Some couples are opting for all-male bridesmaids (bridesguys?) or all-female groomsmen (groomsmaids?). Others go for a completely co-ed lineup, with a "best woman" taking her rightful place next to the groom's rowdy fraternity brothers.

Fashion-wise, the key to making it work is to avoid forcing a unified look. Instead, try matching bridesmens' pocket squares to bridesmaids' dresses, or pick a cohesive color palette for the entire party.

Trashing the Dress
Okay, here's one trend that'll either make you rejoice or recoil: Post-nuptials, brides lately are donning their wedding dresses to soak in ponds, roll in the sand, and splatter them with paint Pollock-style. Photographer Mark Eric's website, Trashthedress.com, documents the trend—which he says is more about relieving stress than destroying beautiful gowns.

Kayla, 18, says she "trashed" her dress in a pond because after all the wedding-day stress, she wanted to let go and get some fun pictures. And after seeing how outdated her mother's old dress looked, she decided to forgo the tradition of saving her gown for a future daughter.

"I paid $900 for it. Why just put it in a closet?" she says. And besides, brides say, it's another way to prove your commitment by declaring, "I'll never need this gown again."

The Bride Wore Green
From invitations to honeymoons, many couples are seeing green in an effort to make their weddings as earth-friendly as possible. With these options, you can have a wedding that's low-impact on the planet, but high-impact for your guests:

• Choose to create a gown out of organic materials (try Rawganique.com or Getconscious.com), or buy a vintage dress to wear as-is or alter for fit and style. (We like Preownedweddingdresses.com.)
• Arrange hybrid carpools for guests, or offset travel pollution (and ease your conscience) by donating money to planet-friendly organizations.
• Print invitations on recycled paper, decorate with fruits and greenery instead of flowers grown with pesticides, and seek out a caterer who serves locally grown organic food at the reception.
• Consult an environmentally friendly travel agent, like the Better World Club, when planning your honeymoon.
• Lastly, even the rings—those enduring symbols of love—can stay green. We suggest Greenkarat.com or Nodirtygold.org.

Tango's Take: Whether you break the rules or stick with tradition, make sure your day represents what you love.

Photo courtesy of Paul Johnson Photography.