FOCUS ON: WEDDINGS
happily ever
after
As the days get longer, wedding season approaches and party suppliers are leaning in to the trend for DIY themes as a growing number of Gen Z couples tie the knot. Left: Oppo Merchandise Group’s kids’ OppoSuits suits are popular for little guests. Above right: Muse from Tuftex plays beautifully with every theme and season, proving that sometimes the most subtle shades are the most inspiring. Below: Unique Party is seeing an increase in dopamine-inspired colour clashes and bold patterns.
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ccording to Hitched’s Real Wedding Study, almost a quarter of couples that got married in 2025 were Gen Z. The generation is changing wedding trends, with 38% more likely to host an engagement party and 33% more likely to have a pre-wedding photoshoot, opening up new opportunities for party suppliers and retailers alike. Gen Z couples also tend to lean towards the modern minimalist trend, with 24% choosing this aesthetic. Meanwhile, more than a third of couples take on DIY projects including centrepieces, decoration and invitations, to add personal touches, while also keeping costs down, offering more opportunity for the party industry. When it comes to inspiration, social media influences 60% of couples, while word of mouth helps 39%, meaning promotion is key. Trends are becoming more uniform throughout different countries, according to Mark Brett, sole UK agent, Boland: “There are common themes spreading throughout Europe, where ten years ago there were few similarities. Our industry (dress up and party) can only follow general trends as specific fashion trends are very fast moving and are a
distance away from the type of product we all sell, especially with weddings. “I suspect that the wedding party will be smaller and I think in many cases much smaller. My advice would be to keep it sophisticated, keenly priced and product that is very flexible in its usage. It is very likely that more and more couples will seek to do their own thing and sort product and ideas from their local party retailers, as opposed to the expense of use wedding planners. This is reinforced by Boland now having 10 pages of ‘bride to be’ product in its brand new 2026 catalogue.” Personalised décor is in vogue. Jennifer Wilson, head of creative marketing and product design, Unique Party agrees: Below: DIY elements, like this photo book from Hootyballoo are popular additions. Below right: Unique Party offers a huge range of Tuftex balloons with a colour to suit every wedding theme.
“Custom décor looks set to remain a defining feature of wedding celebrations this year. From bespoke balloon installations and tailored streamer backdrops, to a host of personalised details in between, the appetite for a luxe, crafted aesthetic has never been stronger. “What’s particularly exciting is the growing shift towards weddings that feel truly individual. Traditional colour palettes, tones and formats are no longer dominating the conversation; instead, couples are confidently moving beyond the status quo and embracing design choices that reflect their own personalities and stories. “As a result, colour, energy and playful accessories are taking centre stage like never before. Dopamine-inspired colour clashes, bold patterns and expressive prints are emerging as key features across many celebrations, reinforcing the idea that modern weddings are as much about personal expression as they are about tradition.” It’s important for retailers to remember the younger guests at weddings, says Sander Visser, key account manager, Europe, Oppo Merchandise Group: “At Oppo Merchandise Group we’ve always been more known for our unique stag do outfits instead of for the wedding itself. Despite the fact that our all-over-printed suits have been worn ‘walking down the aisle’, we see big demand within our kids’ OppoSuits suits. We offer a selection of timeless and trendy colours that fit any wedding ceremony. We even offer a selection of kids Tuxedos for the more formal occasion. “For men our solid coloured suits are perfect to wear when visiting a wedding party. Especially because they don’t just look great, but also can withstand a party which means you can wear them to multiple weddings and other occasions like proms.”
34 APRIL 2026 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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