Why Gen Z Couples Are Ditching Traditional Wedding Customs

Weddings have always evolved with each generation, but Gen Z is taking it to a whole new level. If you've attended a wedding recently, you may have noticed some things missing—no bouquet toss, no garter belt removal, and fewer “traditional” elements overall. So what's going on?

As a luxury wedding entertainment company, we’ve had front-row seats to the changing preferences of today’s couples. And if you’re planning a wedding—or helping someone who is—it’s worth understanding why Gen Z is breaking the mold.

1. They Value Authenticity Over Tradition

Gen Z couples aren’t interested in doing things just because that’s how it’s always been done. They’re more focused on creating a wedding that reflects their values, personalities, and relationship. If a tradition feels outdated or uncomfortable, they’re not afraid to skip it.

The garter belt removal, for example, can feel awkward or overly sexual for some couples—especially in front of friends and family. Many see it as a cringeworthy moment that doesn’t align with the vibe they want for their celebration.

2. They’re Redefining What Romance Looks Like

Gen Z is all about meaningful moments over performative gestures. The idea of tossing a bouquet to see "who's next" to get married can feel cheesy or even exclusionary in modern times. Instead, couples are opting for more intentional ways to celebrate the single people in their lives—like personalized toasts, gifts, or special dances.

It’s less about who catches the bouquet, and more about sharing love with everyone in the room.

3. Inclusivity Matters

Today’s couples are thinking about their guests’ experiences more than ever before. Traditions that assume a binary gender setup, like the garter/bouquet combo, may not resonate with all their friends and family. Gen Z is the most diverse and inclusive generation to date, and they want their wedding to reflect that.

For example, some are creating gender-neutral wedding parties, skipping assigned sides for guests, and even writing inclusive ceremony scripts. The focus is on making everyone feel seen and welcomed.

4. Social Media Has Shifted Priorities

Let’s face it—this is a generation that grew up online. The way weddings are shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has changed the game. Instead of following tired traditions, Gen Z is all about aesthetic, vibe, and originality. They want their wedding to be unique—not a copy of their parents’ or older siblings’ celebration.

This means you’ll see more custom signage, creative first dances, themed photo booths, and interactive guest experiences. It’s less “cookie cutter,” more “curated moment.”

5. They’re Budget Conscious

Many Gen Z couples are footing the bill for their own weddings, and they’re being smart about where the money goes. If a tradition doesn’t add real value or meaning, they’d rather spend that money elsewhere—like on entertainment, decor, or honeymoon experiences.

They’re choosing DJs who know how to read a crowd, lighting that sets the perfect mood, and photo booths that give guests memories to take home. (Sound familiar?)

Final Thoughts

At Alliance Entertainment Group, we love working with couples who want to do things their own way. Whether you're keeping some traditions or tossing them all out, your wedding should feel like you. And we're here to help make that vision come to life with music, lighting, and experiences that match your vibe—traditional or not.

Planning a non-traditional wedding? Let’s talk about how we can help you turn your big day into something unforgettable.

-AEG

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