Gen Zs spend more than £1,800 on multiple wedding outfits and accessories, according to research. A study of more than 2,000 married men and women found Gen Z weddings are now multi-event productions with multiple outfit changes and chances for content creation.
The research discovered that Gen Zers have more bridal/groom showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners and day after celebrations than any other generation, with social media reshaping expectations and adding more pressure.
Eight in 10 Gen Zers felt pressured to look perfect on their wedding day, and 38% admitting this mostly comes from social media. What’s more, pne in five said getting the right pictures for social media was a top priority.
Ellis Ranson, a celebrity stylist and brand ambassador for footwear retailer Deichmann, which commissioned the research, said: “Wedding content culture is now huge. The typical Gen Z wedding is far more appearance driven than previous generations as they look to change outfits as the day goes on.
“With all of the outfit changes, there comes a price tag that can see people add hundreds onto their budgeted amounts.”
Researchers found 80% bought two or more outfits for the big day alone and 71% had at least two pairs of shoes. Yet 12% felt they spent too much on their appearance.
The overall average spent on outfits by the married Brits polled was £1,219.07 – some £600 less than Gen Z.
Boomers typically spent £552 and made do with one outfit for the day, while 70% of Generation X managed with just one pair of shoes.
The research found 82% of women bought shoes specifically for their wedding day, compared to 64% of grooms.
However, Gen Z were the most likely to keep something to wear it again and Millennials opted to recoup some of the money by selling their outfits on.
Ellis Ranson, for Deichmann, added: “The pressure to spend on outfits is now huge but you don’t need to overspend to chase the perfect look.
“There are so many great alternatives to expensive designer pieces and saving money on your footwear and accessories is a great way to make sure you stay within budget.”