Bizarre ‘fake weddings’ are a massive hit with Gen Z in Dubai

The concept is simple: for a set price, guests attend a staged sangeet ceremony with no actual bride, groom, or marriage on the horizon. It’s an evening of pure, unadulterated fun, a clever way to experience a cornerstone of Indian culture without the stress. In Dubai, this trend has taken off spectacularly. Events hosted by companies like Showoff Entertainment, which recently held its second sold-out event at the Shangri-La Dubai’s ballroom, have become the talk of the town. These parties aren’t just an urban fad; they’re a cultural phenomenon that’s spreading globally, a testament to a generation that values experience and connection over rigid tradition.

So, why are young people, particularly those in cities and living away from their families, clamoring for these fake weddings? The reasons are as personal as they are universal. The traditional Indian wedding, while beautiful, often comes with a host of pressures: nosy relatives asking about career plans or marriage prospects, strict social rules, and the sheer cost and obligation of attending. The Farzi Sangeet offers a liberating alternative. It’s a space where you can show up in your finest ethnic attire those gorgeous lehengas and sherwanis that rarely leave the wardrobe and just let loose.

The core of the Farzi Sangeet’s appeal lies in its low-stakes nature. It’s an opportunity for celebration and community without the solemnity or expectations of a real-life event. Young people, who are increasingly skeptical of traditional marriage while still loving the vibrancy of wedding festivities, find these events to be the perfect middle ground. The gatherings are a social playground where strangers can bond over shared music and food, creating a sense of camaraderie that can be hard to find in a big city. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, a space where everyone is there for the same reason: to have a great time. “I haven’t danced that much in years,” said one participant. “It was freeing to be part of a wedding where nobody was judging what I wore. We just let loose.”

From an economic perspective, this trend is also a genius move. Event organisers are cashing in on the idea, offering a unique and profitable way to utilize venues during off-season months. Attendees, meanwhile, get a memorable experience that costs a fraction of what they might spend on a wedding gift, making it an accessible luxury. It’s a win-win situation that shows how a traditional concept can be brilliantly reimagined for a modern audience.

While the trend has found a particularly strong foothold in Dubai, its roots lie in India, where it first started gaining momentum in metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Event companies there began hosting staged shaadis and sangeet nights with tickets ranging from Rs 2,000 (Dh 83) to Rs 15,000 (Dh 627). This idea has since travelled across the globe, reaching campuses and clubs in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.