What’s One Conversation 80% Of Indian Gen Z Couples Prioritise Before Marriage?

The big fat Indian wedding is now evolving. A recent survey by wedding platform WedMeGood highlights the shifting priorities of Gen Z couples, who are increasingly addressing mental health and sustainability in their wedding plans.

The Mental Health Shift: A Pre-Marital Priority

Unlike previous generations, approximately 80% of Indian Gen Z couples now prioritize discussing mental health before marriage. This openness marks a much-needed break away from traditional norms, where emotional well-being was often overlooked in pre-marital conversations.

Gen Z’s approach focuses on the importance of mental health compatibility alongside traditional compatibility factors like family values and finances. These discussions reflect a cultural shift towards breaking stigmas around mental health, fostering healthier relationships, and ensuring emotional compatibility before stepping into married life.

A Record-Breaking 2024

WedMeGood's report predicts that 2024 will be a record year for Indian weddings, with an estimated 4.8 million ceremonies taking place between October and December. This surge positions India second globally, after the USA, for the number of weddings. The booming wedding industry is expected to generate a staggering ₹6 trillion in business this season.

Love in the Digital Age

The report reveals a sharp contrast between old-school matchmaking practices and the digital-first approach of today. While dating apps and social media dominate as platforms for finding love, only 9% of couples reported meeting through matrimonial websites. Interestingly, 30% of couples surveyed met online.

Sustainability: A Core Wedding Trend

Gen Z couples are also bringing eco-conscious values to their wedding plans. Over half (52%) are opting for carbon-neutral weddings, and nearly half (49.2%) are sending paperless invites. Additionally, 31% of couples are making efforts to limit plastic use at their events.

This eco-conscious mindset extends to bridal choices as well, with 45.5% of Gen Z brides opting for lab-grown artificial diamonds. A smaller yet notable percentage are choosing rental jewellery to minimize waste while maintaining tradition.

Money vs. Mental Health: Changing Priorities

Interestingly, the survey highlights a generational difference in pre-marital conversations. While 86% of millennials discussed finances before marriage, only 78.26% of Gen Z couples do so. However, this trend is reversed when it comes to mental health, with Gen Z outdoing millennials significantly in this area (78.26% vs. 48%).

This shift suggests that Gen Z values emotional connection and mental compatibility as essential components of a strong marital foundation, even more than financial discussions.

Towards Healthier Relationships

By normalizing discussions about mental health, embracing sustainability, and leveraging modern matchmaking platforms, GenZ is redefining what it means to build a meaningful relationship. These trends not only highlight changing societal values but also offer a blueprint for healthier, more conscious relationships in the years to come.