A new party trend is emerging among Gen Z in India's metropolitan cities: the "fake wedding". These events mimic all the celebrations of a traditional Indian wedding—the vibrant ethnic wear, dhol beats, flower showers, choreographed sangeet, and delicious food—but without an actual couple getting married.
These "fake weddings" have no vows, no couple, and no commitments. There is no marriage license, and families are not officiating any union. The bride and groom are not in a relationship. Instead, these parties focus on celebrating culture, community, and chaos. These events offer a wedding's skeleton without its formal consequences. Guests participate in rituals like Haldi and Sangeet and perform roles ranging from bridesmaids to drunk uncles. The event might even conclude with staged বিদাই ( বিদাই )s and speeches.
The trend is gaining traction in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune. Some events are ticketed, while others pop up on college campuses or rooftop bars. Entry to these themed parties in Delhi can range from ₹500 to ₹3,000. Even abroad, at Cornell University in the US, students have hosted two-day fake wedding events.
Gen Z's embrace of "fake weddings" reflects a re-evaluation of how tradition is consumed and reinterpreted. The traditional Indian wedding, once centered on family, religion, and permanence, is repurposed into a temporary spectacle of community and aesthetics. These events provide the architecture of an Indian wedding without its formal consequences. The focus is on celebration, inclusivity, and content creation.
These events are staged for social media, with themed playlists, photo booths, mehndi corners, and buffet chaat counters. The trend resonates with Gen Z's preference for community, creativity, and inclusivity. It's a celebration without strings attached.
Fake weddings offer a cultural immersion without nosy relatives, financial pressure, or lifelong commitment expectations. These events provide rare opportunities for co-presence, role-play, and embodied participation for a generation negotiating solitude, digital fatigue, and shifting cultural expectations.
Social media reactions to the trend are mixed. Some see it as a fun, temporary fad. Others question the point. Despite varying opinions, "fake weddings" highlight how rituals can be meaningful even when detached from traditional beliefs.
