Personalised and on-trend: 4 Gen-Z wedding decor ideas to make your big day unforgettable
As destination weddings gain popularity but costs soar, Architectural Digest suggests a creative solution: “If you can’t travel to a destination, bring it to you.” The article highlights how Gen-Z couples are embracing this idea by recreating their favorite travel spots for wedding events, without limits on the destinations.
Drawing inspiration from a classic Italian market in a piazza, event designer Ambika Gupta transformed the bride’s backyard into a picturesque setting at home. For the wedding ceremony itself, Gupta crafted a “deconstructed take on The Colosseum using fluted acrylic arches.” To infuse the event with vibrancy, the designer incorporated mismatched furniture, appealing to Gen-Z couples’ penchant for unconventional elements.
Minimalism over opulence
According to Priti Sidhwani, founder and CEO of DreamzKrraft, a wedding planning service in Mumbai, the prevailing trend among young couples today leans towards a minimalist approach rather than extravagant displays. The article cites examples such as the weddings of Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare, as well as model Sofia Richie’s viral wedding to Elliot Grainge in Antibes, France. However, Sidhwani cautions that while simplicity is favored, it must be balanced with aesthetics. “Gen-Z brides do want the décor to be Instagram-friendly and go viral eventually,” she notes.
Embrace pop culture
While minimalism remains a cornerstone, the article underscores how today’s young couples strive for a unique theme and are willing to go to great lengths to bring their vision to life. Modern weddings now embrace themes as diverse as Willy Wonka, Taylor Swift, and Mad Hatter-style tea parties, showcasing the boundless creativity at play.
Anika Dhawan, founder and artistic director of wedding planning service Rani Pink, who has collaborated with Bollywood brides like Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Athiya Shetty, shares insights. Dhawan recently curated a cocktail party themed ‘Frida Kahlo in Sicily’. To realize this vision, the event featured wall art, ceramics, special prints, hand-painted furniture, and custom-made dolls, all meticulously selected to evoke the essence of the theme.
Today’s engaged couples are departing from generic themes and infusing elements of their own lives into their wedding decor. Maitri Shah, founder and creative director of the event planning service Mai Stories, observes that the current trend is a shift away from ostentation towards the personal touch. Not only are couples incorporating their own love stories into the decor, but they are also aiming to create an immersive experience for their guests.
Shah explains that Gen-Z couples are scenting the venue and treating decor as art installations, aiming to craft a sensorial space for their guests reminiscent of their own home. “Even something as simple as serving welcome drinks needs to be an experience in itself,” Shah remarks, highlighting the importance of every detail in creating a memorable event.
Given these evolving trends, it’s not surprising that today’s engaged couples are no longer solely relying on Pinterest for inspiration. Aashna Lalwani, co-founder of the wedding planning service Three Entertainment, shares insights into this shift. She recounts a recent engagement party with a jungle disco theme, inspired by the groom’s proposal during a safari in Kenya. Lalwani notes that even baraats, traditional Indian wedding processions, now have themes. For instance, she mentions planning a Last Supper-themed baraat and photo-op for a groom whose childhood nickname was Jesus, while also being considerate of religious sensitivities.
