They are the iconic memories from weddings: The garter toss, the cake cutting. These are traditions. Like them or not, you’re likely to see many at any wedding you attend. But times have changed and some more modern, possible future traditions are becoming more and more popular. So when should you go the traditional route and when is an update A-okay?

Photo courtesy of Casey Fatchett Photography

1. Cake cutting

In my opinion, the formal cake cutting is key—minus the face-smashing, that is. One way to update this tradition that dates back decades is to have a private cake cutting with just you and the groom. Keeping it between the two of you is not the norm, but pretty much the entire day is shared with family and friends and it could be a sweet way to get some one-on-one time.

Photo courtesy of K and K Photography

Thomas and Patricia were married on Halloween with a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. The Burtonesque details certainly added to the spook factor of their Halloween wedding! After the ceremony, the couple and their bridal party headed to a cemetery for some photos. What do you think—cool or creepy (or both!)?

Click below to view all photos from this wedding:

Photos by Jessica Frey Photography

Your wedding may be many months away, but there’s no better time than the present to round up the best little beauty gifts of the year for your bridesmaids. That’s because it’s already “holiday” season in retail-speak (roughly October until early January or when items sell out, whichever comes first). Here, some of our favorite beauty booty:

Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio

Mini Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments in three universally flattering shades: Sugar Passion (a vibrant red), Sugar Honey (tawny nude) and Sugar Plum (warm plum). $28 (a $34 value) exclusively at Sephora and sephora.com.

Tweezerman Luxe Edition Mini Crystal Brow Kit

I grew up in a home where my parents’ goal was to raise my two sisters (Lisa and Laura) and me to be the epitome of best friends. Those of you with children or siblings of your own know full well that this isn’t always an easy task.

At a Halloween-themed wedding, a candy buffet is practically a given. But that doesn't mean your wedding cake has to take a back seat! Check out these amazing cakes from our favorite Halloween weddings.

       Photo Credit: Ace Photography

Casey Fatchett is a New York City-based photographer with more than 10 years experience photographing weddings. He also recently went through the wedding planning process himself (congrats!), giving him a unique perspective on the wedding industry from both sides of the fence. Here, Casey discusses why you'll save money by booking your vendors early.

So, in case I haven't mentioned it, I have a lot of friends getting married next year… and they all come to me for advice, since I'm in the wedding business (and I'm happy to give my advice!). My number one tip for couples getting married: Don’t wait to book your vendors!

       Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography