Suggestions for places in/near Orlando?

[chantelle05]

We are going to Florida as a "destination" wedding in July 2011.

 

I'm a bit worried about the weather (hot/humid/bugs) in July in Orlando, especially for an outdoor ceremony and reception.

 

Can anyone recommend places in/near Orlando for:

1. A few nights at a beach resort that does ceremony and reception?

2. Place to stay in Orlando near Disney World?

 

Our plan for the wedding is to stay a week, do 3 nights at a resort somewhere and get married there and then do 4 nights in Orlando (go to Disney World/theme parks, maybe go to Miami). Any ideas for attractions in Orlando as well?

 

We need somewhere affordable (hoping to find a place for $50/person for food and drink but without open bar) that can hold 75 people.

 

Any help would be great... I'm super stressed!! Thanks!!

[DWBride615]

Hi,

 

I live about an hour outside of Orlando, but go to Orlando quite frequently. As a Florida native, I wouldn't mind helping you with any questions you have. Just PM anytime. =]

 

Just thought I'd add, Disney World is in Kississmee, not Orlando. It's closeby, but you still have a bit of traffic to get through to get there. Miami is about a 4 or 5 hour drive away from Orlando, maybe longer considering traffic.

 

First off, if you plan on marrying outdoors in Florida, DON'T do it in July!! Well, unless you plan on getting married in a bathing suit =/ Plus, you'll be sweating A LOT and I'm not sure how that'll turn out for pictures. I'd suggest May or August if you wanted the wedding around that time. June and July are good beach months, but a lot of the time the heat can get pretty suffocating so I wouldn't suggest it for a wedding.

 

I go to Disney World and that area quite often and get good deals. I can look around and send you what I find if you'd like. =]

 

Happy planning!

[hzak1203]

July is never good with the afternoon thunderstorms that pretty much happen daily:) West coast-Clearwater beach/St. Pete Beach may be better if you are looking for a sunset ceremony and they are only 1-1 1/2 hours from Orlando/Kissimmee. May/June are probably better as the hurricane season kicks up at the end of July/August/Sept. Good luck:)

[roxyqt]

July is a tough month for a outdoor ceremony in FL, the temps will be hot and rain/thunderstorms are likely, as well as this is during Hurricane Season (June 15 - November 15).  But if you can find a space that you love that is outdoors, just try to have the ceremony in the lastest part of the day that you can to help avoid the hottest part of the day . Make the ceremony short and sweet and maybe offer your guest lemonade or something cooling (hand-held fans) during the ceremony as well as sunblock, even being outside for a hour can leave you with a sunburn in July.  This will help keep them happy and cooler .   If you are looking for a beach wedding, the Tampa area would be where I would think would offer what you might be looking for.  I know the Disney Area pretty well and there are so many places to stay on all different types of budgets, even on Disney Property.  FI and I just vaca'd in Orlando and stayed at Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa, it was really nice and we found rooms under $90 a night.  They do have tons of ballroom space for indoor and outdoor weddings too  

Good Luck and keep us updated on your findings , I know all us Floridians would love to help .

[Svnoyi]

Wow, I guess I'm the only Orlando-area bride that had an outdoor wedding in July without any problems at all. Not even heat. I, personally, remember August being much hotter than July... every year.... after being in Florida for 18 years.... but that's just me, apparently.

 

Check out places just outside of the theme parks for the best deals. As far as venues, I can't recommend anything - we had a MUCH smaller wedding (18 people), so I can't help you there. Good luck and happy planning!

[MariaAngela0418]

To stay at a beach resort near Orland, there will be at least an hour and a half drive. I did a wedding (Photographer) at the Grand Bohemian Resort in Orlando. WOW...it is really artsy, bold, and rich looking. Very modern, not really sure what style you are leaning towards.

 

If you are looking at honeymooning in Disney, I know they have some great prices right now in terms of wedding packages...that might be something to look into...especially since you can probably get a deal if you are planning on spending your honeymoon there. Of course I would LOVE to be your photographer for a disney wedding! LOL. Just saying.

 

Hope this helps a little. I know of a couple of wedding vendors in that area as well (Florist, Makeup, Hair)...so if you need any recommendations let me know.

 

Thanks,

Maria Angela

(Maria Angela Photography)

 

maria@maria-angela.com

[KalikLove]

Dont's do an outdoor wedding in July, thats like having an outdoor wedding in the dead of winter up north, its just not a good time for you or your guests. Think of a place where it feels like the outdoors, like the Gaylord Palms, if you really want to go outdoors, the Bunea Vista Water Sports is beautiful, near disney and is budget friendly. Happy Planning!