Weddings are the ultimate celebration of love, joy, and connection, but the way they’re perceived and executed has undergone a dramatic transformation. Today, wedding celebrations mean different things to different people. For millennials, weddings represent a blend of tradition and modernity. Gen Zs feel weddings should brings a fresh, unfiltered perspective to these age-old celebrations. We tapped in on both perspective by reaching out to Nupur Sarvaiya, features editor at Khush Magazine and a quintessential millennial, and Ishika Paruthi, features writer at Khush and an archtypical Gen Z, Together, they explore what their generations adore—and occasionally loathe—about modern weddings, shedding light on how love and festivities are reimagined in today’s world.
What millennials love
Personal vows: The heart of the celebration
Weddings shine brightest when they reflect the personalities of the couple. “Millennials cherish the opportunity to step away from traditional ceremonies and focus on creating intimate moments.” One of her favourite trends is the exchange of personal vows. “There’s something magical about hearing two people speak from the heart, sharing their quirks, promises, and dreams in front of their loved ones. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable,” she says.
Great music: No background noise, please!
Music sets the tone for any celebration, and for Nupur, the days of background musicians playing nondescript tunes are long gone. “Give me a playlist that makes people jump onto the dance floor and never leave,” she laughs. “Millennials appreciate great music that creates memories—whether it’s a live band, traditional folk singers or a DJ spinning nostalgic hits. A good setlist can turn a wedding into an unforgettable party.”
Picture-perfect setups
With the rise of social media, Nupur acknowledges that millennials have developed a strong affinity for stunning photo opportunities. “We’re drawn to spaces that look as good in real life as they do on Instagram,” she admits. Be it floral arches, cosy lounges, or dreamy backdrops, these setups not only capture the essence of the day but also preserve memories in the most visually stunning way possible.
What Gen Z loves
Authenticity is everything
For Gen Z, weddings are a personal expression of love, free from the pressure of tradition. “We aren’t afraid to rewrite the rules,” Ishika says. “From ditching formal venues for a forest ceremony to creating rituals that mean something to us, we make it personal. Every detail should scream, ‘This is who we are’.”
Experiences over formalities
Ishika highlights that Gen Z values immersive experiences that bring people closer. “We’re here for the good vibes, not the endless schedule,” she shares. She recalls a wedding where mini tacos were passed around the dance floor late at night, creating an unforgettable moment of joy and connection. “It’s these little surprises that make the day special.”
Inclusivity at the forefront
Inclusivity is a defining value for Gen Z, and weddings are no exception. Ishika believes that a celebration isn’t complete unless everyone feels welcome. “We care about pronouns on name cards, accessible venues, and menus that cater to dietary restrictions,” she explains. “Love is love, and everyone deserves a seat at the table—literally and figuratively.
Sustainability in action
Growing up in a climate-conscious world, Gen Z gravitates toward eco-friendly celebrations. Ishika shares how some couples choose plantable invites or opt for locally sourced catering. “We’re all about celebrating love without hurting the planet,” she says. “It’s not just trendy; it’s necessary.”
The social media dilemma
Both Nupur and Ishika agree on one point: the overwhelming influence of social media has reshaped the wedding experience, and not always for the better. “For millennials, social media is a double-edged sword,” Nupur explains. “While it inspires creativity, it also adds immense pressure to curate a picture-perfect day.” She recalls weddings where every moment felt staged for Instagram rather than lived in the moment.
Ishika takes this observation further, pointing out how Gen Z views this trend. “We’re tired of weddings feeling like content factories,” she says. “It’s not about celebrating love anymore—it’s about wearing a certain designer or having a ‘viral’ moment. It’s exhausting.”
What millennials and Gen Zs loathe
The price tag
Both generations baulk at the rising costs of weddings. Nupur shares how millennials often feel obligated to spend lavishly, even if it means financial strain. “It’s hard to justify such extravagance when you could invest in a home or travel instead,” she notes. Ishika echoes this sentiment, adding that Gen Z leans toward budget-friendly celebrations that focus on meaning over grandeur.
Excessive formalities
Weddings that drag on with unnecessary rituals and rigid schedules are another shared frustration. “We’re here for the fun and the love, not the formalities,” Ishika says. Nupur agrees, highlighting how millennials appreciate brevity and creativity in ceremonies, making them more engaging and memorable.
Social media overload
Both Nupur and Ishika express their exhaustion with the obsession over social media. “The focus on getting the perfect shot often overshadows the actual moments,” Nupur laments. Ishika adds, “Weddings should feel like love, not a photoshoot. Let’s stop performing and start living.”
The ideal wedding
For Nupur, the perfect wedding strikes a balance between tradition and individuality. “It’s about weaving together your roots with personal touches that reflect your journey as a couple,” she shares. Her vision includes heartfelt vows that bring tears and smiles, cherished rituals that honour heritage, and a dance floor that keeps everyone on their feet.
Ishika’s ideal celebration takes a more understated but equally meaningful route. “For me, it’s all about connection,” she explains. “An intimate gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and those magical moments that linger in your memory. It doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be authentic.”
What’s clear is that millennials and Gen Z are reshaping weddings in exciting, heartfelt ways. Millennials find joy in blending tradition with personalisation, while Gen Z values authenticity, inclusivity, and meaningful connections. Yet, both generations agree on one thing: weddings are about love, not the spectacle. As Nupur sums it up, “The perfect wedding isn’t about how it looks but how it feels.” Ishika agrees, adding, “It’s the laughter, the surprises, and the love in the air that makes it unforgettable.” At the end of the day, weddings are more than just an event—they’re a reflection of the people they celebrate and the memories they create.
