Ellington

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue just might be out the door as brides and grooms want their special day infused with creativity and personality. Couples pull their cultural trends into their weddings these days, aiming to make their special day exactly how they want it to be.

Below are alternative wedding ideas that are popular today, according to wedding expert Cara Davis, author of "Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot" (Charisma Media, 2006, $11.99).

Green weddings are definitely on the rise. Eco-friendly weddings might include local catering and seed-lined wedding invitations that guests can plant for future use. Couples are now buying wooden rings, and bargain and consignment shop finds, including furniture.

Cultural themes are infused into weddings today. Couples are creatively weaving in trends from pop culture, such as food-cart fare; Chinese lanterns, sushi; or using vintage board games such as Monopoly pieces in the bouquet or Scrabble tiles for signs.

The look of the wedding is personalized to taste. The structure of the wedding is the same, but times, seating and furniture are different. Couples add furniture that varies in shapes and colors to their ceremony and reception. Guests' gifts are personalized; couples are now offering photo-booth picture strips.

Nontraditional desserts find their way into weddings. Instead of the usual tiered wedding cake, brides and grooms use cupcake tiers, square mini-cakes or even a lavish dessert buffet featuring macaroons, cake pops and brightly coordinated candy.

Color-blocking is a fun and bright way to liven up your special day. Brides and bridesmaids wear non-matching but coordinated color combinations. Stripes and adding gray to the color palette are also in.