As the next generation of brides and grooms begin to say “I do”, there is no denying that Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook on weddings. For this generation, it appears their big day isn’t about tradition or perfectly polished appearances, it’s about personality, authenticity, and a touch of whimsy. These couples are welcoming celebrations that feel unique to them, filled with playful details, bold choices, and a whole lot of heart.
High-low Food Combinations
Gone are the days when a wedding menu had to be stiff and formal. Gen Z couples are bringing a fresh approach to catering, blending luxury with nostalgia. Think champagne and sliders, or a classic cocktail hour followed by late-night woodfire pizza deliveries. This playful ‘high-low’ mix is about creating a food experience that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s indulgent, it’s fun, and it keeps everyone smiling from the first toast to the last dance.
Authentic Content Creators
While traditional photographers and videographers still play an important role, Gen Z couples are also hiring content creators to capture their wedding day. These aren’t just professionals with expensive cameras; these are storytellers who specialise in social-media-ready content. From candid Tik-Tok style clips to Instagram reels edited in real time, these creators capture the small, unfiltered moments that make a wedding day truly special, the subtle glances and behind-the-scenes chaos are all preserved in a way that feels real and intimate, in a way that is not just about documenting the wedding, but about reliving the day the way it felt.
Multiple Looks
Why settle for one dress when you can have three? Gen Z brides are embracing the idea that a wedding is not just a single outfit moment but an entire fashion story. Ceremony gowns often lean towards the timeless and romantic, while reception looks bring in playful, modern flair. Think short dresses for dancing, or chic separates. It’s not just about the fashion, either; it’s about expressing different sides of the bride’s personality, from elegant and graceful to bold and fun.
Photo-Ready Moments
Gen Z, more than any generation, understands the power of a photo-op. Beyond the professional photos, they are creating spaces for their guests to capture memories, too. Some weddings now feature beautifully curated backdrops or stylish retro photo booths. It’s a way of seeing this day isn’t just about watching, it’s about participating, celebrating, and documenting together.
Unique Venues
Forget ballrooms and halls, Gen Z is on the hunt for new venues that feel personal and unexpected. Think rooftop gardens, art galleries, rustic barns, industrial warehouses, or even backyards transformed into the perfect intimate space to say “I do.” The focus is on creating an atmosphere that reflects the couple’s story rather than ticking off tradition.
Unique venues create the opportunity for creativity, intimacy, and that “wow” factor guests won’t forget. It’s less about what is conventional and more about what feels right for the couple to start their new life together.
The Rise of Bridal Accessories
Dresses aren’t the only thing getting attention; accessories are taking centre stage too. Gen Z brides are experimenting with fashion-forward touches like neck scarves, bows, bubble hems, statement gloves, and even coloured shoes. These details add personality and make each look feel dynamic and unique to them. Accessories also allow brides to switch up their look without a full outfit change, as adding a dramatic veil or cape can completely transform a look.
Personality-Driven Celebrations
Perhaps the biggest change we are seeing is weddings that feel like an extension of the couple themselves. From custom cocktails named after inside jokes, childhood photos on tables, or quizzes about the couple, the day is less about impressing guests and more about sharing love in a way that feels real. It’s weddings that look less like Pinterest boards and more like personalities coming to life.
Laid-Back Love Stories
Gen Z weddings are romantic without being rigid. Formalities are giving way to laid-back vibes: cocktail-style receptions where guests mingle instead of sitting through assigned seating, and evenings that feel more like a garden party than a grand production. There’s an ease to it all, a focus on joy and togetherness rather than ticking off tradition. But, this doesn’t mean weddings feel casual; they still carry beauty and intention, but also a sense of relaxation that makes the celebration feel warm and welcoming.
A Celebration That Feels Like You
At the heart of it all, Gen Z weddings are shaping up to be about authenticity. They are about creating a day that isn’t perfect in the traditional sense but feels perfectly you. It’s oysters and fries and dancing in your second or third dress until dawn. It’s snapping photos with your friends squeezed in a photo booth, tears of joy during speeches at a rooftop reception, and a couple who is unafraid to celebrate their love on their own terms.
This new wave of weddings from Gen Z is proof that romance doesn’t come from tradition; it comes from being authentically yourself on your day.
