Welcome to the phenomenon of fake weddings, a vibrant trend sweeping across Indian cities among millennials and Gen Z. Imagine all the pomp and grandeur of a traditional Indian wedding—elaborate decorations, dazzling outfits, and an electrifying atmosphere—without the actual nuptials. These ticketed events see young people coming together to enjoy the festivities of a wedding-themed soirée, minus the stress and rituals of a real wedding.
In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, fake weddings have gained significant traction in recent weeks. Catering primarily to the youth, these events allow attendees to bask in the wedding experience while partying with friends.
Last week, I had a chance to attend a fake sangeet in Delhi, where the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement. Women donned vibrant lehengas, and men appeared sharp in traditional kurtas. The night featured a lively dhol drummer leading everyone to the dance floor, along with popular Indian snacks like tequila-filled gol gappas. For many like Shivangi Sareen, attending her first event of this kind was a revelation; "There’s less pressure here—it's all about having fun with friends," she shared.
Tickets range from 1,500 to over 15,000 rupees ($17 to $205), depending on the event's venue and offerings. Shivangi and her friends paid 10,000 rupees for their entry, describing the experience as entirely worthwhile.
Sharad Madan, who managed the event, reveals that novelty is vital for engaging patrons in the hospitality sector. Despite the high expenditure for hosting such events, the potential profits are considerable. However, for him, it’s not just about making money: “Our patrons crave something different,” he commented.
Kaushal Chanani, co-founder of 8Club events, highlights that the idea for fake weddings was inspired by young Indians abroad, who often hold similar themed gatherings. Their recent Bengaluru event attracted 2,000 participants, prompting plans for more in Delhi, reflecting a desire for unique experiences.
Not every fake wedding follows a formula, though. A sober sangeet hosted by Third Place in Bengaluru steered clear of alcohol, emphasizing traditional games and interactions instead. "We wanted to capture the essence of Indian weddings," said CEO Anurag Pandey.
Despite the growing popularity, some experts think these events could simply be a passing fad. Event planner Vijay Arora suggests that if embraced, fake weddings could revolutionize the industry as a new market niche. With India's burgeoning wedding industry valued at around $130 billion, these events could leverage the off-season gaps that occur during monsoon months when traditional weddings are sparse.
While many rave about the celebrations, not all guests leave satisfied. Some attendees find that the execution doesn’t always meet the expectations set by traditional weddings. Yet, attendees like Vidhi Kapoor push back against criticisms, arguing that these celebrations should be seen as lighthearted parties rather than an affront to traditional values.
As this trend evolves, the question remains whether fake weddings will solidify their place in India's festivities or fade into memory as just a fleeting moment of fun.
