Gen Z weddings are flipping the script. Forget cookie-cutter ceremonies, extravagant guest lists, and rigid traditions—this generation is all about making their big day personal, intentional, and just a little bit rebellious.
Whether swapping ballrooms for backyards, sustainability over excess, or TikTok over traditional planners, Gen Z in India is reimagining “I do” in a way that feels right for them.
Marriage Still Matters, But On Their Terms
Despite growing up in a world where commitment looks different, Gen Z still believes in marriage. 86% see it as part of their future, with most already thinking about their wedding long before they’re engaged. But here’s the thing—they’re not following the same rulebook as past generations. Marriage isn’t about pressure or expectation; it’s a choice they make when it feels right. Instead of feeling trapped by tradition, they’re shaping it to fit their own lives, values, and timelines.
Shares Annika Talwar, Wedding Network, ” With the onset of AI taking a predominantly significant role in bringing ideas to the forefront, mood boards and final output are set to be something out of a fairy-tale. Minimalistic elements in decor, leading to a grand display of design and creativity as a whole as set to define creativity and design moving forward.”
Small, Intentional, and Hyper-Personal
Big weddings? Not always the vibe. Gen Z couples are leaning into smaller, more intimate affairs, curated ceremonies that can cost the earth but can hold a deeply personal touch.
Shares Mareesha Parekh, Swaaha Weddings & Experiences – ‘Gen Z Indian weddings are all about personalization, sustainability -eco friendly, and intimate experiences; having said that there is a set of families who will believe in going all out in making it larger than life on all fronts, though the number of such events will be much lesser than the way it used to be in the last decade. Couples are now blending traditions with modern aesthetics, opting for eco-friendly décor, digital invites, and meaningful gatherings. Fusion fashion, immersive entertainment, and interactive elements create unique celebrations and thus, the focus is on experiences over extravagance, making weddings more conscious, engaging, and memorable as individual experiences.’
The “microwedding” trend—where guest lists are capped at 50—is gaining serious traction, with nearly half of couples considering it. This isn’t just about budget, because curation is extremely expensive; it’s about creating a wedding that actually means something to them.
Neha Mehrotra of Foreign Wedding Planners further explains, ‘Gen Z couples are redefining the concept of weddings by prioritising authenticity and individuality over convention. Many are moving away from rigid formalities and opting for more relaxed, personal celebrations that truly reflect their personalities. Traditional banquet halls are being replaced with unconventional venues such as backyard gardens, cosy elopement destinations, and scenic outdoor settings.”
Says Neha, ” The emphasis is on creating immersive experiences, where the focus shifts from social media documentation to being fully present in the moment. Many weddings are now embracing an unplugged approach, with guests encouraged to put away their devices and engage in genuine, intimate celebrations.”
Every detail, from the location to the music, is curated and reflects their personality and relationship. It’s less about impressing distant relatives and more about curating an experience with the people who matter most… no matter the price.
According to Shrawan Kumar, Shubh Muhurat Luxury Weddings, ‘The younger generation is redefining weddings with personalization, technology, and sustainability at the forefront. AI-powered wedding planning, AR photo booths, and drone photography will enhance the guest experience. Unique guest experience zones, interactive digital invitations, and intimate, meaningful celebrations will be key trends. Sustainable weddings will rise, with eco-friendly décor, plant-based catering, and carbon-neutral venues becoming mainstream. Destination micro-weddings, custom wedding hashtags, and storytelling elements will also shape the celebrations.’
The TikTok Effect: Weddings in the Digital Age
Gen Z plans weddings the same way they do everything else—on their phones. Pinterest boards and bridal magazines? Sure, but TikTok and Instagram are where the real inspiration happens.
Says Jatin Oberoi, Reet Entertainment, ” Gen Z is redefining weddings with a mix of digital creativity, pop culture influence, and social media-driven experiences. From Netflix-inspired aesthetics to viral Reels and curated wedding hype, these weddings are more than just ceremonies—they’re immersive digital events. With Instagram and TikTok dominating social spaces, weddings are designed to be Reel-worthy. Couples are investing in pre-wedding shoots that feel like short films, featuring cinematic proposal and engagement videos with professional editing and storytelling.”
Jatin goes on to add, “On the wedding day, live content is captured through behind-the-scenes footage, countdown stories, and in-the-moment highlights. Slow-motion dances, emotional vows, and stunning drone shots are incorporated to create viral-worthy wedding content that not only immortalizes the day but also engages a wider digital audience”
Wedding content creators are the new must-haves, capturing behind-the-scenes moments in real-time and making sure the wedding looks just as good online as it does in person.
Viral trends, candid reels, and AI-powered wedding-planning tools are all part of the mix. Expensive shoots, elaborate settings, quirky locations, personal space overs, mood boards, music—it’s a full-blown extravaganza that captures mood, love, and personality to perfection.
Gen Z weddings Image courtesy: Reet Entertainment Pvt Ltd
Vithika Agarwal of Divya Vithika Wedding Planners adds, “Gen Z weddings are redefining their vows through technology, personalisation, and sustainability. AI-powered planning, AR photo booths, and drone photography will enhance guest experiences, while interactive digital invitations and immersive storytelling will become wedding staples.”
Creating Hype: The Wedding as a Digital Event
Gen Z understands the power of digital buzz and turns their wedding into an event worth talking about. Teaser announcements build anticipation with countdown posts, engagement story highlights, and sneak peeks of wedding details.
Of course, Gen Z makes it a fine art. Shares Jatin, “Gen Z weddings are live experiences shared with a digital audience, ensuring that those near and far can take part in the celebrations. Personalized wedding hashtags allow guests to tag and track posts related to the big day, creating an online wedding album in real time. Live streaming is a must, with remote guests tuning in via Instagram Live, YouTube, or Zoom. Meanwhile, interactive elements such as photo booths, 360° cameras, and instant digital photo-sharing ensure that every guest has content to post, adding to the event’s social media presence.”
Custom digital invitations, animated save-the-dates, and personalized wedding websites create an exclusive and interactive experience for guests. Post-wedding, couples keep the momentum going with professionally edited wedding recap films, thank-you Reels, and after-party highlights that set trends for future weddings.
It’s not about being flashy, though; it’s about authenticity—because if it’s not documented right, did it even happen?
Netflix Influence: Cinematic Weddings
Jatin Oberoi has a good understanding how Gen Z’s love for storytelling is shaping weddings into cinematic experiences, drawing inspiration from Netflix series and films. Jatin points out, “Many couples are opting for themes that reflect their favorite shows, such as Bridgerton-inspired Regency decor, Euphoria-style neon receptions, or gothic chic elements inspired by Wednesday Addams. Dramatic entrances have become a staple at Gen Z weddings, mirroring epic scenes from hit series with grand staircases, fog machines, or theatrical lighting. Music plays a huge role in creating the right atmosphere, with live orchestras performing scores from Netflix originals or playlists filled with trending soundtracks from popular series.”
Sustainability is the New Luxury
Gen Z isn’t here for wasteful weddings. Sustainable and ethical choices are front and center, from eco-friendly venues to pre-loved dresses and zero-waste decor. Nearly a third of Gen Z couples are making sustainable swaps in their wedding plans, proving that a dream wedding doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense, even if it comes at a big price.
The shift isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about values. Ethical diamonds, plant-based menus, eco-friendly dresses, and digital invites aren’t just trends at Gen Z weddings; they’re a reflection of a generation that actually cares about what they consume.
Neha Mehrotra of Foreign Wedding Planners says, ” Sustainability is also at the heart of Gen Z weddings. Eco-conscious choices such as thrifted wedding décor, locally sourced flowers, and ethical bridal fashion are becoming the norm. Sustainable practices are not just limited to décor and fashion but extend to every aspect of wedding planning. From biodegradable confetti to digital invitations and zero-waste receptions, couples are making conscious efforts to minimise their environmental footprint. Personalisation is key, with couples writing their own wedding vows, designing interactive digital invites, and even experimenting with 3D-printed wedding cakes to add a unique touch to their special day.’
Spending Smarter, Not Bigger
Gen Z is pragmatic about money, but when it comes to weddings, it’s personal choice over the planned budget. While some still go all out, many are finding creative ways to have a super special event without sacrificing the experience.
Average Gen Z weddings today costs $35,000, and a growing number of couples are opting for expensively planned elopements, romantic destination weddings, or unconventional venues to keep things unique.
The economy plays a role here, too—73% of Gen Z and Millennials believe weddings can never be too expensive if the world stops in its tracks for them. Sensational is the first rule in the playbook.
Breaking the Rules and Making Their Own
The classic wedding formula is officially out the window. Gen Z is ditching wedding parties, choosing non-traditional outfits, and swapping classic ceremony songs for ones that are curated to mean something to them.
Gender roles? Not a thing. Wedding traditions that don’t feel right? Skipped. It’s all about creating a day that feels true to them, not just following a script. Weddings today are more than just a big event—they’re an extension of identity, a creative expression, and a celebration of love in a way that makes memories for modern couples.
As Gen Z continues to rewrite the wedding playbook, one thing is clear: Tradition isn’t dead; it’s just evolving.
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