"I'm Getting Married, But Please Don't Come"... Gen Z's Changing Wedding Trends [World is Z-gold]

Micro-Wedding Craze: Dramatically Smaller Guest Lists
Focus on Quality Time with Closest Friends and Family
Shift Toward Practical Values Among Younger Generations Also Plays a Role

Editor's NoteGen Z (born in the late 1990s to early 2010s) is rapidly emerging as a generation leading culture and trends, setting new standards across society. [World is Z-gold] aims to shed light on the lifestyles and values of Gen Z around the globe, exploring how they are changing society.

In the United States, more couples are opting for "micro-weddings" that significantly reduce the number of guests. As concerns about wedding expenses grow, they are cutting unnecessary costs and focusing on meaningful time with their closest friends and family. This trend has also been influenced by a shift in values among younger generations, who prioritize practicality and efficiency.

An increasing number of couples in the United States are choosing "micro-weddings," where the number of guests is significantly reduced. As the burden of wedding costs grows, they aim to cut unnecessary expenses and focus on meaningful moments with close family and friends. In South Korea, there is also a growing trend toward simplifying wedding ceremonies. Getty Images

Average Number of Guests in the US Is 117...Micro-Weddings Host 50 or Fewer

U.S. media outlet Cosmopolitan recently reported that micro-weddings are emerging as a new wedding trend. The outlet noted, "There are many factors to consider when planning a wedding, but the most important decision is how many guests to invite on your wedding day," describing the rise of this trend.

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There is no strict definition of a micro-wedding, but it generally refers to small-scale weddings with 50 guests or fewer. Compared to typical American weddings, which usually have more than 100 guests, this represents a reduction of more than half. According to U.S. wedding information website The Knot, the average number of guests at weddings in the United States last year was 117.

Related posts about micro-weddings can be easily found on TikTok and other social media platforms. Netizens highlight that micro-weddings allow for closer interaction with guests and reduce the stress from both wedding preparations and the ceremony itself. One bride, who got married this past March, shared, "I invited only 22 guests," adding, "Because only my closest friends and family were present, I was able to spend plenty of time with everyone and enjoy a comfortable atmosphere throughout the wedding."

A Changing Wedding Culture... Economic Burdens and Shifting Values Are Driving the Trend

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The main reason behind the growing popularity of micro-weddings appears to be financial pressure. With the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.1% in July and a challenging job market, as well as younger couples facing additional burdens like securing a home and paying off student loans, the cost of a wedding becomes yet another source of stress. The media outlet pointed out, "Strictly speaking, the U.S. is not currently in a recession," but added, "Nonetheless, the prevailing sentiment feels recession-like."

A change in how the younger generation perceives weddings has also played a role. Brandi Dunn, a clinical psychologist, said, "Couples are increasingly making conscious choices about what matters most to them," and explained, "Instead of asking, 'What do others expect of us?' they're asking, 'What does an authentic day for us look like?'"

Another clinical psychologist, Jocelyn Chanas, analyzed that the young generation also thinks differently about the value of money. Chanas said, "Gen Z has greater financial literacy and a different perspective when it comes to the value of goods," explaining that, having grown up during periods of economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic, today's younger adults tend to be more careful with their spending.

However, limiting the guest list could also invite pushback from family or friends. Chanas noted, "There is always a possibility that someone could be hurt or disappointed," and added, "Sometimes even the couple's own family members may not understand these restrictions." She advised that couples choosing a micro-wedding should be prepared to face some degree of resistance.

'No Weddings' Appear in Korea Following the 'Small Wedding' Trend

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Meanwhile, there is also a growing movement to simplify wedding ceremonies in Korea. As inflation has increased the burden of wedding expenses, not only are "small weddings" on the rise, but some are even choosing to forego traditional ceremonies altogether—a trend called "no wedding." According to a July survey by the Korea Consumer Agency, the average cost of a wedding in Korea was 22 million won, with meal expenses alone accounting for 13.5 million won, or 61.4% of the total. Regionally, the average cost was highest in Seoul's Gangnam district at 34.01 million won, while even outside of Gangnam, the average wedding in Seoul cost 31.03 million won.

In response, more young people in Korea, much like in the United States, are favoring more practical weddings over extravagant ceremonies. Data consulting firm PMI conducted a survey of 1,000 adults nationwide aged 20 to 59 on their views about marriage. Among unmarried respondents, 55.2% said they preferred a small wedding with only family and close friends invited, followed by large-scale ceremonies (18.8%), no wedding (13.4%), and outdoor or unique weddings (11.6%). Rather than sticking to the traditional large guest weddings, people are increasingly choosing styles such as small weddings or family-centric ceremonies that better match their personal situations and values.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.