Dhol, dance but no dulha-dulhan: How Gen Z is embracing fake weddings, the latest party trend on the block

Shivangi Sinha believes the fake wedding phenomenon represents how her generation is redefining significant life events. “Many Gen Z and millennials are far more concerned about making a memory that feels special, happy, and exclusively their own than about the legal or religious relevance of marriage,” she said.

For Sinha, an account executive at a PR firm, the appeal lies in the fact that it “removes the heavy financial, emotional, and social constraints” of a real wedding, allowing people to focus entirely on the fun — dressing up, dancing, taking pictures, and celebrating with the people who matter.

Aarushi Pawar, who has attended two fake weddings, told indianexpress.com her curiosity was fuelled by the social media hype. “I thought it would be just like any other desi club night or Diwali party, but it’s a great excuse to wear Indian clothes, eat, and dance with friends without any of us actually getting married,” said the finance professional.

She also said that societal pressure to get married, especially for young women, can make actual weddings feel stifling. “I’m 22 and I already feel the pressure,” she said.

However, not all of them agree

Nidhi Desai dismisses the trend as a “bit of a nonsense show”. To her, it feels over the top and unnecessary — “almost like we’re making a parody out of something that’s meant to be deeply personal.”

“If you want to party in traditional wear, wait for wedding season and do it normally,” said Desai, 24, adding, “I don’t know who started this concept, but that person is definitely not getting invited to weddings.”

Abhijeet Ghosh, a senior PR account executive at Media Mantra, sees it differently. For him, the appeal is in the themed experience. “I’d love to attend a fake wedding, but not with the mindset of attending an actual wedding. Before this, cafés did themes like Money Heist or cage cafés. This is just another theme — wedding style,” he said.

To Ghosh, it’s essentially an upscale café or club night — with music, entertainment, good food, and drinks — but in a playful, immersive wedding format. If the ticket includes an open dance floor, themed décor, curated menus, and interactive entertainment like photo booths or staged ceremonies, “the price is more than fair”.

DJ Rahill Mehta at a fake wedding last month in Mumbai (Source: Instagram/@rahillmehta)

Is the cost justified?

Most Gen Zers agree the entry fee or the cover charge — usually Rs 1,500 to Rs2,000 — is reasonable.

“In any metro city, that’s the going rate for premium cafés or clubs. Many charge more without offering a unique setup like a fake wedding,” said Ghosh.

Sanya Hans, account manager at Kaizzen, pointed out that these events now feature some of India’s top DJs and music artists. “We end up spending the same on a coffee date with friends, so it feels fair for a night of partying with good food and sometimes alcohol,” she said.

What drives its popularity?

Parthip Thyagarajan, co-founder and CEO of WeddingSutra told indianexpress.com said a few years ago there was an attempt to monetise the wedding experience by selling tickets to real weddings, but it didn’t take off. “Families weren’t comfortable with strangers at such personal events,” he said.

The fake wedding format took that idea and reimagined it. It took the fun parts and stripped away the emotional and social baggage. “It’s rooted in the Indian love for celebration, but without the pressure of actual marriage,” said Supriti Sahay, director, national sales and marketing, The Park Hotels.

Social media and pop culture have further accelerated this, with platforms like Instagram and creators curating wedding-themed reels, sangeet afterparties, and baraat-style entries just for the thrill of it. The fake wedding trend brings together nostalgia, drama, fashion, and music, making it the perfect escape fantasy.

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How is it different from other themed parties?

Thyagarajan believes it’s in the immersive experience. “You’ll often see a baraat-style entry, festival foods, colourful decor, and lots of dancing to desi music. It taps into shared cultural nostalgia in a way regular theme nights don’t,” he explained.

Here, you’re not just a guest — you’re “ladkiwale”, “ladkewale”, or even the mischievous “joota chhuraane waala squad”. Everything mimics the chaos and colour of an actual wedding, minus the rituals.

“At our Fake Shaadi on July 19, people came in lehengas, sherwanis, bandanas, and kaleeras. There were bridesmaids in sunglasses, dhol-wale groomsmen, and dramatic slow-motion entries. The energy was like a real shaadi afterparty,” he said.

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How sustainable is this trend?

Thyagarajan is unsure about the concept’s long-term appeal but believes it could thrive, especially in off-season months. “It’s a smart way for venues and vendors to showcase their offerings in a fun, low-pressure setting,” he said.

Gen Z’s love for Instagram-worthy, curated experiences might keep it going, and for those away from home, it’s a refreshing change from the usual bar or café scene.

So, the next time you get invited to a fake wedding, dust off your festive best, master the season’s hottest makeup trend, and get ready to party like it’s someone’s big day, even if no one’s actually tying the knot.