Nearly a quarter of couples married last year were Gen Z, who are redefining wedding trends, according to Hitched’s Real Wedding Study.
They are 38% more likely to host engagement parties and 33% more likely to have pre-wedding photoshoots than older generations.
Gen Z also values heritage, with 16% incorporating traditions and cultural elements, and they are driving the modern minimalist trend, with 24% choosing this style. Countryside venues are increasingly popular, with barns and farms leading at 20%, followed by hotels (17%) and country houses/manors (17%).
Over a third (36%) of couples embrace DIY projects to add personal touches, while 20% receive support from family, either financially or with preparations.
Couples spend an average of 15 months planning their wedding, with 57% taking a year or more. Wedding websites lead as the top resource (66%), followed by social media (60%), word of mouth (39%), and wedding fairs (36%).
Guest experience is the top priority (76%), followed by personalisation (73%) and food and drinks (63%). Honeymoons average £4,422, with a third spending over £5,000. Europe is the most popular destination (56%), the UK (14%), with beach holidays (43%), city breaks (34%), and luxury escapes (36%) in demand. The minimoon trend is rising, with 43% choosing a shorter break.
“The wedding industry remains resilient,” said Chloe Lansdowne, Head of Consumer Marketing (UK) at Hitched.co.uk. “Couples are combining creativity and innovation to design celebrations that reflect their values and style.”
