A New Generation, A New Wedding Rulebook

Minimalist. Maximalist. Eco-conscious. Hyper-personalized.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the rise of Gen Z weddings it’s that rules are out, and expression is everything.

At Hensley Event Resources, we’re seeing a new generation of couples who are unafraid to blend aesthetics, push boundaries, and prioritize meaning. From vibrant tabletops to custom dance floors and bar designs made for the ‘gram, Gen Z couples are raising the bar, and we’re here for it.

What Defines a Gen Z Wedding?

Forget one-size-fits-all traditions. Gen Z weddings are immersive, intentional, and driven by values like sustainability, individuality, and guest experience. Here’s how this generation is rewriting the wedding playbook, and how you can design with them in mind.

1. Instagram-Ready Installations That Speak Gen Z

(Content is Queen, and the wedding is the content)

Gen Z doesn’t see their wedding as a one-day event. It’s a full-fledged experience, one built for sharing. Think custom bars that double as photo ops, graphic-heavy dance floors, and lounge setups that feel like curated living rooms.

Design Tip: Build in focal points across the floor plan. Our modern lounge collections, statement bars, and checkered dance floors were made to be noticed and photographed.

2. Ceremony Structures With Architectural Impact

(A Gen Z wedding trend grounded in intention and design)

To Gen Z couples, the ceremony isn’t just symbolic, it’s a visual representation of their values. That’s why our custom-built pavilions, arches, and open-air structures serve as the foundation for extraordinary ceremony design.

What Makes It Work: Clean lines, bold scale, and flexibility. Whether draped in organic florals or lit with LEDs, our structures are both statement and scaffolding.

Need something that doesn’t exist yet? Our Custom Fabrication team, in partnership with Blueprint Studios, can build from scratch turning blue-sky ideas into tangible backdrops.

3. Sustainable Looks That Don’t Skimp on Style

Eco-consciousness isn’t an add-on for Gen Z it’s a requirement. Rentals are no longer a workaround; they’re a value-aligned design choice. Couples want their celebration to feel luxe and responsible.

Go Green, Stay Gorgeous: Guide your clients toward natural wood chairs, linen-textured lounges, and reusable tabletop elements. Our curated rental collections balance impact and intention.

4. Elevated Tabletop Design: A Gen Z Signature

If there’s one visual signature to this generation’s events, it’s in the details, and the tabletop is their storytelling canvas. Safe neutrals are being replaced by layered color palettes, rich textures, and curated chaos.

What’s Trending Now:

• Matte ceramic dinnerware

• Colored glassware

• Sculptural napkin folds in bold tones

• Layered textiles and modern flatware

Our editorial tabletop collections reflect these Gen Z wedding trends designed to surprise, delight, and photograph like a dream.

5. Experience-First Planning

(Design that centers people, not protocol)

Gen Z wants their guests to feel something. From creative bar menus and interactive escort walls to cozy lounge corners and surprise-and-delight moments, connection is the priority.

Design With Purpose: Build comfort into the layout. Design for downtime, for spontaneous conversation, for laughter. Your vibe should reflect the couple, but also embrace the guest experience fully.

6. Inclusive Design That Celebrates Identity

More than any generation before, Gen Z is leading with authenticity. Weddings are no longer constrained by gender norms or cookie-cutter traditions. Ceremonies reflect real identities, chosen families, and inclusive language.

Design With Purpose: Ask the right questions. Leave assumptions at the door. Provide flexible setups, diverse lounge pairings, and design details that celebrate each guest, and each story, with intention.

TAKEAWAYS: What We’re Learning From Gen Z Wedding Trends

1. Design for the feed AND the feeling, your space should live beautifully online and IRL.

2. Architectural structures are the new florals, foundation is everything.

3. Rentals are statements, not placeholders choose meaningful, reusable pieces.

4. Tabletops tell stories the bolder, the better.

5. Design for identity and inclusion every guest should feel seen.

Let Hensley Event Resources Bring the Vision to Life

At Hensley Event Resources, we don’t just follow trends, we help couples and planners shape them. With a vast inventory of high-design rentals, one-of-a-kind structures, editorial tabletop collections, and a fabrication team ready to build anything you can dream, we are your go-to partner for next-level weddings.

Ready to Build a Wedding That Hits Different?

Explore our Gen Z-favorite offerings:

• Architectural ceremony structures and pavilions

• Custom bar and dance floor designs

• Statement tabletop and lounge collections

• Full-service fabrication support through our partners

Contact us today to start designing a celebration that reflects your client’s story, values, and vision without limits.

Credits Planning & Design: @jennrobirdsevents

Photographer: @anna.gianfrate

Photography: @taylerirenephotography

Planner: @belleeventsandco & @casablancainterlaken

Planning & Design: @bonvivant.events

Photo: @normanandblake & @theweddingartistsco

Planning & Design: @blueprintstudios

Photo: @diane_angel

Location/Host: @rosewoodmiramarbeach

Event & Structure Design: @silohfloral

Lounge Furniture: @blueprintstudiosevents

Photography: @corbingurkin