(And Why the Rest of Us Should Be Paying Attention)
Let’s get one thing straight: Gen Z isn’t here to politely carry on wedding traditions. Oh no my darlings. They’re here to stomp on the rulebook in platform DM boots, set it on fire, and dance around it while quoting Taylor Swift and sipping oat milk lattes.
And I am more than 100% here for it.
I’m your favourite Funky Celebrant, your go-to for wild, wonderful, rule-free ceremonies and let me tell you, Gen Z couples are changing the wedding game in the best way. If you’re planning a wedding and wondering whether you “should” do this or that… stop right there. Gen Z has already figured it out:
Yyou do you, and that’s all that matters.
Here’s what we can all learn from this fabulous generation of love rebels.
1. Real Is the New Perfect
Forget the stiff traditions and staged photo ops. Gen Z is about real love, real laughs, real moments. They’re saying no to cookie-cutter ceremonies and yes to something that actually feels like them.
You’ll find Gen Z have vows written on the back of a pizza box.
They’re walking down the aisle to a lo-fi remix of Shrek’s “All Star.”
And have pets of all sorts as ring bearers. (Yup…it does happen.)
They’re not trying to impress Aunty Susan. They’re creating a day that makes their hearts happy and that’s exactly why a celebrant-led wedding is the way to go. I embrace all the heart zinging moments in a way your starchy establishment grey suits can’t.
Funky Tip: Ditch the “should have’s or should do’s”. If it doesn’t feel like you, don’t do it. Want to enter your ceremony together while blasting your favourite indie anthem? Let’s cue the music.
2. Green Is the Colour of Love
Gen Z has grown up with climate change breathing down their necks, so naturally they’re all about eco-conscious celebrations. And guess what? You can still be fabulous while being kind to the planet.
I’m all over this, especially as a Sustainable Wedding Alliance accredited member and ambassador.
Let’s talk about confetti made from dried wildflowers.
How about, thrifted wedding outfits that looked like they’re straight out of a Vogue editorial.
And then we have the ceremony spaces transformed with up-cycled decor and actual living plants. (Some guests get to go home with houseplants as favours…awesome recycling in action!)
Funky Tip: Ask your celebrant (that’s me!) for ways to make your ceremony more sustainable from going paperless to reusing ritual items. Mother Earth will thank you.
AND whilst you’re at it, check out the conscious couples guide here.
3. Love Is Love…Full Stop
Gen Z doesn’t just tolerate diversity, they demand it. And frankly, so they should. (we all should actually!) They want weddings that reflect who they are, who they love, and the glorious multi-coloured and multi- faceted rainbow of identities in their lives.
As a norm all of my ceremonies have…
Gender-neutral scripts (because “bride and groom” doesn’t cut it for everyone).
The Intros that may include chosen family, drag aunties, and polycules.
Roles renamed to things like “Best Babe,” “Flower Bro,” or “Chaos Coordinator.”
And let’s not forget ceremonies that are gentle and inclusive for neurodiverse guests… shorter, quieter, and with plenty of snacks. My kind of vibe.
Funky Tip: Remember to tell your celebrant (me) about your crew. The more I know, the more I can help you honour every kind of love in your circle and I have a whole heap of questions about your people so that I ensure I cover all the bases.
4. Vibes…Are…Everything.
Here’s where Gen Z really shines. They’re not planning “weddings.” They’re planning immersive experiences with big main-character energy. These babes are bringing theatre to the altar of love.
I’ve been part of…
Ceremonies in woodlands with fairy lights, folk music, and crystals.
A film themed wedding with infinity stones, Lego, props and potions (I wore a cloak, obviously).
A retro 80s wedding complete with a record player and leg warmers.
It’s not just a wedding. It’s a vibe, a vision, a moment. And I live for it.
Funky Tip: Got a theme? I’m your celebrant chameleon. Fantasy, festival, glam, neon, rave… just say the word and I’ll match the mood.
5. Welcome to the Era of the Digital “I Do”
Gen Z weddings are so online, and I mean that in the best way.
They’re livestreaming for nan in New Zealand, making wedding-day TikToks, and sharing their first dance playlists on Spotify. Some even have a content creator on the guest list (yes, that’s a thing now).
Others go full unplugged and ask everyone to be fully present. It’s not about the tech… it’s about intention.
Funky Tip: We’ll plan your ceremony with your tech preferences in mind. Whatever you want, I’ll probably know someone who can help us deliver your vision.
6. It’s Not Just for Gen Z
Look, you don’t have to be 23 and allergic to skinny jeans to embrace this energy. What Gen Z has gifted us is permission. Permission to make weddings joyful…personal…political…ridiculous…sacred. Whatever you want them to be.
Funky Tip: If you want a ceremony that feels true to you, no matter your age or aesthetic…I’m the celebrant who’ll make it happen.
And a Final Word from your Favourite Funky
Gen Z isn’t ruining weddings. They’re saving them.
Take no notice of the stuffed shirts of the establishment who are afraid to see people celebrating their love in totally unique ways. Gen Z have well and truly stripped away the boring bits, ditched those stuffy traditions, and reminded us all that love should be celebrated loudly, boldly, and on your own bloody terms.
So whether you’re planning a glitter-covered queer punk handfasting or a quiet woodland elopement with your dog as your witness, do it your way. And get a celebrant who gets you.
Spoiler alert: yeah…I do mean me! (Waving hand frantically from the back of the room)
I might not get all the lingo, (mind you, isn’t that a Gen Alpha thing ? I cant wait to see how they change the wedding world in a few years time!) but I’m a quick learner and this Gen X bird is all about the love.
Looking for more inspo? Here are a couple of other blogs that are all over Gen Z weddings…
So Are You Ready to Get Funky?
Slide into my inbox, or find me on Instagram @michelle_funkycelebrant so we can start planning a ceremony that breaks the mould. Because love isn’t one-size-fits-all. And neither is your wedding. Can’t wait to chat.
For more information and ideas about how we can work together get in touch now
I can’t wait to work with you and create something funky and magical.
