| Today's weddings are less of an exercise in tradition | | | | make in a couple's new life together. |
| and archaic rituals, and more of a true expression of | | | | A Fresh Financial Start |
| the personalities, values, hopes and dreams of the | | | | Student loans and other debt can be a huge burden |
| bride and groom. This trend is reflected in every | | | | for a couple preparing to start their new married lives |
| aspect of the wedding planning, from the bride's choice | | | | together. A cash registry or an investment in a "fresh |
| of wedding dress and bridal themes, to the wedding | | | | start" for a new couple can help them pave their way |
| décor and wedding registry. | | | | to a brighter and more prosperous future together. |
| Gone are the days of a gift registry filled with | | | | This is a more contemporary spin on the traditional |
| old-fashioned items such as china, crystal and ornate | | | | wedding wishing well, and a very popular gift registry |
| linens that most likely will only be used on special | | | | trend. |
| occasions. A modern bridal registry is more likely to | | | | Pay it Forward |
| include wedding gifts that will fit the couple's current | | | | Many modern couples start their new lives together by |
| lifestyles and enhance their new journey together. | | | | paying it forward. Instead of asking for wedding gifts |
| Whether you're a "Platinum Weddings" bride, frugal | | | | for themselves, they ask guests to donate money |
| bride, bridezilla or laid back bride, there are lots of ways | | | | they would have spent on a gift registry items to a |
| to reflect your personality and dreams in your wedding | | | | nonprofit organization or worthy cause. Typically, |
| gift registry. Here are a few popular trends in wedding | | | | donations can be made by mail or by accessing a link |
| registry gifts, perfect for today's bride and groom: | | | | on the couple's wedding website. This year, many |
| Ticket to Paradise | | | | couples are likely to ask for donations to the Red |
| A honeymoon registry is one of the most popular | | | | Cross and other organizations that are helping to fund |
| wedding wishes for modern couples. Registry gifts can | | | | the relief efforts in Haiti. |
| range from an investment in the couple's dream to | | | | Gift of Lifelong Learning |
| backpack around Europe to a week of beachside | | | | A great way to keep your newlywed relationship |
| activities at one of the world's most luxurious resorts. | | | | fresh and exciting is by trying new things together, |
| Home Sweet Home | | | | which is why the gift of lifelong learning is a perfect |
| Why register for a bunch of 'stuff' to put into your | | | | addition to modern couple's gift registries. Anything |
| dream home when you can actually register for your | | | | from music classes, cooking classes (an especially |
| dream home? A down payment on a new home is | | | | ideal gift for a bridal shower registry) or even flying |
| not only one of the most popular wedding wishes | | | | lessons can bring excitement to a new marriage and |
| found on today's wedding registries, it's one of the | | | | help a couple continue to grow and strengthen their |
| most valuable investments family and friends can | | | | bond. |