My Fiance and I Are Very Nontraditional. How Can We Make Our Wedding Different?

There several ways you can make your wedding more memorable without crossing any boundaries, says WeddingChannel.com editor Christa Vagnozzi. "Although couples may think they're bucking tradition, they're actually collectively creating new wedding rules."

THE NEW TRADITIONS
RULE 1: GENDER-BENDING THE BRIDAL PARTY
Man of honor or best woman? An overwhelming 63% of WeddingChannel.com brides would ask their best friend to be a bridesman or man of honor if they were a guy. While there are no rules regarding attire, Kleinfeld Bridal co-owner and WeddingChannel.com fashion expert Mara Urshel suggests you play it safe but chic.
"When it comes to what to wear, a bridesman should wear a tie, pocket kerchief, and boutonniere to match the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. As for the groomswoman, it's best if she wears the same color as the bridesmaids, but not the same dress nor the same flowers."
Are you all for having a bridesman or male of honor in your wedding? Sound off!
RULE 2: FRIENDLY OFFICIATE
Another growing trend is asking someone other than a clergyman to officiate your wedding. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 59% of couples would be interested in having a friend or family member officiate. The process is fairly simple: A friend or family member registers online, they pay a fee (which ranges between $15-40), and an official certificate is mailed out to them.
"Make sure whoever you choose to officiate your wedding understands the style of the ceremony, their responsibilities, and is up to the challenge," advises Yifat Oren, WeddingChannel.com style expert and wedding planner to the stars. "An ideal officiate is not only someone who is important to the bride and groom, but is articulate and capable of handling such an important event. Couples should offer to help write the ceremony content to ensure there won’t be any last-minute surprises."
Is having a close friend officiate your wedding straying too far from tradition for you? Sound off!!
RULE 3: THE NAME GAME
Torn as to whether or not you should take your future husband's last name? Over 12% of WeddingChannel.com brides say they're keeping their own while 3% insist they're open to blending both their last name with their groom's. If you're not sure how that sounds you can test it out with the WeddingChannel.com's Name Game Tool (www.weddingchannel.com/thenamegame.html).
Are you taking his last name? Sound off!
RULE 4: ALTERNATIVE REGISTRIES
Already have a food processor and a crock pot? Many couples are opting to create wedding registries for their honeymoon or favorite charitable causes. When registering on WeddingChannel.com you have the option of starting a charitable registry in your name for organizations like the ASPCA or the Red Cross. Your wedding guests can then make donations in your name to your charity of choice. You can also create the ultimate honeymoon registry with the help of companies like Cloud 9 or Traveler's Joy. Couples can register for everything from horseback riding lessons to spa treatment -- just keep in mind not everyone might be comfortable with your alternative registry choices. WeddingChannel.com editors suggest that you do create one normal registry to placate your traditional wedding guests.
Are you planning an alternative registry? Sound off!

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Q. Are there alternatives to traditional registries?