The Rise of Gen Z Weddings: How Zoomers are Redefining Marriage

Born in the era of a technological boom, Generation Z has broken more social barriers and shattered more cultural ceilings than any other generation before. They have changed the way relationships are perceived, and how weddings are conducted. While Gen X fell in love through love letters and Gen Y was smitten through shy glances and secret meetings, Gen Z has been bold enough to catch feelings over screen swipes.

Each one, an influencer in his/her own right, this generation is known for its eccentricity and its need to question all things around them. They grew up by being connected and curious about the world while being completely isolated and filled with information from all around, turning them into a multicultural breed of humans.

Now, As Gen Z Couples are tying the knot, they have been rewriting the rules of wedding traditions. From incng sustainable weddings, and gender inclusivity to technology in their celebrations, Gen Z has sorted their way to be different from the rest.

Tradition to them, is what they create, and not what was created.

In the age of monarchy, marriage was considered a tool to build relationships between two kingdoms. As we moved on, it came to be between two cities and two towns and eventually came around to be a tie between two families. Now, marriage is seen as a union of two people, everyone else comes after. We have seen a large shift in the trend of couples leading the wedding scene versus parents doing so like in the previous generation. It doesn’t come as a surprise if the couple comes married and then informs the families.

Weddings and the ceremonies conducted have also undergone quite a lot of alterations. From weddings going fully virtual in the COVID epoch such as the Zoom weddings that was popular in 2021, new-age couples don’t see the need to involve larger crowds or do grander parades at weddings. Smaller intimate weddings are preferred where more attention to detail can be given to the couple and the experiences of the guests.

Embracing diversity and gender roles has come to be crucial for Gen Z weddings by opting for gender-neutral weddings. Best Man and Maid of Honour are becoming Best Woman and Man of Honor, involving close friends and family to stand next to them, regardless of gender.

Moreover, statistics suggested that GenZ is more woke in terms of reducing its carbon footprint by integrating the use of sustainable products or eco-friendly use of its resources. In the end, it is what they create, and not what is created breaks all norms of traditional wedding planning.

Going deeper into wedding planning and using storytelling in the process of planning the décor and the clothing is seen as a growing trend in the industry. The traditional colors and methods are thrown out the window along with any rule book that determines the norms of a wedding, and more contemporary customs are being incorporated. Through redefining Bridal Fashion by going for unconventional styles customized to their personality, most of the attires now worn are a combination of vintage and retro that make a bold statement that Gen Z does not shy on. Whilst some are exploring embroidered statements on their gowns, and sarees, on the other hand, Brides are opting to wear custom-designed sneakers with their heavy attire, and grooms prefer bold vibrant colors intricately designed.

“Experiential weddings” that create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for not just the couple, but also the guests are what the Gen Z choose for their big day!

Gone are the days of exchanging vows and ending the day with a good meal for the guests. Couples are now trying to inculcate weddings that leave a lasting impression. An upcoming trend that we all have witnessed is the couple entering the venue with a grandiose display of fireworks.

From using Social Media to create a teaser for their guests to be spellbound, to using hashtags of the duo’s names combined, technology has played a powerful role in today's world. Following the diversity and inclusion, couples of different cultures have invoked the fusion of both cultures in their wedding ceremonies, making sure both sides have not left out on any ritual.

Similarly, the use of interactive elements has been a recurring trend, such as Photobhoots, interactive food stations (like make your own pizza ), and other interactive games to keep the guests tuned. Wedding Merch has also been slowly streaming up to promote Gen Z weddings for the Gram. Furthermore, Disposable Polaroid photos have seen a very uprising curve to keep long-lasting memories for family and guests to create nostalgic sense of the event to take home .These trends curate a extraordinaire for everyone celeberating the wedding.

To sum up, though Gen Z consumes more time online then most generations, they definitely have provided more enthusiasm in curating new experiences .As this new age of weddings come to rise, we can surely notice the more creative and innovative form of weddings to take note of.





Wedding Preparation List for Your Big Day

Planning either a simple yet classy or a big fat Indian wedding can get very overwhelming in terms of responsibilities and occasions. While a few families and couples do go in for a wedding planner, a lot of them like to take things into their own hands.

It could be them doing it out of sheer love and curiosity, a budget constraint, or because they love all of the DIY possibilities—in any case, it's a lot of extra work, but it is not impossible to plan the wedding of your dreams on your own.

Wedding Priorities

Sit down with your family, partner, or your bride gang and determine what the three most important aspects of your wedding will be. Is it the food and drinks, the venue, or any specific wedding date?

Do you want to lock in a certain wedding photographer or live band? Got a theme in mind? Need to have these fun activities? Prioritize those details and be willing to compromise on the rest.

Wedding Cost

Your wedding budget will be the driving factor for many of your wedding-related decisions, so this should be one of the first things you tackle. If any family members will be contributing, chat with them about what they’re comfortable spending. If you’re footing the bill yourself, it’s time to take a hard look at your finances. Once you’ve got that magic number, stick to it! Make magic happen at a gorgeous venue.

The Theme

Locking a theme will help you streamline things in terms of decor, bridal wear, the menu, invitation cards & more. With so many sources of bridal inspiration out there it can be a bit overwhelming. Find a reliable source or ask your bride tribe to help you through. You can start with Pinterest, and Instagram, and start researching. Having a good sense of the type of wedding style you want helps immensely once you start meeting with potential vendors.

Take Meaningful Decisions

It may be exciting yet overwhelming to book the first photographer or florist you meet. But be extremely patient. Involve your significant other if need be. When it comes to booking wedding vendors, it's important to not rush into any decisions. Consider at least a few different options to make sure these important wedding day partners understand your vision and can also work within your budget.

Pick a Venue with an Available Kitchen Space

If you’re planning your own wedding, have an “on-site” wedding—(Off-site stands for a far-off destination without a kitchen nearby, eg: Beach, Open ground). Choosing a well-furnished venue will make the planning process that much simpler. They'll likely have a range of catering offerings available, as well as access to the basics, including designated space, chairs, and tables for your ceremony and/or reception.

The Guest List

Making decisions about the wedding guest list can be a really tedious process, especially if it largely depends on your venue and budget. Sit down with your significant other, family, friends, and other important members to make a key wishlist of wedding guests. Chances are, you’ll need to make some cuts.

These things will be the backbone of a traditional big fat Indian wedding amongst other things such as picking the right jewelry, the kind of music, the number of ceremonies you wish to have, etc. Having said all this, taking the help of a wedding planner will take a lot of stress off of your shoulders.

But planning your own wedding will be an extremely special process and one that you will cherish for a lifetime! Happy planning in advance!