The big fat 'fake' Indian wedding - Gen Z's latest party trend

In recent months, a new party trend has taken over the social scene among young Indians in major cities: the fake wedding. These events are designed to capture all the excitement, color, and energy of a traditional Indian wedding, but without the actual marriage ceremony or the stress that comes with it. Instead of a bride and groom, guests simply gather to enjoy the music, dancing, food, and festive atmosphere that make Indian weddings so memorable.

Fake weddings are usually organized by hotels, clubs, or event companies, and tickets are sold to anyone who wants to join the celebration. Prices can range from 1,500 rupees to as much as 15,000 rupees, depending on the venue and the experience offered. At a recent fake sangeet in Delhi, for example, women arrived in sparkling saris and lehengas, while men wore stylish kurtas and ethnic jackets. The party featured a traditional dhol drummer, Bollywood music, and even creative snacks like tequila-filled gol gappas. The focus was on fun, with none of the family expectations or emotional drama that often come with real weddings.

Many young people say they love these events because they can enjoy the best parts of a wedding without any of the pressure. Shivangi Sareen, who attended her first fake wedding recently, said she enjoyed being able to dress up and party with her friends without worrying about relatives judging her. She and her friends picked their outfits the day before and got ready together, making the experience even more special. For some, the cost is worth it for a night of excitement and memories.

Event organizers see fake weddings as a way to keep their businesses fresh and appealing to young customers. Sharad Madan, who owns a restaurant that hosted a fake wedding, said that novelty is important in the hospitality industry. Even if the event does not make huge profits, it helps keep customers engaged and coming back for more. Kaushal Chanani, who co-founded 8Club events, said the idea for fake weddings came from young Indians living abroad, who would gather to dance to Bollywood music and wear traditional clothes. The concept has now caught on in India, with events selling out in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi.

Not all fake weddings are the same. Some are big and glamorous, while others are more low-key. One company, Third Place, recently hosted a sober sangeet in Bengaluru, with no alcohol and a focus on games and music. Guests were divided into teams representing the bride and groom, and played games like charades and guessing which relative matched a stereotype. There were also astrology-themed games and a grand welcome for everyone.

Commentators say the popularity of fake weddings shows that young people are looking for new reasons to celebrate and have fun. Writer Santosh Desai says that weddings are the perfect setting for a party, bringing together music, food, and friends. He also points out that fake weddings give people a chance to wear their expensive wedding outfits again.

Event planner Vijay Arora believes that fake weddings are a trend with potential. If the idea catches on, it could become a new market for the wedding industry, especially during the off-season when real weddings are less common. With venues and vendors available, fake weddings could help fill the gap and keep the industry busy year-round.

However, not everyone is impressed. Srishti Sharma, a marketing professional from Bengaluru, said she was disappointed by the fake wedding she attended. She missed the traditional wedding food and was not happy with the music or the decorations. Some critics worry that fake weddings might make light of Indian traditions, but others, like Vidhi Kapoor, say it is just a party and should be enjoyed in good spirits.

Whether fake weddings become a lasting part of Indian culture or just a passing fad, they show how young people are finding new ways to celebrate, connect with friends, and create joyful memories together.