Modern Marriages

By Lisa McLaughlin, Desa Philadelphia

Weddings aren't what they used to be. For one thing, nearly 26% of proposals these days are made in November and December. Today's couples are older, more established and more likely to pay for their own nuptials. In The New American Wedding (Viking; 256 pages), Diane Meier Delaney describes new ways brides and grooms are finding to tie the knot with a personal twist.

CAKE TOPPERS Youtopthecake.com models its keepsakes on your pictures; www.weddingate.com customizes for same-sex and interracial couples; mycaketopper.com offers classy caricatures

INVENTIVE INVITES Make your own, and you'll save some money. For ideas and materials, check out invitesite.com or paper-source.com

MAIL-ORDER DRESSES Wish you could just order a wedding gown from your favorite catalog? J. Crew has a collection of simple and sophisticated dresses for brides and bridesmaids, from $195 to $1,800