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Original poster

To think that Millennials / Gen Z have sucked the joy out of weddings?

182 replies

EveryFlavourJellyBeans · 14/04/2025 20:14

Sort of inspired by a few threads I've seen on here and on Reddit. I'm a geriatric millennial and went to quite a few weddings in my childhood and 20s and I read some of the stories on here with a mixture of horror and fascination.

Elaborate hen / stag dos abroad costing guests thousands and if you can't afford to go then you don't make the wedding guest list.

Unreasonable demands for parents with babies in arms, along the lines of not even wanting the baby in the venue looked after by another so that Mum can nip out and BF etc or being offended when parents turn down invites to multi day events miles away from where they live.

Elaborate colour schemes with dress codes for guests, unflattering dresses for bridesmaids etc. Demands that bridesmaids pay for dresses they will never wear again.

Some of the nicest weddings I've been to are low key shindigs in village halls, where everyone was relaxed and happy instead of being uncomfortable, posing for endless photos for the Instagram shots.

Is it social media driven? Does everyone only care about how the wedding looks and not if guests are having a good time?

OP posts:
Uylip · 14/04/2025 20:24

Theres always been extravagant weddings from various generations and a need to keep up with the jones, and those that don’t, I don’t think it’s a generation thing. Most of the millennial edddings I’ve been too haven’t been like that.

Sofiewoo · 14/04/2025 20:23

You’re using made up exaggerated stories to form your opinion of weddings you haven’t been to.
Firstly the oldest Gen Z is 28 and that’s far below the average age for getting married so few weddings will be gen z bride and grooms.

Its not normal or common for people to give guests a colour scheme. Nor is it the done thing for UK bridesmaids to pay for their dress.

I’ve been to probably 40 weddings and I can’t say there’s anything about a cheaper wedding that makes it inherently better.

You are very judgmental.

Scottishskifun · 14/04/2025 20:22

Millennial here our wedding was 10 years ago and had camping on site to keep it cheap along with bring your favourite tipple.
Most weddings we have attended were village hall, in a field or low key barn. Out of 8 wedding we had in 1 year (yes 8!) only one was in a hotel and none were as your describing. A few were child free with exception of babies under 1.
Never been to a hen do abroad, personally my hen do was a low key weekend which cost everyone £80 each for the weekend including food!

For everything you see on social media there is at least another 50 normal weddings out there!

Fupoffyagrasshole · 14/04/2025 20:19

I’ve only been to brilliant weddings tbh of all my friends (millennials) nothing huge or showy - all registry office followed by a big party with really good band or dj and loads of dancing.

I’d think it depends what kind of people you hang out with

WitcheryDivine · 14/04/2025 20:19

I think it’s less generational and more to do with cultures in social groups - none of my friends have done a hen or stag abroad or anything expensive, wedding have had different budgets and types but overwhelmingly they’ve been family affairs with kids welcome and no one giving a toss what guests wear. All in all very chill to attend.

OoooopsUpsideYourHead · 14/04/2025 20:17

It's not just the bride and groom who are to blame though.

It's the guests who are happy to jump through hoops.

I don't do hen dos abroad, or destination weddings. I decline the invite and wish them well.

It's never caused a problem so far.

MrsTerryPratchett · 14/04/2025 20:16

I think there’s a little generational, a little cultural, and a little performance.

I’m with you on the best weddings. Whole families, dancing, food, booze and fun. Cheap to attend and wonderful memories but the photos aren’t anything. GenZ might surprise you. My DD’s favourite wedding as a Scots/Irish shindig in a tent, pig roast, dancing and pissed up rellies. LOVED it. No Insta required.