wedding ceremony

I worked at a country club for two Summers in college, and I became totally immune to the specialness of weddings. They all began to seem the same! Those that stood out abandoned status quo and personalized the event in some way, even if it was just incorporating traditions from other cultures.

That desire to stand out has made several traditions seem way too staid, stuffy, and impersonal. Now we pick and choose our traditions, forcing some to disappear while allowing others to have their moment. See what traditions are more popular today than they were in the '60s below.

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. Here Colin touches on the importance of the aisle at your wedding ceremony.

The white aisle runner rolled out just before the ceremony begins is an elegant statement, and when rolled by attendants as the music plays, lends an element of drama to the commencement of your ceremony. There are other options that make a personal statement as well; some of my favorite ideas embellish the rolled-out aisle runner, and others are a complete departure. Which one is right for you is a personal choice. It all depends on the overall look and feel of your ceremony and the level of formality that fits.

For Colin's elaborate aisle advice, keep reading.

Just about anyone can officiate a wedding. Survivor host, Jeff Probst, conducted Jenna Fischer's wedding earlier this month, and, as a layman officiate, he probably followed this very process.

Getting the certificate is easy. The most common place to get ordained for free is the Universal Life Church. It may be better known for its website than its church, but it's legal and official nonetheless. Fill it out and send it in, and in two weeks you'll receive a credential to perform weddings, baptisms, and funerals as well as the ability to absolve others of their sins. Am I serious? Technically, yes.

When it comes to weddings, there is a separation of church and state in the US. And the real stickler is the state. Contact the county clerk or the local government agency (usually the Department of Health or a marriage bureau) that issues marriage certificates in the city or county where you are to perform the ceremony. Learn what questions to ask below.