Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part feature on Utah weddings in spring 2008. On April 21, FamilyLife will look at weddings on a budget.

It's about more than wearing flip-flops or decorating your gown with a brightly-colored sash.

Brides are being encouraged this spring to tune into their personality and be unique — even a little extravagantly so. Forget the all-white wedding gown and think champagne or ivory-colored with a vintage twist. Instead of a traditional reception hall, consider the lobby of a favorite office building or another architecturally beautiful place.

"We always tell brides to not be afraid to design their event around their personality," said Kate Burton with Utah-based BrideAccess.com. "You don't have to do what your parents did. You can do something that represents your personality."

Need help? Here's a mix of trendy and unique ideas for this spring and summer:

Nontraditional spaces — and food

Couples are thinking beyond the traditional church or reception hall and hosting their weddings at places as dramatic as Union Central in Los Angeles or Grand Central Station in New York, said Christa Vagnozzi, a senior editor at WeddingChannel.com.

"It's a great art deco backdrop and adds a sense of grandeur," she said. But if cost — or lack of a train station — is a consideration, other odd spaces may have the same effect.

Lorna Reid, owner of Design Elite in Layton, has seen weddings in the lobby of an office building or spacious loft. In the spring and summer, couples will get married at various outdoor locations, which is often a cost-saving move, she said.

"There's a million things you can choose to do," according to Reid. "Brides are taking something really inappropriate and doing something very cool."

As for food, Burton said she has seen couples ask a favorite restaurant to provide food for smaller sit-down gatherings. One Utah bride served burritos, salsa and salad from Cafe Rio at her reception. A couple could even go to a place such as Applebees and serve the restaurant's oriental chicken salad in a custom box or packaging, according to Burton.

If all else fails, consider traveling. Planners are seeing more and more couples that opt for so-called "destination weddings" that can offer a more intimate atmosphere to celebrate with family and friends. Las Vegas, San Diego and even Hawaii are some popular destinations for Utah brides.

Mermaid gowns with color