As a matter of fact, Gen-Z refers to those born between 1996 and 2010, which means some of those “babies” are turning 30 soon. But why does everyone—including the editor writing this—still seem unable to wrap their heads around that fact? Is it because of the common belief that Gen-Z isn’t mature enough to take big life steps? Or is it the growing realization that the millennial spotlight is dimming—fast? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because some of us Gen-Z-ers aren’t quite ready to be adults yet.
THE WORLD SHOULD’VE ENDED IN 2012
Remember the “2012 phenomenon”? It was a doomsday theory that claimed the world would collapse in cataclysmic disaster. While it turned out to be complete nonsense, it did leave a weird psychological imprint on a lot of us. Some people still struggle to process the fact that life went on. And it went on fast.
There’s nothing as confusing—and confronting—as time. If someone told you today that their son born in 2004 is getting engaged, or that their daughter born in 2000 is walking down the aisle, your mind probably flashes back to the last time you saw them as ten-year-olds frozen in time. But surprise: kids born in 2004 are turning 21 this year. They’re graduating college, entering the workforce, and yes, even getting married.
Wild, right? It’s 2025, and those kids aren’t kids anymore.
MILLENNIALS USED TO GET MARRIED AT 23, SO WHY NOT GEN Z?
There’s a common misconception that Gen-Z doesn’t take life seriously. But here’s a twist: a growing number of Gen-Z-ers are actually embracing traditional milestones—marriage included—earlier than expected. Maybe it’s a reaction to the perceived chaos of millennial adulthood. Maybe it’s just love. Either way, Gen-Z isn’t universally rejecting marriage; they’re just doing it their own way.
SOME GEN Z-ERS ARE ACTING TOO GEN Z—DO YOU GET IT?
Of course, not every Gen-Z-er is planning a wedding. Some are still figuring out what they’re becoming, navigating work-life balance (or avoiding work entirely), and spending more time on TikTok than Linkedin. And that’s okay. Because Gen-Z, more than any generation before, is allowed to do things at their own pace, in their own order. Some are settling down. Others are still living off their parents’ money. Both are valid.
MILLENNIALS AREN’T READY TO BE “OLDIES” YET
Let’s be honest—millennials are having a bit of an identity crisis. Once the face of youth, rebellion, and avocado toast, they’re now pushing 40 and feeling, well, replaced. Watching Gen-Z get married feels like a weird mirror: a reminder that time is passing, that new adults are arriving, and that “cool” might have moved on without them.
But maybe that’s not a bad thing. Maybe it’s just life. Generations change, evolve, and take turns being the main character. And right now? Gen-Z is stepping into that spotlight—weddings, weird slang, and all.
So yes, Gen-Z is getting married. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re old (yet). It just means time is doing what it always does—moving forward.
