championship golf course or luxuriate at The Spa & Salon, followed by a luncheon at the Michelin-recommended Ravello restaurant. Plancha, a pristine lakefront restaurant at the Resort’s golf clubhouse, serves as the perfect location for a rehearsal dinner on the al fresco terrace or in the expansive private dining room, while the Michelin-starred Capa Steakhouse provides breath-taking rooftop views overlooking 26 acres (11 hectares) of lush Florida woodlands where guests can indulge in a farewell brunch and take in the stunning Orlando scenery. “The options are endless to offer a truly customized celebration in a variety of unique settings and create unforgettable memories for the couple and their loved ones,” says Turnbull.

For more information about weddings at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, click here.