Alternatives to Traditional Weddings

My father married my ex-boyfriend and his wife. No polygamy here, folks, sorry. He's an ordained minister, and has the authority by the State of Hawaii to legally marry folk.

If you don't want to have to go to a church, there are other options for celebrating that special day.

And I'm not talking about walking down the romantic aisle of a skuzzy courtroom, with the robotic court-appointed signature-checker to legalize your union.

Wouldn't you rather get hitched on a beach in Hawaii? A private yacht in the Caribbean? An airplane flying over the mists of Machu Picchu? The possibilities are endless, and so why not get creative where most Americans follow the cattle call of courtship?

While you do have to have the paperwork in order to be recognized by the State, you do not have to follow the flogged path of church ceremony to tie the knot.

Especially today, when so many people follow different belief systems, it can be hard to agree on what kind of faction you and your future spouse will become "official" in. And why abide by the ancient vows written by others when you can recite something from the heart?

Writing your own vows is the first step in creating your own unique wedding ceremony. It means so much more to have your other half swear by something meaningful, than by the scripts used by old, aged priests for centuries. Priests that, by the way, do not necessarily hold women as equal in the union ("Man and wife"). This is your day; own it, don't buy it from someone else.

The Green Wedding Movement is something that had been gaining stride with the popularity of eco-awareness. Some websites to check out for such ceremonies are: greatgreenwedding.com, and ecoparti.com.

Further along this motif, many people are opting out of traditional diamond bands for something a little friendlier: conflict-free diamonds and other gem stones. Diamonds are one of the most common gemstones on the planet, yet have somehow come to mean something very unique and special. But if everyone has one, then it's not too unique, is it?

Maybe a platinum band or even a cubic zirconia will make an appearance on your special day. Or if you're the rebellious type (and are REALLY sure you mean commitment), you can tattoo a design the two of you made on your ring fingers.

When you pick out your wedding attire, perhaps you're not too keen on the white dress that costs more than your mortgage and gets used only once. Pick out something different from a local boutique so that you and your loved one have something you can really remember (Picture it; "Ah, honey, I loved those purple bell-bottoms you wore to our ceremony").

Before the big day, you might want to have a celebration. While "men-only" bachelor parties and "women only" affairs have been typical in the past, they aren't the most conducive to many people. A bachelor party gone awry is no way to start a loving, and life-long commitment to someone you are supposed to be honest and open with.

Instead, opt for something that is inclusive to those you love, rather than exclusive and potentially shady. Host a get-together for her friends and his friends, and hire entertainment for all (male and female strippers, if you so desire). This prevents the secretive nature of these pre-marital parties that often get in the way of mutually respectful unions. Not to mention, wouldn't you want to share a night of naughty fun with your significant other? This will only make the bond stronger.

If you're thinking of making it "official" with that special someone, consider making it truly special. This will make it a day to remember.