A weekend trip to a European city may seem like one of the best ways to send a friend off into married life, but many Gen Yers in the UK are losing their taste for this kind of pre-wedding party. How are financial worries, eco-consciousness, and gender inclusivity shaking up the traditional hen do?

With venues closed and events postponed, the pandemic has complicated the wedding plans of couples around the world. Forced to engage people online, bridal brands have enhanced their e-commerce experiences, creating the possibility that the dress-shopping tradition will shift online for good.

Even with a pandemic and increasing socio-economic issues, more and more couples are getting hitched. As people come to realise the importance of being with the ones they love, especially during hard times, couples are sealing the deal in understated but intimate ceremonies.

Why is a mass shift to WFH driving calls for new domestic boundaries? How has the pandemic intensified the pressure on parents? Why are people embracing a less-is-more approach to home life? And in what ways are digital interactions with friends and family getting more meaningful?