Once upon a time, the big moments in our lives were expected to look a certain way. It was all about the more – more people, more planning, more pressure – size mattered. Who were we looking to impress, though? Nowadays, we’re beginning to want something more authentic and down-to-earth, and Londoners in particular, who are used to living on a grand city scale, are questioning whether bigger really does mean better.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that doing less is a question of compromise – it’s often very much a conscious choice. It’s less driven by budget, although of course this is a factor, and more by wanting something that feels real and right. We can see this shift across a lot of aspects of life, from how we socialise to how we mark milestones, and it reflects a broader desire for simplicity in a city that rarely slows down.
What really makes something special
It’s not that we’ve stopped celebrating, it’s just the approach that’s changed. Since 2020, average guest numbers haven’t regained former levels, and smaller gatherings continue to be a trend for 2026. According to the 2025 UK Wedding Report, the average wedding in 2024 had 73 ceremony guests and 58 additional guests at the reception and evening party, compared to 79 and 70 in 2019.
Instead of starting with a fixed idea of what something should look like, many of us now begin by asking what we actually want from the experience. Even a casual browse of a London wedding venue directory can show just how varied and flexible modern celebrations have become.
Looking at the trends in wedding themes reflects this desire to connect to something more personal and natural. When looking at words that best describe the overall theme of a couple’s wedding, The UK Wedding Report shows that ‘rustic’ is the top theme by far, with boho, modern, and garden party all in the top five. Gen Z in particular are pushing this trend towards authenticity – they listed rustic alongside each of these themes twice as regularly as non-Gen Z couples.
Unique London venues
London is the perfect destination for anyone wanting something unique but intimate for a celebration. It’s possible to cater for almost any taste for a London wedding, from the stunning Art Deco design of Control Room A at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station to the beautiful Leighton House in Kensington.
Originally the home and studio of famed Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, the Grade II* listed house is filled with stunning period interiors, including the iconic Arab Hall and beautifully landscaped gardens, giving small weddings and celebrations a truly memorable atmosphere steeped in culture and character.
Ultimately, doing it better is about understanding that meaning is not created by excess. It comes from thoughtfulness, ease, and the freedom to shape experiences on your own terms. In a city as full and fast as London, that can feel like a quiet luxury in itself.
