While weddings are often known for their time-honored customs, such as cutting the cake, sharing a first dance, or wearing black-tie attire, Gen Z is making it clear that they’re not afraid to rewrite the rules. As the first generation raised entirely online, they bring a digital-first mindset, a strong sense of identity, and a deep desire for authenticity to every aspect of their planning. Tradition takes a backseat when it doesn’t align with their values, and anything that feels too staged or outdated is quickly left behind. Any element that feels outdated or overly orchestrated? Gone. “Bridal parties, pastel overload, and overly scripted ceremonies are out,” says Christine Ferguson, the founder and creative director of Christine Ferguson Events.
From skipping formalities to splurging on what truly matters to them, Gen Z couples are redefining what a modern wedding looks like. We spoke with wedding planners, creative directors, and content creators who have worked closely with this generation to learn what’s in, what’s out, and how Gen Z is reshaping the big day into something that feels entirely their own.
The 7 Wedding Elements That Gen Z Does Care About
When it comes to their nuptials, this younger generation is prioritizing personalized, guest-forward experiences that make their celebrations incredibly unique. Here, vendors explain some of the elements that these brides and grooms tend to gravitate toward.
Immersive Over Expected
Forget the cookie-cutter ballroom: Gen Z couples seek wedding venues that offer built-in storytelling and visual drama. The overall goal is to create a sensory-driven, immersive experience rather than to simply follow tradition. “Gen Z values personalization and visual storytelling,” says Harley Hendrix, managing director of Hall des Lumières, a venue in New York City. “The cinematic atmosphere, historic-meets-modern architecture, and ever-changing art projections make it a dream for couples who want their wedding to feel more like an experience than a tradition.” Hendrix has also noticed a shift toward unconventional formats, such as weekday weddings, curated guest lists, and even performances instead of formal dinners.
Editorial-Style Photo and Video
Gen Z weddings are less about traditional posed shots and more about capturing a cinematic story. Ferguson says her Gen Z clients want their wedding content to feel like a magazine spread or a short film. “They’re hiring creative teams that offer directorial photography, Super 8 video, and content-creation packages to capture behind-the-scenes, real-time, and social-first moments.” It’s about storytelling, not just documenting.
Custom, Not Cookie-Cutter
This generation wants custom everything. “From wearing colored gowns to having a friend officiate or walking down the aisle together, Gen Z clients infuse their wedding with personality,” says Ferguson. They’re investing in custom fashion, meaningful rituals, and playlists that reflect them, not just tradition for tradition’s sake. “At least the couples that come to me want the day to feel reflective of them, not just a pretty event,” says Amy Lynn, a wedding planner. “They want to find ways to incorporate little easter eggs from their relationship or personalized touches.”
Hiring a Content Creator Is the New Norm
Gen Z couples aren’t just hiring photographers and videographers; they’re also tapping content creators to capture the raw, unfiltered moments. “When I first started wedding content creation, couples were hiring content creators in lieu of traditional videography, whereas now we're being hired alongside videographers more often than not,” said Lauren Ladouceur, a wedding content creator. “The biggest thing Gen Z couples love about wedding content is the 24-hour turnaround and being able to watch every moment of your wedding while still laying in bed the day after—you can't put a price on it.”
Ladouceur tells us that most of what she films isn’t posed: It’s the maid of honor doing her makeup on the floor—or the couple practicing their first dance in the hallway. These are the parts couples want to remember and share. “Our generation sees our phone camera as an extension of how we experience the world, and we want memories that feel familiar,” she adds. “Content creation has also become a way for couples to reclaim the day for themselves. I tell my clients that they should feel in control of the ‘creative narrative’ of their day, which means we are deciding together what their wedding content should look like.”
Photo by Kurt Boomer Photography
Dinner Parties Over Staged Productions
Instead of sticking to formal traditions, Gen Z is leaning into a sleek, intentional aesthetic and more intimate, vibe-forward celebrations. “They’re replacing old-school trends with minimalist design, monochromatic tones, and weddings that feel like elevated dinner parties—not dated productions,” says Ferguson.
Prioritizing Their Values
Weddings that align with their values are a top priority for Gen Z couples, and sustainability is often at the center of those conversations. “They’re asking about sustainability in every aspect—from florals and catering to décor,” says Kelsey Connely, a wedding and event planner. That might mean working with local vendors to reduce their carbon footprint, opting for seasonal and plant-based menus, renting décor instead of buying, or choosing venues with eco-conscious practices already in place. For this generation, celebrating responsibly is just as important as celebrating in style. Lynn adds: “Especially in today’s political and social climate, couples want to know they are investing their money into vendors that support the causes they support. They are doing more research into the history of their venues. They also are researching their vendors.”
Treating Guests Like VIPs
For Gen Z, the guest experience is the heartbeat of the wedding. “Our Gen Z clients are prioritizing a seamless guest experience—easy travel, thoughtful touches, and a full weekend where everyone stays together,” says Connely. “It goes beyond a welcome party; they want to plan shared adventures and meaningful activities. They want to be surrounded by their favorite people for multiple days, not just an evening.” That also means a more enjoyable atmosphere for their loved ones at the celebration. “They want guests to be well-fed,” Lynn says. “They want the bar lines to be short. They want to make sure there is transportation to and from venues and hotels. This generation really is focused on making sure their guests feel taken care of.”
The 5 Wedding Elements Gen Z Doesn't Care About
Rather than adhering to every wedding tradition, Gen Z is creating their own rules and standards when it comes to the big day. Below, the experts break down the five elements that this generation isn’t spending time—or money—on when it comes to their nuptials.
Too Scripted? Too Much.
Gen Z isn’t here for wedding elements that feel outdated or orchestrated. “Any trend or element that feels like you’re trying too hard makes them cringe,” says Connely. Even if they’re working with top-tier vendors and custom designs, Gen Z couples want the vibe to feel effortless, not overly staged or over-designed. “Many Gen Z couples aren’t into overly forced or prescriptive moments like cake cutting, formal first dances, or multi-course seated dinners,” says Connely. Instead, they’re leaning toward more organic formats that allow the day to unfold naturally.
Saving on Stuff, Splurging on Experience
Gen Z is strategic about where they splurge and where they save. “They often cut costs on things that don’t feel essential to their guest experience,” Ferguson says. Favors and paper goods are often scaled back, while funds are redirected toward unique experiences like welcome gifts, espresso martini bars, or even pre-wedding yoga sessions.
Skipping the Cringe Traditions
Goodbye, anything that’s considered dated or deemed “cringey.” Some Gen Z couples are forgoing a first dance or cake-cutting moment in lieu of a more modern twist on the custom. “These traditions feel dated and uncomfortable for many Gen Z couples,” says Ferguson. Instead, they’re opting for more inclusive moments, like group champagne toasts or anniversary dances that honor all couples in attendance.
Photo by Logan Cole
Dessert, but Make It a Moment
“Multi-tiered fondant cakes are often being swapped for interactive dessert bars, gelato carts, or modern single-tier cakes styled more as a photo moment than a culinary one,” says Ferguson. Gen Z couples are less interested in slicing into a towering cake and more into creating moments that feel fun, Instagrammable, and reflective of their tastes. Think artisanal donut walls, mochi ice cream stations, or even late-night churro bars—it’s ultimately about turning dessert into an experience.
Rethinking Wedding Parties
Wedding parties are also getting a major rethink. Gen Z is all about individual style, not matchy-matchy dresses or rigid gendered roles. “Some couples skip bridal parties altogether in favor of a more relaxed, guest-focused weekend,” Ferguson says. Lynn has also noticed a rise in both pared-back wedding parties or ones that sit during the ceremony versus standing up at the altar. “It draws your focus to the couple more and really makes it about them,” she says.
