A growing number of Gen Z couples are choosing low-cost weddings over extravagant celebrations, driven by economic pressures and a shift in priorities. The average cost of a US wedding now ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, compared to $27,000 in 2006, but many young people are opting for smaller, more affordable ceremonies.
According to a Newsweek survey conducted with Redfield and Wilton Strategies, 25% of Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 25 believe a wedding should cost between $10,000 and $20,000. This contrasts sharply with older millennials, 21% of whom think weddings should cost $50,000 or more. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, resetting industry norms and encouraging simpler celebrations.
Ariel Stallings, publisher of Offbeat Wed, notes that Gen Z couples are focusing on what matters to them—such as dressing up, making it official, and sharing media—while cutting out expensive extras like feeding guests, fancy invitations, and venue logistics. Examples include micro-weddings, camping weddings, and ceremonies without receptions.
Rachael Rice and David Knape from Portland, Oregon, held a micro-wedding on Mount Tabor in 2021 with no bridesmaids, flower girl, or after-party. Rice described it as "fucking great," emphasising that there is no need to spend heavily on a wedding when many people face financial challenges.
The rise of nontraditional weddings reflects a broader ideology that there is no wrong way to celebrate. Whether a $500 Wiccan micro-wedding or a $6,000 camping wedding, the focus is on authenticity and personal preference rather than societal expectations.
