DIFFERENT WAYS TO TIE THE KNOT
        While the tradition of matrimony has lasted centuries, the details of that tradition 
have enjoyed a lot of latitude. But like fashion, every look that once was, is again, and no 
one style is dominant. Traditional romantic weddings are still popular and, of course, the 
level of production depends on religious and class back- grounds. Yet, overall, protocol and 
etiquette have been sidelined. "We have to educate people on things such as receiving lines," Marcy Blum of The Bridal Group in New York, says. With some, this isn't even an option. Elise Shuman director of catering at the San Ysidro Ranch in California says they don't offerthem anymore. "There is still a lot of tradition at the ceremonies," Shuman says, but once the ceremony is over, tradition also ends. However, it is not  tradition being discarded as much as individuality is being asserted. For example, at one wedding, Shuman used metal sconces instead of vases for flowers that stood next to a gold and silver cake shaped like Rockefeller Center. Sometimes, individuality can go over the line. I ask brides for a wish book, of what they think is beautiful. Once I set the book. I know her inside and out in two minutes." Rob Smith Laurels Custom Florist, Los Angeles top. There have been wedding parties made up entirely of dogs, a wedding theme designed around the brides cats (who were not present) and a Night of the Living Dead cake These are just a few of the weddings that Vicki Gianonne of Los Angeles, has done to live up to the name of her company-Creative Weddings. If you're thinking "only in L.A.," think again. David Tutera of Designs By Masque in Port Chester, New York, has produced a wedding at which the bride arrived by canoe and the groom on horseback for a Southwestern style wedding (see page 30). But he's also done weddings with a less natural theme, such as an all neon wedding. "There are so many companies that do traditional so well. We are known for a more avant-garde approach," he says.Still, themed weddings are rare, while 
Victorian remains the norm. "There are more evening weddings, which contribute to a certain elegance and maintain the tradition of black and white as the primary colors," Joanie Freese of Event Resource and Design in San Rafael, California, says. Locale is also less traditional. Instead of a church, people are choosing mansions, private residences and hotels. And, resort weekend events are now in vogue. "These destination weddings are the hottest trend going," Blum says. "Twenty to thirty couples will go to the Caribbean for a weekend." They are so popular that Jamaica and Disneyworld now offer package deals for weddings. No matter where, how or when, the essential ceremony followed by a reception is not being questioned, and happy couples continue to tie the knot in their own style.