United Way

Ask both sets of parents to light a unity candle during the ceremony to signify the merging of the familes. Or, they can pour wine into a single glass, or pour colored sand into a vase.

Blue Note

For "something blue", try a blue-beaded anklet, blue toenail polish, a cobalt hair pin or your bridesmaids' autographs in blue ink on the bottom of your shoe.

Family Circle

Ask your siblings to stand by your side during your ceremony, regardless of their gender.

Festive Exchange

Sing each other's praises in New Orleans. Every spring, couples can exchange vows in the Gospel Tent at the city's famed Jazz Fest (nojazzfest.com).

Floral Necklace

Do as Thai couples do and wear your lucky charms: In this Asian country, the bride and groom don floral garlands for a fortuitous start to their marriage.

Heavy Metal

Get a lucky boost from metal: Italian grooms tuck pieces of iron in their pockets to help ward off evil, while English brides carry horseshoes (often adorned with ribbons and lace).

In Loving Memory

Honor a departed family member by inserting a small paragraph about him or her with a photograph in your ceremony program. Or read a commemorative poem.

In Your Own Words

Write your own vows to make your ceremony like no other. For inspiration, check out poems.com.

Glaring Problem

Sunset ceremonies are romantic―unless your guests are blinded by the glare. Face chairs away from the sun or have the ceremony under a shelter that blocks the rays.

Circle of Love

Make your ceremony more accessible to your guests by facing the crowd as you exchange your vows, or seating guests in a circle instead of traditional rows.

Tying the Knot

Not a fan of traditional vows? Have a handfasting ceremony in which couples are asked a series of questions, such as "Will you share each other's dreams?" At the end, a ribbon is placed over their clasped hands, symbolically binding them.

Cool Off

If you're marrying outdoors during a hot summer month, give guests pretty parasols to help keep them cool during the ceremony, or print programs on accordion-style fans.

Support System

Make your guests part of your ceremony by inviting them to share special thoughts of you and your fiancé or to show their support of your union with applause. Nothing will touch you and your groom's hearts more than watching (and hearing) your loved ones express their best wishes.

Walk the Line

Customize your aisle runner with crystals that match the beading on your wedding dress—or even a poem that you and your groom love.

Cultural Connection

How to honor two heritages at one event? Blend signature elements, like a chuppah inscribed with Spanish verse (if the bride is Jewish and the groom is Spanish).