Wedding traditions can and do change. And, sometimes, traditions should change.

So says Peggy Post, the great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post, today's leading authority on etiquette and the author of a dozen books.

Here are a few established wedding traditions that have taken on a fresh twist:

Old: The bride's family pays for the weddingNew: 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.

Old: There should be no more than six bridesmaids and six groomsmen.New: You can have as many or as few attendants as you want; there is no maximum and minimum. Even at a big, formal wedding, just one or two attendants on each side are acceptable. Because groomsmen/ushers have the responsibility of seating guests at the ceremony, the rule of thumb is one usher for every 50 guests, and it's fine to have more ushers than bridesmaids.

Old: The bridal bouquet must be white or, at the very least, subdued.New: Bouquets can be as beautiful and varied as the brides who carry them. Vibrant wildflowers, lavender roses that match the bridesmaids' dresses, the groom's favorite flower — all are acceptable and wonderful. Brides, however, should consider guests who might have allergies to certain flowers.

Old: The mother of the groom shouldn't choose her dress until the mother of the bride has chosen hers.New: Traditionally, the mother of the bride chooses her dress and then notifies the mother of the groom of its style and shade so that she can purchase a dress that complements but doesn't exactly match the bride's mother and attendants.Today, the mother of the groom should select an outfit that she feels beautiful and comfortable in and that is appropriate for the time of day and formality of the wedding. And if the bride's mom hasn't contacted the groom's mom, it is perfectly fine for mom o' the groom to initiate that phone call to discuss dress details.

Old: All guests should receive hand-written thank-you notes for their gifts.New: Sorry, there's no changing this one! All guests should receive hand-written thank-you notes for their gifts. Save the e-mails for lunch dates and business-related thank yous.