From Mumbai’s buzzing clubs to Bengaluru’s chic rooftops, a new party trend is taking India’s youth by storm: fake weddings. These aren’t traditional shaadis with a real bride and groom. Instead, they’re lively, wedding-themed events featuring baraats, mock ceremonies, and all the desi flair, minus the actual marriage. Popular among Gen Z (born 1997–2012), these celebrations, trending under hashtags like #ShaadiForTheVibe and #NoDulhaNoDulhan, blend Indian traditions with modern, carefree fun in a way that’s resonating across urban India.
What Are Fake Weddings?
Imagine a venue draped in marigolds, fairy lights twinkling, and a dholwala setting the mood. Guests arrive in vibrant lehengas, kurtas, or Indo-western outfits, ready for a night of Bollywood beats. A mock jaimala sees “actors” posing as the couple, a playful pandit leads a fake phera ceremony, and choreographed dances light up the sangeet stage. The spread includes classics like butter chicken, biryani, and jalebi, with photo booths for Instagram-perfect snaps. These “nakli shaadis” recreate the magic of an Indian wedding without the commitment or chaos.
Public events charge tickets (₹500–₹4,000), while friends might host private versions at farmhouses, banquet halls, or college campuses. Some even span multiple days, with themed haldi, mehndi, or cocktail nights, all crafted for epic vibes and viral content.
Why Gen Z Is Hooked
Fake weddings are more than parties—they’re a cultural playground for Gen Z. Here’s what’s driving the craze:
- No Drama, Just Dhamaka: Real Indian weddings often mean family expectations, ₹10–50 lakh budgets, and months of stress. Fake weddings skip all that, offering pure fun with no rishtedaar asking, “Beta, tum kab?”
- Social Media Swagger: These events are tailor-made for Instagram reels and TikTok. From baraat dance-offs to aesthetic mandaps, every moment screams #ShaadiForTheVibe, letting Gen Z flaunt their style.
- Bollywood Nostalgia: Raised on films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Gen Z loves the grandeur of Indian weddings. Fake shaadis let them live that dream without needing a real invite.
- Everyone’s Invited: Open to students, young professionals, and even curious older folks, these events foster community. Strangers join the baraat, dancing like they’ve known each other forever.
- A Break from the Grind: In fast-paced city life, fake weddings are a joyful escape. They’re a chance to dress up, feast, and party like it’s a cousin’s big day—without the logistics.
How It Started and Where It’s Headed
The trend sparked in mid-2024, with event organizers like ShaadiVibes in Delhi and PartyWala in Mumbai hosting ticketed “mock shaadis.” Social media supercharged its growth, with influencers posting reels of mock baraats and sangeets. An X post by @UrbanDesiVibes, captioned, “₹1,200 for a fake wedding? No dulha, no tension, just naach-gaana and khana. Count me in!” went viral, fueling debates. The trend has spread to Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and even Indian diaspora events at universities like UCLA, hosting “Desi Wedding Fests.”
Event planners now offer curated packages, from budget-friendly bashes to lavish multi-day affairs. Some tie-ups with venues like The Tipsy Terrace in Noida or Kolkata’s Club Verde are making these events a staple. Experts estimate this trend taps into India’s massive $130 billion wedding industry, with potential to become a new party genre.
Love It or Hate It?
Reactions are mixed. Fans on X call it “genius,” with comments like, “Why wait for a real wedding when you can party like this for ₹999?” But critics argue it mocks sacred traditions, with posts like, “This is just Gen Z turning shaadi into a circus.” Supporters counter that it’s about celebrating culture, not disrespecting it. For Gen Z, often delaying marriage or redefining it, fake weddings are a way to enjoy desi festivities on their terms.