How Gen Z Is Changing Wedding Planning (and What That Means for You)

Image via Mark Horton Photography

Weddings are changing — and it’s not just the trends, but the way couples are actually planning them. Gen Z couples are stepping into the spotlight with fresh perspectives, new priorities, and very different expectations. From how they communicate to how they approach budgets, planners and suppliers are seeing a real shift. And if you’re a Gen Z couple yourself, it’s worth understanding how this affects not just your wedding day, but also how smoothly the whole planning process unfolds.

How Gen Z Couples Plan Weddings Differently

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z isn’t relying on traditional wedding magazines or endless emails back and forth. Instead, they’re using TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest for inspiration and research, WhatsApp for quick communication, and Google Docs to keep track of details. They’re incredibly savvy at researching what they want — from mood boards to playlists — and often come to planners with a strong sense of style and direction.

But there’s a flip side. While many Gen Z couples know exactly what they want, they’re not always clear on the realities of cost, timelines, or the behind-the-scenes logistics. They want instant answers (we get it!) but might not realise that suppliers are juggling multiple weddings at once, and can’t always reply instantly — especially during peak season.

Why WhatsApp Isn’t Always the Best Way to Plan a Wedding

I know WhatsApp feels easy and instant — and I do use it with my couples for quick updates, reminders, or emergencies. But when it comes to actual wedding planning, WhatsApp simply isn’t manageable for suppliers (or for you in the long run). Here’s why:

• Too many messages, too much chaos. Imagine multiple couples sending WhatsApp messages about everything, all day, every day. In peak wedding season, things would get lost fast — and the last thing you want is your important detail buried under emojis and gifs.

• Nothing to fall back on. WhatsApp messages don’t hold legal weight in case of a dispute. Emails, however, do. They create a clear paper trail that protects both you and your suppliers.

• Better organisation. Email allows us to attach proposals, contracts, mood boards, invoices, and keep everything tidy in one place. That’s simply not possible in a WhatsApp chat.

So while WhatsApp is great for the odd quick ping (“We’re stuck in traffic!” or “Can you remind me what time rehearsal starts?”), emails are still the strongest, safest way to communicate. That’s why I highlight this in all my proposals — it keeps things clear, professional, and stress-free for everyone.

Why Wedding Suppliers Cost What They Do

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is around the cost of wedding suppliers. It’s easy to wonder why a cake costs £1,000, or why flowers can quickly add up to thousands. But here’s the truth: you’re not just paying for materials.

That cake represents hours of baking, design expertise, delivery, and setup — not to mention years of skill and artistry. The florist isn’t just charging for stems, but also for staff, transport, equipment, and creative vision.

And with planners? A full wedding planning service usually adds up to around 300 hours of work — from sourcing venues and liaising with suppliers, to creating timelines and managing the day itself. Add to that our industry connections (which often save you money overall), crisis management skills, and logistical expertise, and suddenly that investment starts to make sense.

What Gen Z Couples Can Take Away

If you’re a Gen Z couple planning your wedding, here’s the biggest thing to remember: the suppliers you hire aren’t just a line on your budget. They’re experts dedicating time, energy, and skill to bring your vision to life.

By understanding the value behind the cost — and by communicating clearly in ways that keep everything professional and organised — you’ll not only get the wedding you want, but you’ll also enjoy the process far more.

Because at the end of the day, wedding planning isn’t just about the party. It’s about building trust, clarity, and collaboration so your day is everything you dreamed it would be.

Planning Should Feel Exciting, Not Overwhelming!

With the right planner by your side, you’ll save time, avoid stress, and actually enjoy the process — all while knowing every detail is in safe hands. If that sounds like what you need, I’d love to chat. Let’s start with a discovery call and see how I can help bring your vision to life.