Gen Z Wedding Trends  |  Gen Z Wedding Ideas & Details

How Gen Z Brides Are Changing Up the Wedding Trends

The world is changing and so are weddings -- Gen Z brides are breaking up with old wedding traditions and embracing new trends. No matter what your age, we can all learn something from how the next generation is innovating the wedding industry. Below are some new ideas, re-embraced traditions, and up-and-coming trends for your wedding!

Gen Z Is Choosing Smaller, More Intimate Weddings Over Grandiose Events

Upcoming brides would rather focus on the people who mean the most to them than inviting everyone they’ve ever known. Not only is this a way to reduce wedding stress but it’s also much more practical with modern prices. Gen Z couples are inviting those closest to them and not feeling bad about a smaller guest list. This also allows them to feel more connected to their guests and less crowded and overwhelmed on their big day.

Buttercup Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses | @okcrowe

Gen Z Wants To Capture Authenticity As Opposed to Millennials Who Sought Out Perfection

Documentary-style photography, all-day videography, film-and-flash photography, and disposable cameras are all becoming must-haves for weddings. Why? New brides are looking to embrace the chaos and document the fun of their weddings. Plus, who really wants 30 photos of everyone just standing still together?

Gen Z Is Making Their Weddings Feel Authentic & Personalized to Them

Your wedding will be all over your social media and you don’t want it to look exactly like everyone else’s. Focusing on personal details and not worrying about following generic traditions can help you stand out from the crowd. Gen Z is opting for details that showcase their relationship and choosing personal preference over aesthetic.

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @ashergardner_

Choosing Unique Locations (Backyards, House Rentals) Over Typical Wedding Venues

The traditional all inclusive wedding venue is convenient but comes with a hefty price tag. Gen Z is okay with choosing venues off the beaten path. A more laid back option like a large backyard, vacation home, or summer camp can save you money and create a more fun atmosphere. Not to mention, a creative venue provides more interesting photo backdrops.

Buttercup Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses | @okcrowe

Gen Z Is Getting All Their Unique Ideas From Wedding TikTok

TikTok is the newest way to get wedding inspiration. This platform is full of quick videos and easy to search for everything, including wedding ideas. All the latest trends and ideas are easily swipeable and hashtagged for convenience. Even if you’ve never used it, we recommend taking a page out of Gen Z’s book and searching for wedding ideas on TikTok.

Gen Z Couples Are Skipping Past Tradition & Formalities They Don’t Personally Like

Many of our wedding traditions are outdated and who better to point it out than the youngest group getting married. Some ways Gen Z is shaking up wedding tradition are by eliminating public cake cutting (opting for private moment), less dances, no grand entrances/exits, and no longer doing bouquet toss/garter. Feel free to cut out old traditions that are uncomfortable, stressful, or unnecessary. 

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @ashergardner_

Mixed Gender Wedding Parties Are Becoming More Common

Gender norms are going out of style and so are gendered wedding parties. If the bride’s best friend is a man why can’t he be a bridesman? If the groom’s sister is his biggest supporter, why can’t she be his best woman? We recommend you have your best friends/siblings stand on your side regardless of gender - and entirely based on who loves and supports you most. 

Content Is Switching to Documentary Style Photos & DIY Videos

Posed photos are nice on occasion but do 10 different shots of all your friends standing in a line really capture the memory of your wedding? The latest trend in wedding photography is photos that are less posed and focused on capturing the day real-time. Real documentary-style photography is an art that requires a talented photographer so make sure to shop around and expect to pay accordingly. You could also buy a cheap video camcorder from Amazon and having close family/friends help! 

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @ashergardner_

Florals & Bouquets Are Becoming Minimized (Because They’re Expensive & Unnecessary)

Wedding floral arrangements can be extremely expensive and they’re also really unnecessary. There are plenty of ways to decorate your wedding space without having to hire a florist to curate and arrange fresh in-season flowers. Consider buying your own flowers from a local farmer’s market or Trader Joe’s and creating your own arrangements. You could also opt out of florals entirely with other types of decor like vintage books, antique vases, or natural wood elements.

Gen Z Wedding Details We’re Loving

The overall vibe of your wedding is built piece by piece with memorable details. As you search for inspiration, take note of little details you love and try to incorporate them into your big day. Below are a ton of fun and new wedding ideas we love.

1) Personalized Wedding Newspapers

Wedding Newspaper Program Template

Generic wedding programs are out -- let’s get creative. A wedding newspaper can fit all the important info you want to give your guests plus cute notes about your love story, a crossword puzzle, and cute black and white photos.

2) Interactive Elements for the Wedding Guests to Enjoy

Custom Wedding Crossword Puzzle

Your wedding is an all day event, providing a small activity like a crossword puzzle, is an easy way to keep guests entertained. Plus, this helps guests who may not know many other guests engage with each other and feel more connected.

3) Custom Wedding Matchboxes

Custom Matchbook Wedding Favors

Expensive and wasteful wedding favors are out -- simple and useful ones are in. Personalized matchbooks are the perfect way to thank your guests and can be custom designed to match your wedding theme.

4) Colorful & Retro-Fun Weddings

Asher in Yellow Satin | Luca in Buttercup Chiffon | @radiantphotographysd

Lean into your favorite colors and feel free to go bold with your wedding color scheme. Have your bridesmaids dress in different coordinating bridesmaid dress colors, patterns, and/or fabrics to create whimsical variety in your wedding photos.

5) Sticking With a Wedding Theme

Simple Italian Theme Wedding Table Numbers

A theme is an easy way to make sure everything at your wedding looks consistently styled. Something like a mediterranean theme is easy to pull off with lots of simple greenery, lemons, and pops of blue patterns.

6) Prioritizing Sustainability At Their Weddings

Custom Cork Coaster Wedding Favors

A wedding ceremony is a promise for the future and so is sustainability. Consider the environment when you choose your wedding favors, decor, and invitations. These custom coasters are reusable and made from natural cork.

7) Providing Disposable Cameras for Wedding Guests

Custom Disposable Camera Wraps

The disposable camera is becoming a mainstay at weddings. Gen Z loves these cameras because they can help create an “unplugged” experience, guests have fun taking photos, it’s easy to get physical copies of the photos, and they get more candid photos.

Embrace Being Unconventional At Your Gen Z Wedding

Every generation comes up with their own new wedding traditions but Gen Z has made some of the most innovative and drastic changes in wedding culture. Over-indulgence, strict traditions, stale fashion, and expensive price tags are all being left in the dust. Let’s embrace individuality, creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability in our upcoming weddings.

Looking for more new and unique wedding ideas? Check out some of our favorite non-traditional wedding trends!

Non Traditional Wedding Ideas & Details You’ll Want to Consider