Lately, we have been noticing a quiet shift happening in the way that we attend weddings. What used to be a simple (also extravagant) celebration of love has now, honestly, become a full-blown cultural performance, part emotional reunion, part live content opportunity. For Gen Z guests, a wedding isn’t really just about the couple solely, it’s also about the experience, the aesthetic of it all, the music, the fashion and whether the decor could actually double up as a Pinterest board. We show up to these weddings as observers, critics, participants, and sometimes, unpaid social media managers. And, honestly, it’s exhausting in the most entertaining way possible. Each function has its own production: the pastel brunch, the neon sangeet, the barefoot-on-the-beach haldi. There is a dedicated aesthetic, a colour story, and a playlist that is carefully calibrated to signal who the couple is and their story.
This generational shift says less about vanity and more about visibility. Gen Z didn’t invent the wedding spectacle; we just refined it. We’ve learned that taste is social currency and that aesthetics can be a form of storytelling. So when we attend a wedding, we’re subconsciously asking: Does it feel intentional? Does it look good on camera? Does it feel like them, and, if we’re being honest, does it also feel a little like us?
Our sense of “special” is deeply intertwined with how shareable, memorable, or emotionally resonant something feels. So when we attend weddings, we’re not just guests in the traditional sense; we’re also witnesses to a performance of identity. Every detail, from the food styling to the playlist transitions, feels like a Pinterest mood board come alive.
Part of this comes from how weddings have evolved into social content ecosystems. What used to be a few candid photos in an album is now a multi-angle documentation effort: reels, photo dumps, guest vlogs, and even drone shots. And while this might sound superficial, it’s actually a reflection of how Gen Z expresses emotion and memory through visual storytelling.
But it’s also about intentionality. Gen Z values authenticity, even within the extravagance. We’re drawn to weddings that feel personal, where the decor tells a story, the dress choices nod to heritage, or the speeches sound unrehearsed and human. There’s less patience for formulaic grandeur and more appreciation for small, sensory details that feel emotionally true, like handwritten place cards, mismatched seating, disposable cameras or playlists that include everyone’s teenage anthems.
And for Gen Z guests, these are the four pillars that make or break that experience: fashion, beauty, and food.
Fashion: Tradition, But Make It Personal
For Gen Z, wedding fashion is all about standing out, thoughtfully. “The new generation, especially Gen Z wedding guests, approach fashion as a canvas for self-expression,” says Tabby Bhatia, Founder of Brune & Bareskin. “They’re not afraid to experiment, pairing traditional silhouettes with bold accessories or mixing streetwear influences with Indian formals.”
That spirit of individuality carries through to jewellery as well. “We are seeing Gen Z experiment a lot,” says Piyush Gupta, Director of PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta. “Some like making a statement with bold chokers or oversized earrings, while others prefer minimal, layered pieces they can wear beyond the wedding. What’s common is that they want jewellery to reflect their personal style rather than just follow tradition.”
It’s less about grandeur, more about meaning. Gen Z guests often mix luxury with accessibility, pairing a high-end piece with a vintage piece from their family collection. “They enjoy creating a look that feels personal,” says Gupta. “It’s no longer about wearing everything heavy; it’s about wearing what feels right.”
It’s this fearless fusion of heritage and individuality that defines their approach. “They expect versatility and personalisation from brands,” Bhatia adds. “Whether it’s getting their initials embossed on a jutti or customising the colour of their leather shoes to match the wedding theme, it’s all about making it their own.”
Beauty: Skin-first, Story-first
If fashion is where Gen Z shows individuality, skincare is where they find authenticity. Gone are the days of last-minute facials and heavy glam. “Gen Z is far more mindful about skincare than previous generations,” says Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Founder of Fixderma. “They start early, often weeks before a wedding, focusing on repair and hydration rather than instant fixes.”
Their approach is minimal but intentional. “For Gen Z, resilience and comfort go hand in hand with radiance,” she explains. “They understand that healthy skin supports makeup better and looks more natural in photographs. Ceramide creams, niacinamide serums, and lightweight sunscreens are their staples.”
And perfection? It’s no longer the goal. “They value authenticity,” says Mehrotra. “They don’t want to conceal their texture; they want to enhance it. Dewy skin, soft blush, minimal foundation, that’s their version of wedding beauty.”
This “skin-first” mindset is also transforming product preferences. “They’re gravitating toward clean, dermatologist-backed formulations that improve skin health over time,” Mehrotra adds. “It’s about routines that build confidence, not cover-ups.”
Food: The New Love Language
If there’s one thing Gen Z has redefined completely, it’s the way food shows up at weddings. For them, it’s a mood, a memory, and sometimes, the most talked-about part of the night. A well-curated menu is now as important as the décor or the playlist. It needs to look good, taste even better, and tell a story that feels personal to the couple.
“We’re all chasing that wow moment, that ‘I have to post this’ feeling,” says Veer Pinto, Co-founder of The Croffle Guys, whose croissant-waffle hybrids have become a hit at Gen Z weddings. “But it’s not just about being trendy. People want food that sparks a reaction, something nostalgic yet new, comforting but creative.”
It’s why live stations and themed counters have replaced the standard buffet. Gen Z wants experiential food, where the process of making or plating becomes part of the celebration. “Every menu we design is rooted in the couple’s story,” Pinto explains. “A croffle bar because they met at a café, or a dessert flavour that reminds them of their first trip together, these small details make the food feel intimate.”
There’s also a quiet shift towards comfort-driven luxury, smaller, curated portions that prioritise flavour and sentiment over formality. Instead of ten dishes on one plate, guests gravitate towards one perfect bite that evokes an emotion. “They’re not chasing excess,” Pinto adds. “They want food that makes people pause, connect, and remember.”
Also Read:
Glow On The Go: The Jet-Set Bride’s Beauty Kit
India’s Most Coveted Luxury Wedding Venues — Curated for the Modern Royal
The Groom’s Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best
