According to new data from Bridebook, one in three Gen Z couples want their weddings to be tech-free, fuelling demand for content creators who can quietly document the day behind the scenes.
Bridebook spoke exclusively to Jamie Doody, founder of The Social Wedding, a content creator whose prices have doubled in just three years due to demand, who shares insights on the content boom, unplugged weddings and the value of social footage. She comments:
“I believe some of the best wedding moments happen when you’re not looking. The quick hug from your dad before you walk down the aisle, the nervous excitement as your bridesmaids adjust your dress, the tear that slips down your partner’s cheek during the speeches. That’s exactly why I started my business. I saw a gap between couples wanting to be fully present on their wedding day and also wanting to have instant, beautiful memories to relive and share. Professional photographers and videographers do an incredible job capturing the polished, cinematic moments — but what about everything in between? That’s where I come in.
“While photographers and videographers remain essential, there is now a demand for something more: real-time, behind-the-scenes storytelling that captures the candid, unfiltered essence of the day. One of the biggest trends this year is couples opting for unplugged ceremonies, which might sound like a contradiction, but one that I absolutely love! There’s something so special about looking out and seeing your guests’ actual faces instead of a sea of phone screens. But, let’s be honest — you still want those moments captured. That’s where a wedding content creator comes in, filming all the behind-the-scenes magic while you and your guests stay completely in the moment. You don’t have to worry about Auntie Sue fumbling with her phone to get a blurry aisle shot, and your best mate can enjoy the speeches without stressing about capturing them for Instagram. I’ve got it covered.
“A question I get asked a lot, and one that naturally arises with this trend, is: “Do I still need a photographer or videographer?” And the answer is absolutely! My work doesn’t replace them; instead, it complements them. Think of me as an extra guest, but one with a professional eye and a great camera. I capture the moments in between, the reactions, the realness, offering a more relaxed, social-first perspective. Meanwhile, your photographer and videographer focus on the timeless, polished shots to be cherished forever. Together, we create the full story of your day from every angle. The combination of these different approaches gives couples a fully rounded story of their wedding day, one that is both professional and personal.
“High-quality photography and videography also take time to edit and refine. And while they’ll absolutely be worth the wait, wouldn’t it be amazing to have something to watch back straightaway? Wedding content creation fills this gap, offering fast turnaround times (often within 24-48 hours) and giving couples an instant way to look back on their day. Whether it’s a highlight reel, short clips for Instagram and TikTok, or a collection of unposed, real-time moments, this content allows couples to relive the energy of their wedding while still in the post-wedding bubble.
“Since 2022, I’ve gradually increased my prices due to the growing demand for wedding content creation. Back then, my packages started at £349, but now they begin at £749. Wedding content creation is still a relatively new service, and as a result, many couples still tend to book a bit later in their planning journey. However, this year, I was already fully booked for summer weddings by January. As we look ahead, I’m already a third booked for next summer and receiving multiple inquiries for weddings as far out as 2027 and 2028.
“The choice is no longer just about whether to have a photographer or videographer; it’s about how couples want their story to be told. So, if you’re planning your wedding and want to make sure that no moment goes by unnoticed, I’d love to help.”
Founder of Bridebook, Hamish Shephard, comments:
“What’s driving this demand isn’t just the desire for more candid, behind-the-scenes content, but also value and budget considerations. The average spend on suppliers in the UK totals £1,482 for a wedding photographer, while a videographer comes in at around £1,386. Content creation offers couples an affordable, modern option that complements those services.
“Gen Z’s influence is also redefining the wedding landscape. Due to growing up in a digital world, they’re 50% more likely to want an unplugged ceremony than other groups. While many couples opt for numerous ways to capture the big day, the rise in unplugged weddings signals a broader shift in couples valuing presence over perfection, prioritising genuine connection and guest experience. For wedding suppliers, this means rethinking their approach to meet the expectations of a generation that values authenticity and presence over tradition.”
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