Balkan family life shifts: interactive wedding trends in Serbia and retiree eviction in Croatia

In Serbia, wedding planners are moving beyond traditional ceremonies toward immersive experiences. Couples are opting for interactive desserts such as tiramisu bars and large pavlova towers that guests assemble live, while live artists paint the ceremony or create instant portraits for attendees. These trends, highlighted for 2026‑27, aim to make weddings more personal, shareable and memorable.

In Croatia, a retired man recounted how he invested his lifetime savings into renovating his family home, only to be forced out by his son and daughter‑in‑law after the work was completed. With no roof over his head, he now stays with a long‑time friend, describing the loss of both shelter and familial support.