Planning a Wedding With Your Parents and Still Making It Yours
A Gen Z + Parent Guide to Planning at Nature Valley Lodge
Weddings are changing—and so are the people behind the planning. At Nature Valley Lodge, we meet couples every week navigating Gen Z wedding planning with a team that often includes… their parents. If you’re a Gen Z couple, you’re likely planning a wedding that reflects your values, priorities, and personality. But for a lot of couples, parents are still involved in the wedding—emotionally and financially. Whether you’re leading the charge or collaborating with your family, here’s how to approach planning a wedding with your parents—without losing the day you want.
1. Start With the Budget—and the Boundaries
According to industry research, 63% of Gen Z couples have parents involved in wedding finances. So it’s no surprise that things can get… layered. At Nature Valley Lodge, we help couples (and families) get clear on expectations from day one. Our flexible planning model allows space for real conversations—who’s paying for what, and who’s calling which shots.
We’re an Ohio wedding venue with flexibility, which means:
✔️ Transparent pricing
✔️ Buildable packages
✔️ Space for your voice and theirs
2. Pick a Venue That Doesn’t Force You Into a Box
You don’t need to compromise to keep your parents happy. You just need the right space. Gen Z couples are looking for outdoor beauty, sustainable values, and authentic vibes. Parents want comfort, structure, and assurance things won’t fall apart mid-ceremony. NVL delivers both.
Nature Valley Lodge includes:
Indoor + outdoor ceremony locations
53 private acres with lakeside views and open-air timber structures
On-site lodging for family or wedding party
A 50,000-watt generator for reliable backup power
Full-weekend access—no flip, no shuffle, no rush
This is what planning a wedding with family should look like—balanced, grounded, and built for calm.
3. Decide Who’s Doing What
If your parents are helping, clarify where you want their input—and where you don’t. Maybe your mom’s handling rentals and your dad’s focused on the bar. Cool. Now tell them. We often help Gen Z couples draw those boundaries without drama. Our venue team communicates directly with whoever needs updates so nothing falls through the cracks.
Pro tip for parents: Be involved where your presence adds value, not pressure. Ask how to support your child’s choices instead of steering them away from their vision.
4. Plan for the Whole Experience (Not Just the Ceremony)
This isn’t just about the vows. It’s about the weekend: greeting guests, waking up in the farmhouse, walking the property before the big moment. That’s why we offer full-weekend rentals. You won’t be watching the clock. You’ll be enjoying your people. This is one of the biggest pain points we solve for both Gen Z and their parents—you’re not just booking a day, you’re booking space to breathe.
5. How to Communicate Across Generations
Gen Z wedding planning is intentional, design-driven, and often values-forward. You want authenticity, not traditions for the sake of tradition. Your parents may not always get that.
Here’s a script that works:
“I want this day to feel like us. Can we figure out the parts that matter most to you too?”
At Nature Valley Lodge, we’re here to back you up. We don’t pick sides—we build structure that supports both generations.
Bonus for Parents: Why Nature Valley Lodge Works
If you’re a parent reading this (we know you’re here too), here’s why our venue works for your family:
53 acres of private space with zero shared bookings
On-site coordination + planning support
Ceremony options that work rain or shine
Lodging options so you don’t have to coordinate a hotel block
Weekend-long access for ease and calm
Your child gets their dream wedding. You get peace of mind.
Ready to Plan With Confidence?
Whether you’re a couple figuring it out, or a parent offering support, Nature Valley Lodge offers the kind of wedding experience where everyone feels heard.
Now booking 2025 weddings
📍 North Lawrence, Ohio
Because planning with your family shouldn’t feel like a battle—it should feel like being part of a team.