The Top Ten Latest Trends in Weddings for 2004

Brides and grooms are redefining . traditional. weddings . and in 2004 more couples will be finding different ways to include a personal aspect into their weddings, explains Lisa Light, owner of Destination Bride in Chatham, NY.

. The major change in weddings is personalization and customization,. says Light. . Couples don. t want a cookie-cutter wedding. They want a celebration that shows off their style and imagination . and one that leaves a lasting impression on guests..

Light, also known as . The Wedding Anthropologist. due to her background in anthropology, and her passion for weddings around the world, has become an authority on destination, inter-faith and multi-cultural weddings.

She has appeared in several publications including Modern Bride and Hudson Valley Magazine, and has also done extensive TV and radio interviews on the topics of weddings and event planning. She is the founder and president of Lisa Light Ltd., an omni-media, special events company.

Light points to the newest ways couples are customizing their weddings:

1. Destination Weddings. . People today are not just looking at their hometowns anymore,. says Light. . They want a unique location . whether that means a castle in England, on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or a secluded hideaway in the Adirondack Mountains."

2. Unique Invitations. . Plain text is out. Couples are now hiring graphic designers to come up with an invitation that express their theme and personality,. she says.

3. Signature Drinks. . Instead of an entire open bar, budget-savvy and fun-loving couples are offering two or three signature drinks developed and named after them and members of their wedding party,. explains Light. . Another variation on this theme is to offer the bride. s and the groom. s favorite cocktails..

4. Candid Photos. . More and more couples are looking for a photographer who can tell the story of the day, instead of just posed portraits,. she says. . And a combination of black & white and color photographs will be the norm for 2003..

5. Color. . No more pastels,. says Light. . Bold, dramatic colors are in for bridesmaids dress, table dressings and decorations. Some brides will even be forgoing the tradition ivory or white and selecting a gown in red or blue.

6. Flavorful and Fun Cakes. . Many couples are . having their cake and eating it too,. by choosing a different flavor for every tier,. she says. . Some are using hundreds of cupcakes instead of a traditional cake, and others are choosing to offer a variety of desserts..

7. Nixing the Receiving Line. . Couples want to take the time to stop and chat with their guests, so many are just canceling the receiving line and mingling with their guests at the reception..

8. Kid-Friendly Options. . In order to accommodate parents and little ones, many brides will be offering onsite or offsite babysitting services for their guests,. says Light. . It. s one of the most appreciated services for parents..

9. Personalized Ceremonies and Vows. . More and more brides and grooms are looking for readings that are a reflection of who they are as a couple, rather than the traditional readings usually offered,. she says. . And often, they are writing their own vows . expressing the unique way they love their partners..

10. Wedding Websites. . Couples are using technology to their advantage by providing all their information on a wedding website,. says Light. . In addition to wedding details, many are including links to gift registries and online guest books, as well as information about how the couple met..