Two traditions that we have just make me scratch my head.

Let's start with weddings. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is over $26,000. Every year, 2 million to 3 million couples tie the knot; this breaks down to 6,300 weddings per day.Now if statistics hold true, 40 percent of these couples will divorce, many of them before they reach their eighth year together. So we spend all this money for a big party just because two people said yes to each other, but obviously have not proven their love to be enduring. Most newlyweds will never again look through their wedding albums, not know what to do with the bridal gowns, and forget to eat the rest of their wedding cakes that have been stored in freezers until their first anniversaries. Then consider that 900,000 of these couples will call it quits each year. Perhaps a small, inexpensive ceremony would be a better and safer choice.If we are going to have a party that actually celebrates a loving relationship, then let's do it for anniversaries. Honor marriages that have withstood time and test that set examples for young couples thinking of walking down the aisle.Richard and Mary Arambula of California just celebrated 70 years of marriage, prompting responses from 150 people that included handwritten notes from President Barack Obama and actor George Clooney. The couple also received a gift of a scarf sent by Joan Rivers just before her death. The Arambulas have four children and a full team roster of grandchildren, plus great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Now that's an achievement worthy of a celebration.Another ritual that appears to be changing is the funeral event. When my father died in 1970, we had a three-day "wake," complete with family and friends who had to wear black. Crying during prayer services was pretty much a given. My mother honored an Eastern Orthodox tradition of grieving for one full year, in which she was not to send Christmas cards, had to visit the grave site weekly, and continue to wear black when going out in public. "Black" widows were easy to spot in those days.A few years back, I paid respects to a man who whose body was dressed in Harley-Davidson motorcycle regalia rather than the customary black suit, which by the way, is an outfit that is seldom worn by men while they are alive. Two six-packs of Budweisers were placed into the man's casket, along with a bag of his favorite potato chips. Beers rather than tears would have made my mom cringe.Of course we still bury and cremate, but a new idea gaining popularity is the placement of body ashes inside a pendant to wear around a loved one's neck. I told my wife to go for the whole package. First fill the pendant. Then put my leftovers inside earrings to match. That way, I can forever be near to her heart and always close to her thoughts.My wife said she likes another emerging idea. She'd like her ashes placed inside a custom-designed diamond ring. Now that raises questions. How much would you have to pay for a 2 carat, one-body precious stone? Or, since my wife is already a gem, could you possibly get two for the price of one?Seriously, I think funerals for people who have lived long and gratifying lives should be celebrations rather than cryfests. Recently, Kathy Lee Gifford held a party to celebrate the life of her husband, Frank, who died last month. She invited only those people he adored. She played his favorite music by Frank Sinatra while everyone shared feel-good stories about Frank's life.Now I'm thinking about my "celebration of life." Play hard rock music from the late '60s inside a room filled with pictures of me catching largemouth bass. Show "Field of Dreams" on the DVD player. Throw in copies of "Huckleberry Finn" and "The Great Gatsby." Drink a few rum and Cokes.Come to think of it, why do I have to die to be the center of the festivities? Let's have the party next week.