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From Apps to 'I Do': How Gen Z Is Revolutionising Wedding Planning in 2025

  • Writer: Happenli.co.uk
    Happenli.co.uk
  • Feb 7
  • 3 min read

Move over spreadsheets and paper planners—Gen Z is here, and they’re rewriting the wedding playbook. Welcome to the digital-first era of wedding planning in the UK.

Smiling Scottish bride and groom in wedding attire plan their big day together on a laptop, capturing the modern, digital-first wedding experience with warmth and authenticity.

Meet the New Generation of Wedding Planners


In 2025, Gen Z makes up 34% of all engaged couples in the UK—and their influence is undeniable. Raised in the age of instant messaging, mobile apps, and social media, Gen Z couples are approaching wedding planning with a fresh set of expectations: they want speed, authenticity, and everything digital.


Gone are the days of drawn-out phone calls and endless brochure browsing. Today’s couples are booking venues through apps, sending DMs to florists, and finalising guest lists from their phones on the way to work.


1. Apps Are the New Wedding Planners


Over 91% of couples now use wedding planning apps, with Gen Z leading the charge. Marketplaces like Bridebook and Hitched dominate the scene, acting as central hubs for finding venues, suppliers, and inspiration.

📲 75% of Gen Z couples use only one or two digital brands for venue discovery—proving loyalty to platforms that get it right.

These platforms combine visual inspiration, instant messaging, and live pricing—features that align perfectly with Gen Z’s demand for immediacy and personalisation.


2. Short, Sweet, and Digital-Only Communication


With an average attention span of just 8 seconds, Gen Z wants concise communication. In fact, messages under 40 words see a 60% higher response rate.

This generation expects:

  • Instant messaging (with read receipts, of course)

  • Push notifications

  • Minimal email usage

  • No lengthy brochures unless they’re downloadable and easily shareable

In-person meetings? Only if absolutely necessary.


3. Goodbye Traditions, Hello Personalisation

While some traditions endure (like the first dance and personalised vows), others are fading fast. Gen Z couples are ditching the garter toss and bouquet throw, choosing instead to curate their day with meaning and intention.


They're also blending rustic, modern, and vintage themes, with “rustic-modern” weddings trending in 2025. Think: barn venues with neon signage and vintage tablescapes paired with minimalist decor.


4. Flexible Dates, Smaller Weddings, Bigger Impact


Over 1 in 3 Gen Z couples now choose to marry between Monday and Thursday, often driven by better pricing and availability. They’re also more likely to:

  • Host smaller weddings

  • Spend smarter (average spend: £19,095 vs £21,255 for non-Gen Z)

  • Prioritise venue vibes and Instagram-worthy aesthetics

They're planning weddings that are just as meaningful—but more flexible and financially savvy.


5. Sustainability, Second-Hand & Sentimentality


Gen Z is deeply value-driven. Over 86% make eco-conscious choices, and 74% incorporate second-hand or vintage elements into their big day. Whether it’s wearing mum’s dress or upcycling decor, they’re weaving sustainability and sentimentality into their story.


What This Means for Venues and Suppliers


If you're in the UK wedding industry, understanding this digital-native generation is essential. To stay relevant and get booked in 2025, here’s what you need:


  • Clear online pricing

  • App-friendly profiles

  • Short, tailored responses

  • Visual-heavy, mobile-first content

  • Strong presence on Instagram & TikTok


Above all, show your personality. Gen Z values authenticity over polish. They don’t want a “sales pitch”—they want a genuine connection.


Final Word


As Gen Z steps into the spotlight, the UK wedding landscape is becoming more digital, diverse, and dynamic than ever before. They’re planning faster, spending smarter, and choosing experiences that reflect who they are.

 
 
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