Yes, THE wedding is almost here! It's finally the week of the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. So we'll be doing a series of posts with things you can learn from the royal couple. First up, we'll look at traditions. It's been reported that William and Kate have been in charge of all aspects of their wedding day, unlike most royal weddings in the past.

Kate chose her wedding cake and its baker, reportedly a multi-tiered cake with cream and white frosting with scrollwork, leaves and flowers. The couple have also chosen the charities that will benefit from donations in lieu of gifts. And the choice to have the wedding in Westminster Abbey, a "small," intimate venue that only seats 1,800 was reportedly their choice as well.

So if William and Kate can break with family traditions, why can't other modern couples? Many brides and grooms find themselves torn between two families, two cultures, or two religions. But a wedding ceremony should truly reflect the couple getting married, and who they will become as a new family.

It's always best to try to incorporate little touches from each family, but there is no reason for the bride and groom to give in to every whim! Start early, 6-9 months before the wedding, by asking each set of parents (and grandparents, if that's important to you), what traditions they would like incorporated into the wedding day. Make a list, and then prioritize them. Be sure that equal priorities are given to each side of the family, and then begin exploring ways to include those traditions. If there is something you feel strongly about, be honest. But remember that in the end, it's YOUR wedding day!