Here's a look at the latest trends that are making memories:

Let your invites be the star of the show. Choose a design that will make a bold statement about the two of you and your wedding day -- think two-color fonts, envelopes lined in a bright color, or a funky wedding motif. Keep the focus on the invite design and colors; skip all the individual inserts -- simple tri-fold invites are in.

What's Out: Overstuffed envelopes. Even the most glamorous brides are eco-conscious and are choosing to nix the wasteful paper inserts; now they're directing guests to their wedding Web sites for all the extra info.

Find ways to add elements that reflect you as a couple. Mix and match colorful vases from an antique store or fill bold-patterned tea cans with flowers for your cocktail tables. For added wow, tent your ceiling with punchy fabric or hang a few vintage chandeliers in your space.

What's Out: The same vase and flowers at every table. It's all about an unexpected pop of style.

Signature cocktails have gotten bigger and better -- now, the entire bar has a theme. Think margarita stations, drink menus with four signature cocktails (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue), or wine-tasting tables.

What's Out: Vodka shot ice sculptures. Don't let your wedding turn into a frat party. If you want to serve shooters, make them wedding-worthy by dusting the shot glass rims with edible gold flakes and passing them around during the cocktail hour.

You may have a gorgeous wedding cake, but the dessert course is your chance to serve some old-time favorites and really impress. Opt for butler-served apple pie a la mode, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, or a rich chocolate mousse garnished with chocolate shavings. Then, to amp the wow factor, lay out an artisan cheese and Port wine buffet.

What's Out: Overlooking the dessert course. Cake is important, yes, but adding in something sweet at the end of the meal really packs a punch.

A wedding is no longer just a one-day celebration -- the event has turned into a weekend of gatherings for family and friends. Invite guests a day or two early and throw a welcome party (a clambake or cookout perhaps). After the reception, invite all your guests to an after-party with fireside s'mores. The next morning, plan a post-wedding brunch send-off.

What's Out: Having a "club-like" after-party. Wild and crazy after-parties don't suit today's couples, who are more likely to invite friends of all ages and backgrounds and want to keep the gathering more intimate and memorable.

Can't decide between a relaxing beach vacation or an active, adventurous one? You don't have to. Plan to do a little hopping while on your honeymoon. Use the interactive map on the honeymoon channel (TheKnot.com/honeymoon) and choose two or three destinations for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

What's Out: One-sided honeymoons that benefit either the bride or groom. This should be the trip-of-a-lifetime for both of you.

Planning a wedding is the ideal opportunity to show off your socially and environmentally conscious side. For decor, use potted plants as your centerpieces instead of pesticide-treated flowers. Reduce paper by directing guests to your wedding Web site and avoiding paper-packed invites. And, in terms of the menu, serve up in-season courses and hire a caterer that uses locally grown ingredients.

What's Out: Bridezillas who are stuck on themselves. Planning a wedding is the perfect place to exercise socially responsible decision-making.

Buy your veil and other extras online from a recent newlywed. TheKnot.com and thenest.com have partnered up to launch a one-stop shopping section, where brides can buy wedding goods from recently married couples. Check it out at TheKnot.com/trashtotreasure. It's perfect for the bride who decides to buy a new wedding gown because she doesn't like the original -- it happens ... a lot.

What's Out: The pack-rat bride. Do you really think your daughter will wear your gown, veil, accessories, shoes, and undergarments at her wedding?