Across India’s metro cities, a new kind of celebration is taking over rooftops, college campuses, and pop-up venues: the wedding, reimagined. These events look and feel like traditional Indian weddings, complete with vibrant lehengas, booming dhols, floral showers, choreographed sangeet performances, and even a priest reciting Sanskrit verses. But there is one major twist, there is no actual couple tying the knot.

These are staged weddings, lavish, high-spirited parties that offer all the fun and visual drama of a big fat Indian wedding, minus the rituals, family obligations, and emotional weight. No in-laws to impress, no relatives gossiping in corners, no guest lists curated by parents. Just music, dancing, food, and a chance to dress up and lose yourself in a glittery fantasy for the night.

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What began as an experimental concept among young urbanites has quickly turned into a full-fledged social trend. From spontaneous college-hosted mock ceremonies to ticketed events at upscale venues, the phenomenon is thriving in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune. Professional planners now offer packages that include everything from set decor and themed dress codes to a stand-in bride and groom.

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The appeal lies in its subversive joy. In an age where weddings often double as high-pressure spectacles, these fake weddings flip the script, keeping the spectacle while tossing out the expectations. They prioritise fun over formality, inclusion over tradition, and vibe over vows. For many, it is a form of playful escapism. For others, it is a statement, celebration does not need a reason.

‘Take the vibe and go home’

The internet hailed this new trend. A user said, ” Now you can pay ₹1499 and attend a fake wedding. No dulha, no rishtedaar, you come, take the vibe and go home. This covers food, dhol, dancing, and Instagram worthy pictures. Wild concept!.” Another claimed, “Fake weddings is a thing now, people come, pay enjoy wedding like festivities and leave. Long live capitalism.”

A netizen noted, So apparently the hottest new trend is fake weddings. No bride. No groom. Just people dressing up, booking fancy venues, throwing mehndi and sangeet nights. So they can eat, drink, click selfies and flood Instagram. Now you tell me this, have we officially lost the plot? Marriage used to mean commitment, family, sacred vows, building a life together. Now it is reduced to a theme party? Is this what we have come to? Do we really want to mock one of life’s most profound institutions for a few likes and reels? What’s next? A fake funeral where you can “experience grief” for your reels? This is not creativity. This is not “fun.” This is a giant middle finger to the very idea of marriage. It is absurd. It is shallow. And it is an absolute insult. Stop making a mockery of marriage.” Another stated, “When you’re so velle, you RSVP to a ‘Fake Wedding.”

Another stated, experience economy going brazy (honestly this is very funny because indian / pakistani / bangaldeshi students in america have been throwing fake weddings for a minute now).” “My introverted azz will be anxious to attend my own wedding and here people are paying to attend fake ones, I don’t understand extroverts man,” claimed another.