How Engaged Couples are Reinventing the Wedding Playbook

From Traditional to Tradition-ish

Let's talk numbers that'll make your wedding-obsessed aunt raise an eyebrow. While 48% of couples are still chasing that "classic" wedding vibe, couples who are getting married in 2025 are definitely not set on copying their parents' weddings. Think classic with a twist – like pairing a white and neutral color palette with a killer green that screams "garden party meets modern fairy tale."

And while some age-old traditions like the bouquet and garter tosses are losing their shine, some traditions have remained resilient. Engagement photos (whether you gush over them or immediately roll your eyes) aren’t going anywhere any time soon: 77% of couples are taking engagement photos before their wedding day, and the “first look” photo op on the wedding day is sticking around, too, with 56% of couples integrating a “first look” moment into their wedding day before the ceremony. And a lot of couples are incorporating a new kind of first look that goes beyond their partners: 41% are taking advantage of the photo op with their friends or family.

But while some timeless classics exist for a reason, others feel tired for today’s couples. While 13% of couples continue to choose more traditional banquet halls and ballroom-style venues, double that number (26%) are looking to have an outdoor garden party. And it makes sense: Only 18% of couples described their wedding style as “traditional.” Some trends, like wedding hashtags and choreographed first dances, are out, too. Only 21% of couples are using wedding hashtags – a number that dropped more than 10% from 2024 – and only 21% of couples are choreographing their first dance.

As traditions and customs evolve, financial traditions are evolving alongside them, which is not surprising considering 92% lived together before getting engaged and 43% have already combined their finances. 25% of couples even purchased a home together before they got engaged. And while 71% of couples report that their family is contributing to the cost of their wedding, 87% are chipping in to help fund their own wedding – showing a mix of family support and a huge amount of personal investment. And only 31% of modern weddings follow the outdated custom of the bride’s family footing the entire bill, while 63% of couples receive support from both families.

There’s also a strong desire for more of a balance when it comes to wedding planning. Although the data shows that it is mostly one partner continuing to shoulder most of the work, many popular vendors bookable on Zola, like Amy Shack Egan, Founder + CEO of Modern Rebel, are seeing more and more couples planning their weddings together. As Amy told us, “It's exciting to see couples approach such a big event as a team sport. They learn more about how to manage money, deal with tricky family dynamics, and communicate, which will surely pay off later. Since couples are planning together, I'm seeing them make choices that feel "more like them," even if their families don't always agree. For example, I have a couple planning a progressive wedding next year! They're starting with a sit down dinner and ceremony (guests will watch from their seats) and then inviting 100 more people for the party later.” We love to hear it!

Thoughtful Choices in Name Changes and Vows

Name changes are a tradition that is evolving but still close to engaged couples’ hearts. 66% of engaged couples plan to take their partner’s last name – and most say it feels like a personal choice rather than an obligation. Some couples (6%) are even creating a new last name because they can make something awesome on their own! Couples are continuing to tap into customizing their ceremonies and making them personal, with the decision to have a family member or friend perform the ceremony up 9% from 2024. 32% of couples are opting to have a religion-free ceremony, and 78% of couples are all for exchanging vows privately rather than in front of their guests.

Balancing Celebration and Practicality

The expectation to have a wedding is still there, and having a wedding to make family happy (and because it’s what you think you should do) is still a thing. But even more couples want to have a wedding because it’s something meaningful that they really want to do. When asked why they were having a wedding, 30% of couples said it was because their families wanted them to, and 23% of couples said they chose to have a wedding because it’s a beautiful tradition, and everyone else they know did it.

For 70% of couples, the wedding is the ultimate party, while 59% say they’ve dreamed about the day for their whole lives.

As weddings continue to evolve, modern couples are showing that tradition doesn’t have to disappear; it can be reimagined to fit the present. Afterall, it’s all about creating celebrations that feel meaningful, timeless and unique.