12 Things to Expect From Gen Z Weddings
While a new generation of couples starts planning their weddings, it’s obvious that Gen Z is upending the rules. And rather than following the lead of previous generations, these twentysomethings are reinterpreting every element, from the design to the guest experience. Raised online, their weddings are shaped by TikTok and Instagram, and express a desire for authenticity, creativity and moments of meaning.
We caught up with these wedding insiders from Gen Z to learn about what you can expect as this generation steps into the limelight of the wedding world.
Personal Expression Takes Center Stage
Gen Z couples long for weddings that are a reflection of who they are, not cookie-cutter celebrations. From flowers to food to attire, it’s all about showing what sets them apart like their style, their personality, or their story as a couple. More and more are wondering: “What is it that makes this day truly our own?”
Bold, Statement-Making Florals
Instead of relying on the standard flowers, Gen Z is drawn to bold, attention-grabbing arrangements with unexpected flowers like anthuriums or fun add-ins such as fruit. They won’t hesitate to forgo the small touches of flowers in favor of dramatic displays.
Everything Custom and Branded
The Instagram generation has stumbled upon personal branding in the wedding space. Think everything from monogrammed cocktail napkins to personalized ice cubes. Every detail, no matter how small, is an opportunity to reflect who the couple are.
Greater Awareness of Photography Styles
They know what they want Gen Z couples are photography-savvy and they know exactly what they want, be it candid documentary-style snaps or editorial fashion-inspired shots, as well as the desire for a digital-and-film combination. Thanks to social media, they know better and are pickier than ever.
A Sharp Dividing Line Between Old and New
The gap between traditional and untraditional weddings is growing. Some Gen Z couples are all in on classic elegance, while others are totally nontraditional — and not many are falling between the extremes.
Hyper-Specific Niche Themes
Nothing is too niche for a Gen Z wedding, from movie-inspired aesthetics to astrology-driven themes. This current generation is so steeped in online micro-communities that they’re bringing that same specificity to their big day.
Alternatives to Alcohol
The bar scene is changing. Mocktails, wellness-minded options, even cannabis: It seems that anything but alcohol is on the menu. Though Gen Z couples still serve alcohol, they are also prioritizing mindful choices.
Prioritizing Guest Experience
Gen Z cares about bringing their guests something special. Think destination wedding weekends, weekends filled with adventure or even themed weekends that are all about what the couple loves. It's about creating memories for all time.
Fast-Tracked Photo Sharing
Ain’t nobody got time for patience when it comes to wedding pics. For Gen Z, next-day social media content is a priority, for which they frequently hire dedicated wedding content creators to capture and produce shareable moments on the spot.
Sustainability Matters
Eco-consciousness is a major priority. Couples are opting for eco-friendly elements — from locally sourced flowers and farm-to-table menus to reusable decor and carbon-neutral venues.
Trust in Creative Vendors
Unlike previous generations who wanted to micromanage every detail, Gen Z couples are much more willing to grant creative control to their vendors. They understand the importance of originality and want to rely on experts to uncover new concepts.
Unique, Unconventional Venues
Country clubs are out, and surprising venues are in: rooftops, favorite restaurants, city parks, beaches and even family backyards are the new “venues” du jour. Anything goes, as long as it resonates with the couple.
With their cool ideas, digital fluency and obsession with personalization, Gen Z is reinventing the wedding industry, and giving it all a shake to make it feel more fresh, fun and of-the-moment than ever before.
