Why Gen Z Prefers Low-Key Weddings: The Shift Toward Intimacy and Authenticity

So, why are more Gen Z couples choosing low-key weddings? Here are a few key reasons:

Emphasis on Authenticity Over Extravagance

The current generation values authenticity in all aspects of their lives, including their weddings. With the rise of social media and constant exposure to highly curated content, there's a desire to step away from the pressure of living up to an idealized, over-the-top wedding. Instead, many Gen Z couples are focusing on what truly matters to them: meaningful experiences, close relationships, and personal style.

Neeraj Chopra's wedding, for instance, wasn't a spectacle of gold-draped grandeur but rather a quiet affair that reflected his personality and values. It was a celebration of love, without the need for extravagant displays. For many in Gen Z, this sense of realness and emotional connection is more important than making a statement for the sake of social media or societal expectations.

Financial Considerations and Practicality

In today’s world, young couples are more financially conscious than previous generations. With rising costs of living, student debt, and job market uncertainty, many Gen Z individuals are questioning the need to invest large amounts of money into a wedding celebration. The average wedding in India can cost lakhs, but for many Gen Z couples, the idea of spending a fortune on one day doesn’t make financial sense.

Low-key weddings offer the advantage of keeping costs down. Fewer guests, smaller venues, and simpler decor can drastically reduce wedding expenses. Additionally, many Gen Z couples view weddings as just one chapter in their broader life journey. They’d rather put their money into experiences or future goals, like buying a house or traveling together, rather than spending a massive sum on a single event.

Personalization Over Tradition

While Indian weddings are known for their rich traditions and elaborate rituals, Gen Z is increasingly drawn to personalized, non-traditional celebrations that reflect their unique relationship. This generation is more likely to skip large guest lists, opulent venues, and extravagant outfits in favor of an event that is customized to their preferences.

Gen Z values intimate moments with close family and friends, where the focus is on the bond between the couple, rather than the grand spectacle. For example, a smaller wedding allows for more personalized touches—whether it’s a favorite playlist, a unique dress code, or a special venue that holds personal significance. Another wedding that took the world by storm was Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s intimate home wedding. Their decision to get married on their balcony was a beautiful reflection of their intimate journey together, a place that held deep sentimental value as they spent countless moments building their life and love in that very space. The couple chose a setting and vibe that was meaningful to them, not dictated by tradition or societal expectations.

The Influence of Social Media and the ‘Quiet Luxury’ Trend

Social media plays a huge role in shaping Gen Z’s views on weddings. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have given rise to the "quiet luxury" trend, where understated elegance and simplicity are celebrated over overt displays of wealth. Gen Z, having grown up in the age of influencers and digital content creators, is particularly aware of how trends shift quickly. There's a growing aversion to the idea of over-posting or flaunting wealth, and many prefer to share moments of their wedding in more subtle, intimate ways.

Neeraj’s wedding is a perfect example of this shift. While he could have chosen to make a splash with an elaborate celebration, his decision to keep it low-key — coupled with his choice to share a personal moment with fans on Instagram — spoke volumes about this new wave of “quiet luxury.”

Environmental and Social Responsibility

As climate change and sustainability become pressing concerns for Gen Z, many are choosing low-key weddings to minimize their environmental impact. Large weddings, with their extravagant decorations, lavish food spreads, and waste, are seen as contributing to unnecessary consumption. Gen Z couples are more likely to choose sustainable options—whether it's eco-friendly decor, zero-waste digital invites, or local, organic food sources. The rise of sustainable wedding vendors, who offer eco-conscious services and products, is making it easier for couples to host low-key celebrations that don’t compromise on style or substance.

Gen Z’s preference for low-key weddings is a reflection of a deeper cultural shift. It’s about prioritizing authenticity, financial practicality, personalization, and sustainability over tradition and grandeur. Neeraj Chopra’s intimate wedding is a perfect example of how this generation is redefining what a wedding can and should be. For Gen Z, a wedding isn’t about impressing others with lavish displays; it’s about celebrating love in a way that feels true, personal, and meaningful. In a world where bigger isn't always better, the quiet elegance of a low-key wedding is becoming the new gold standard.