From Vows to Views: Is Social Media Taking Over the Big Day?

In the digital age, weddings have increasingly turned into visual content opportunities, beautiful ceremonies often curated with social media in mind. To what extent are weddings becoming more performative than personal? And are influencers setting standards that most couples simply can’t, or shouldn’t meet?

Influencers frequently partner with luxury vendors to stage weddings designed for maximum aesthetic appeal, often for promotional purposes. As one TikTok creator remarked:

“If I wasn’t a content creator I definitely would’ve scaled wayyyy back haha.” (Fetch Collective)

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest encourage couples to chase picture-perfect themes, from lavish gowns to exotic venues fuelling both inspiration and unrealistic comparisons. Most real world couples cannot replicate such extravagant setups. (Spruce Mountain Events, tungstenringscenter.com, Fetch Collective)

Photographers and church officials in the UK have pushed back: extended cinematic photo shoots (sometimes 16 hours) can overshadow the ceremony itself, leaving guests fatigued and the event feeling staged. (The Guardian)

Social media has been identified as a key driver behind modern wedding inflation. In the UK, the average wedding now costs around £25,625, roughly two-thirds of the median annual salary. (Financial Times)

Through highly polished content, influencers create a perception that lavish spending is normal. Yet many couples experience strain, especially bridal parties, when financial burdens become unreasonable to meet these visibly curated standards. (Marie Claire UK)

In contrast, Gen Z is leading a shift toward more intimate and authentic ceremonies. Recent high-profile weddings, such as Charli XCX’s small ceremony in Hackney, have resonated for embracing simplicity over spectacle. (Vogue)

At its core, a wedding is a celebration of love and commitment—not a stage play for social media followers. Observers argue that focusing on likes and Instagrammability can detract from the emotional significance of the day. (The Independent)

Many couples report they don’t care about crafting “Instagram moments” and prefer planning weddings that are meaningful rather than trendy. Zola reports that 79% of couples marrying in 2025 reject creating content centred on social media entirely. (zola.com)

• Be intentional upfront: Define whether you want photos for social media or simply to enjoy the day. If so, coordinate timings and content release with vendors.
  
• Set social media boundaries: Consider an unplugged ceremony, or share a gentle note to guests about your preferences. 
  
• Prioritize authentic touches over perfection: Infuse your personalities into the celebration, even if it means skipping certain trends. 
  
• Learn from your venue’s past real weddings, not just highly curated styled shoots. 
• Resist comparison traps: Influencers often spend far more than average couples, creating unrealistic expectations. 

Weddings can still be shared and documented, but they don’t have to be for social media. Many unforgettable ceremonies thrive off authenticity, emotional connection, and simplicity. Influencers may set lavish templates, but they are not the benchmark for love, commitment, or a memorable day.

Couples today are forging a healthier path by prioritising intimacy over spectacle. Weddings remain fundamentally about partnership and celebration, not perfection.