Unique wedding event ideas that strike the right balance between traditional and

Combining unique wedding event ideas with tradition – how to have your cake and eat it, too.

A funny paradox about weddings is that we all want unique wedding event ideas for the occasions surrounding the big day but at the same time...we want most of the elements to be the same. That's right. Weddings are among the most traditional things we do in life. And tradition, by definition, is a ritual repeated from generation to generation.

But there are countless ways to blend unique wedding event ideas into the occasions that surround your traditional wedding. And finding the balance between unique and traditional goes something like this.

First, KEEP THE TRADITIONS! They're what make weddings work.

Traditions are what make weddings a place where people, friends, and family that might not otherwise get along, bond together for a great day and night of fun. Since they can all relate to wedding traditions, they all have something in common, and they can all share in the joy of watching you go through your big day.

Traditions also help people adjust to your change of status. Watching you go through the rituals on your wedding day helps cement in their minds the fact that you are in a new role in the world.

Now, about those unique wedding event ideas...

Take elements of your traditional wedding and make them unique! For example, almost every ceremony has a wedding guest book. But there are unique wedding ideas for guest books that turn this traditional item into something that's fun for the guests and displayable for you.

Most weddings have an aisle runner. But why not have it embroidered with a special design, your names, a motif, or some other design that contributes to your theme?

We'll go through more specific unique wedding event ideas on our pages devoted to different themes or settings (outdoor, beach, etc.), but you get the idea. You don't have to go into uncharted territory to be unique. Some of the very best unique wedding ideas are simple twists to traditional items, tailoring them or customizing them in a way that makes your guests say, "Now that's a good idea!"