In Jess's example: If you're Catholic, then DUH! Saying Catholic vows lines up with what you believe in 100% and is a perfect choice for you. I'm not saying the Catholic vows aren't offbeat — I'm saying acting Catholic when you're not is disrespectful to both yourself and Catholicism. (This example is actually lifted from a bride I profiled in my book.)

We're arguing for the same thing here, ladies: more authenticity in making decisions for yourself and less blind following of what others expect you to do.

That said, I do think being thoughtful about your decisions IS better than not being thoughtful about them. So, in that way, I do think offbeat is "better." I've never said "offbeat = WACKY!!" It's a question of intent, folks. That's all.

I feel like I'm starting to repeat myself, so I'm going to close comments on this one.

There is no difference between an offbeat wedding and a traditional wedding in how personal it is to the couple.

Crazy this notion that offbeat is better!

There are lots of people out there who have traditional weddings that do the exact same thing!!! Its a wedding that is authentic to what they actually want. Hoe closed minded to think only offbeat weddings can be authentic to what you want and thats what makes them different to traditional weddings.

What if a bride really does WANT "what I'm supposed to do"? I think it's a little unfair to say that brides who do end up with cookie-cutterish weddings are only following trends or too much of a Bridezilla to stroll off the beaten path.

I agree with what someone said above that it's all about the couple genuinely expressing themselves. But that doesn't mean that said expression will be readily apparent.

Seems like so many people, like stated above, just give in and do the "traditional thing" because A) others want them to or B) "that's just what you do."

Almost makes it seem like doing tradition because you actually WANT to do a real tradition and take meaning from it…. Offbeat!