In one aspect of the invention, the acoustic wave resonator includes a resonator structure having a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer, and a composite layered structure associated with the resonator structure such that the immunity of the acoustic wave resonator to environmental change and aging effects is improved, the trimming sensitivity is substantially minimized, and/or dispersion characteristics of the acoustic wave resonator is optimized.