India’s latest Gen Z trend is turning the traditional wedding on its head by removing the wedding altogether. Across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, “fake weddings” are drawing crowds of young people who are eager to enjoy all the glitz and glamour of a big fat Indian wedding without any of the emotional baggage or religious rituals.
These ticketed events mimic the wedding party experience complete with sequinned outfits, dhol drummers, lavish décor, and endless dancing. But there are no pheras, no priests, no tearful goodbyes just pure, unfiltered fun.
Organised by hotels, clubs, and event companies, fake weddings are increasingly popular among urban millennials and Gen Z, offering a pressure-free alternative to real weddings. Guests often dress in traditional Indian attire, dance to Bollywood hits, enjoy quirky snacks like tequila-filled gol gappas, and pose under fairy lights for Instagram-worthy shots.
Event prices range from ₹1,500 to over ₹15,000, depending on the venue. While some versions keep it boozy and bold, others take a more cultural route like Bengaluru-based Third Place’s alcohol-free sangeet, complete with team games and astrology-themed fun.
The trend is inspired in part by the Indian diaspora abroad, who often recreate wedding-themed events to stay connected with their culture. Back home, it’s tapping into Gen Z’s craving for experiences, nostalgia, and novelty minus the family drama and societal pressure.
“It’s about celebration without consequence,” says writer Santosh Desai. “Weddings are the ultimate party why not enjoy the best parts without the stress?”
Still, the trend is not for everyone. Some attendees have been disappointed by mismatched expectations think EDM over Bollywood, pizza over biryani. Others argue that it risks trivialising cultural traditions.
Yet for many, fake weddings are a welcome escape and a creative use of the wedding off-season. As event planners explore new formats, fake weddings might just become a permanent fixture in India’s booming celebration industry.
In a world where young people seek joy in curated, shareable moments, the fake wedding trend proves one thing: you don’t need a real bride and groom to throw a spectacular party.
