Juicy Couture, Anastasia Drigo
If there is one thing Gen Z is good at, it's breaking away from tradition. That extends to the wedding world, where this digitally native, value-driven generation is rewriting tradition in favor of intentionality, flexibility, and (unsurprisingly) shareability. Whether or not it's due to a more limited budget, one thing stands clear: the digital generation wants authenticity, even when it comes to saying "I do." From skipping bridal parties to hiring content creators, Gen Z couples are proving that the best wedding is one that reflects who they actually are, and not one that follow the rules. Below, we unpack the biggest trends this upcoming generation is bringing to the altar.
Nous Nous Photo, Sophie Barbour
Micro-Weddings with
Major Intention
Gone are the days of 200-guest weddings. Gen Z is leaning hard into micro-weddings, a very intimate celebration with only about 10-50 guests. While budget constraints (student loans, rising rent, and stagnant salaries, just to name a few) may be part of the decision, many couples are prioritizing connection over spectacle. For some, it’s about creating a warm, familial atmosphere, and for others, it’s about ditching outdated traditions in favor of a celebration that actually feels like them, surrounded by just their closest loved ones.
Choosing Civil Ceremonies
Whether as a prelude to a larger celebration or a stand-alone elopement, city hall weddings are popping up across our feeds. For some, it’s a low-pressure way to make it official while still leaving room for a party before or after. For others, it’s a stylish, budget-friendly alternative that still delivers on photo ops (subway rides to the courthouse included). Either way, civil ceremonies embody the effortlessly cool, nonchalant energy that Gen Z brings to the table.
Hiring Content Creators
In addition to—or sometimes in place of—traditional videographers, Gen Z couples are bringing in dedicated wedding content creators. This emerging role in the industry is designed to capture the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes moments as they happen: spontaneous, vertical, and TikTok-ready. Many deliver edited reels within hours or overnight, making it easy to share the day across stories, feeds, and group chats before the night is even over. It’s less about cinematic perfection, and more about preserving the energy and authenticity of the celebration—exactly as it felt.
Curating a Wedding Wardrobe
Multiple outfit changes—aka the wedding wardrobe—are quickly becoming the norm, with Gen Z couples switching things up between the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dance floor. Some opt for comfort, choosing to swap out their gown for a bridal mini, while for others it’s about making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime excuse to wear truly extraordinary pieces. With capes, separates, gloves, and other endless accessories that go far beyond the gown and veil, a wedding wardrobe offers endless ways to personalize each moment of the day.
Jessica Gwenyth, Alex Davidson
Using AI to Plan the Day
Why stress when ChatGPT can help with quite literally everything? From generating event design inspiration to sourcing local florists, AI is becoming a helpful and budget-friendly tool for Gen Z couples navigating the wedding planning process. Some are even asking AI to help them narrow down their guest lists, craft timelines, or design seating charts. ChatGPT and other AI models offer endless points of assistance, freeing up time for the parts of planning they actually enjoy.
Katsman Studio, Details Decided
Shopping Second-Hand & Vintage
Sustainability matters to the next generation, and that extends to what they wear. Gen Z brides and grooms are increasingly embracing second-hand finds from vintage rings to reworked dresses and heirloom accessories. Not only is it a meaningful way to reduce waste, but it also allows couples to wear pieces with a story, all while sidestepping the markup of traditional retailers. With curated vintage shops and resale platforms just a click away, the chicest pre-loved looks have never been more accessible.
Ditching the Bridal
& Groom Parties
More Gen Z couples are choosing to forgo bridesmaids and groomsmen entirely. Instead, friends are invited as guests or given meaningful roles that feel more natural, like delivering a toast or helping with a special reading. It’s a conscious move away from the pageantry and politics of bridal parties, and toward a celebration that feels more relaxed and real. It’s also about savoring the intimacy of the moment itself, sharing the fleeting moments at the altar with no one but their partner.
Haute Weddings, Kindred Weddings
Making Time for Tiktok
Yes the day is about love, but for Gen Z, it's also for making content. Gen Z couples are carving out time in their timelines for fun, unfiltered TikTok moments that capture a different energy than traditional photography and videography. The result is authentic, iPhone content that serves as a digital scrapbook they'll actually enjoy looking back on. The goal isn’t necessarily to go viral, but to do what Gen Z does best: document and share the story of life’s most meaningful moments—wedding day included.
Multi-Day, Festival-Style Weddings
Multi-day weddings and full wedding weekends have surged in popularity, and for Gen Z, they’re quickly becoming a must. A single ceremony and dinner reception just doesn’t feel like enough for couples who want to truly cherish time with their favorite people. Or perhaps, it’s also a question of value: if they’re already investing in a celebration, why not stretch it out and make it unforgettable? The result often resembles a boutique music festival, complete with curated welcome events, poolside parties, themed tennis matches, and morning-after recoveries.
Digital Save-the-Dates
Paper? Please. Digital save-the-dates are the new standard for Gen Z couples who want to reduce waste, move faster, and streamline RSVPs. With numerous platforms or even custom websites, sending updates, collecting addresses, and tracking meals has never been easier (or more environmentally friendly). Plus, couples can easily change the date or location with a few clicks, no reprints required.
