In metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune a new social phenomenon is turning tradition on its head with a wave of “fake weddings” being organised. These are complete with all elements of a traditional Indian wedding, but minus the bride and the groom, a celebration no one ties the knot, but everyone gets to enjoy a lavish celebration.
These staged events recreate every vibrant detail of an authentic Indian wedding such as beating drums, mehndi on hands, mouth-watering chaats, designer outfits including lehengas and photo booths brimming with Insta-worthy moments. But curiously, there is no priest, no marriage official, and not even a nosy relative in sight.
The trend, which has even crossed Indian borders reaching campuses as far as Cornell University in the United States, Frankfurt in Germany and Canada, began gaining momentum in 2025 with India’s first fake sangeet party held in Delhi by Jumma Ki Raat, an event agency. Since that milestone, multiple events have expanded in scale, sometimes lasting entire weekends with elaborate mandaps, choreographed dance performances, and themed décor.
This movement particularly appeals to Gen Z, avid social media users who want to soak in the festive vibe and cultural richness of Indian weddings without the emotional or financial burdens of an actual marriage.
“I was inspired to attend a fake wedding because I wanted to experience the grandeur and fun of an Indian wedding without the usual stresses. Compared to real Indian weddings I have seen on social media or attended, this fake wedding was just as vibrant and culturally rich with all the rituals like baraat, sangeet, and mehndi, but it felt more relaxed and playful since there was no actual marriage happening,” Sneha Mehra, an air hostess with an Indian airline, tells Media India Group.
“The Instagrammable factor was definitely a huge part of the fun, everything from the décor to the outfits and specially designed selfie zones was on point. It made the whole experience visually stunning and perfect for creating content, which is a big draw for many of us,” says Mehra.
“With entry ticket prices ranging from INR 1,499 to 3,000, fake weddings seem to be becoming an accessible alternative celebration, especially for Gen Z in urban India. It feels more like a trendy, inclusive party that lets people enjoy the wedding vibe socially and culturally without the economic or emotional baggage of a real wedding,” Mehra adds.
The launchpad for the fake wedding trend is unmistakably Instagram.
“Social media, especially Instagram, is the heart of it all. Everything from the buzz to the bookings comes from there. When the city starts talking about it, reposting, sharing stories, tagging friends, it becomes a trend, and trends drive traction. We plan everything keeping the digital aesthetic in mind, because the more it is shared, the bigger the hype. That is what makes it the talk of the town every time,” Ansh Kohli, a Delhi-based organiser, tells Media India Group.
Fake weddings have reimagined traditional rituals with a Gen Z twist such as upbeat playlists, quirky invites, eye-catching modern table setups and a dress code that encourages maximal creative expression.
“It is about curating the perfect fusion like the essence of traditional Indian weddings blended with Gen Z energy. It is rooted in culture, but elevated for today’s social-first audience. It is designed to be both nostalgic and fresh and, of course, 100 pc content-worthy,” adds Kohli.
For some organisers, organising fake weddings is smart business. “Basically, this is just a theme-based party, that is it. We had some desi experiences in the club. We added some food stalls, wedding décor, dolis, mehndi for ladies and the ethnic theme. Through Instagram we invited bloggers and influencers and we pushed on digital ads,” Nikhil Malhotra, organiser at Soho Club in New Delhi, tells Media India Group.
Entry tickets typically range from INR 500 to INR 3,000 depending on location and scale. These experiences are often amplified by brand tie-ups, accessory designers and food brands get prime marketing space, gifting influencers or showcasing their collections live. Sponsors see these events as a new-age promotional tool targeting highly engaged and camera-ready urban audiences.
Off-season timing is also a win for venues and vendors, allowing them to capitalise on periods when the traditional wedding calendar is quiet.
“Sponsorships have definitely boosted the way we execute these experiences, making them even bigger and better each time,” Kohli adds.
This playfully subversive trend comes at a time when the fusion of Indian wedding culture and global youth expression is at an all-time high.
For many abroad, fake weddings are a playful way to reconnect with Indian heritage, share with diverse friends and indulge in cultural nostalgia without parental oversight or traditional protocol.
