(ARA) - Wedding traditions can and do change. And, sometimes, traditions should change.
So says Peggy Post, the great-grand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post, today's leading authority on etiquette and the author of a dozen books. As 1-800-FLOWERS.COM's etiquette expert, Post provides enlightened solutions to weddings questions.
Here are a few established wedding traditions that have taken on a fresh twist in recent years:

Old: The bride's family pays for the wedding
New: Today, just 27 percent of weddings are paid for by the bride's family. Even a simple affair can have a significant cost, so it is not surprising that families attack this in different ways. The bride's family may pay. The couple themselves may pay, or the groom's family, the bride's family and the couple may share expenses. What's important is that the bride- and groom-to-be discuss the budget early to ensure a smooth path to the altar.

You know you want vibrant colors, beautiful accents and flowers that represent who you and your groom are. However, unless you have a particular flower in mind, choosing your wedding flowers can be a difficult challenge.
Some brides choose their wedding flowers by what they symbolize and also by what is in season when your wedding is taking place. Choose your wedding flowers carefully and take your time. Think about where you met, were there flowers that you think about and hold in your memory? Walk through public gardens; visualize the flowers you see in your wedding. Which ones stand out? Talk to friends who garden and ask their opinions as to what flowers would look great in your wedding. Or if you have decided on wedding colors, choose flowers that would accent and make these colors prominent.