Are weddings changing?
How Weddings Are Changing: The Rise of the Relaxed, Authentic Celebration
A few weeks ago, I met the amazing Janet and Graham Golightly from the fantastic Birkdaleclassic.com. Janet discussed how weddings are evolving and how we can stay current with these trends. Birkdale Classic has a beautiful camper van in their fleet of classic cars. Janet discussed offering complete, one-stop packages where the couple arrives in the campervan with options for food—maybe a picnic or takeaway. Flowers would be sourced locally, and everything would be done for you.
As a celebrant, I could deliver a service and involve their friends and family. It would be fantastic if they then had a musician playing their favourite songs, which would be perfect for this small, informal wedding. It could take place at the beach, in a park, forest, or back garden. This got me thinking about how weddings are changing.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that love doesn’t need a rulebook. Weddings, once defined by tradition and grandeur, are evolving into something far more personal, meaningful, and relaxed. The modern couple is rewriting what a wedding “should” look like, and the result is beautifully authentic.
From backyard ceremonies and mix-and-match bridal parties to unplugged moments and sustainable choices, the new wave of weddings is all about comfort, connection, and creativity. Here’s how things are changing — and why we’re totally here for it.
The days of 300-guest banquets are giving way to smaller, more intentional celebrations. Couples are embracing “micro weddings” or “minimonies”, focusing on quality time with loved ones rather than endless guest lists.
Traditions are being reimagined or left behind altogether. It’s now perfectly normal for brides to walk down the aisle solo, for couples to skip the cake cutting, or for a best friend to officiate.
Vows are handwritten, music playlists are curated by the couple themselves so the idea of a campervan and a picnic on the beach would be perfect for the modern couple.
Fashion has relaxed too. Structured ballgowns and stiff tuxedos are being swapped for flowy dresses, jumpsuits, linen suits, and even sneakers. Brides are choosing outfits they can move, dance, and breathe in.
Grooms are embracing casual sophistication — no tie, no problem. The aesthetic has become “laid-back luxury”: think tousled hair, minimal makeup, and naturally beautiful settings that speak for themselves.
Modern couples are mindful — not just of their budget, but of their impact. Eco-friendly weddings are no longer niche.
From repurposed décor and vintage rings to locally sourced flowers and seasonal menus, sustainability is becoming part of the celebration. Many couples are even choosing to rent attire or donate leftover food, making their big day as kind to the planet as it is joyful.
Instead of sticking to a rigid timeline, couples are curating experiences for their guests. That might mean food trucks instead of a sit-down meal, live acoustic sets instead of DJs, or cozy fire pits and lawn games over formal cocktail hours.
The new wedding vibe is less “program” and more “party.” Everyone’s invited to relax, mingle, and truly celebrate — without worrying about when to sit down or stand up..
Perhaps the biggest shift of all is that couples are choosing meaning over perfection. Instagram-worthy photos are lovely, but the focus is now on genuine joy, laughter, and moments that matter.
Weddings are less about performing and more about being present , whether that’s crying through your vows or dancing barefoot under the stars.
The modern wedding isn’t about following a template; it’s about telling a story. Every detail, from the playlist to the menu, is an expression of the couple’s personality. And as traditions loosen their grip, love is taking centre stage in a way that feels refreshingly real.
So whether you’re planning a backyard bash, a destination elopement, or a relaxed dinner with your closest friends, remember: your wedding doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to feel like you. And if you fancy the idea of arriving in a campervan to your wedding, follow Birkdale Classics on Facebook.