Fusion fashion and bold makeup looks steal the spotlight at Gen Zs favourite party trend.
Imagine that you are decked out in a dazzling lehenga, dancing to the beats of a dhol, surrounded by fairy lights, marigold garlands, and a crowd that's vibing just as hard as you are. There's a baraat, a sangeet, a varmala ceremony, and even a pandit chanting mantras. But here's the twist, there's no actual bride or groom. Welcome to the world of The Great Indian Fake Wedding, a trend that's redefining how Gen Z parties.
The concept is simple yet genius. Fake weddings are full-scale wedding-themed parties that mimic every element of a traditional Indian wedding, minus the emotional drama, family politics, and, well, the couple. These events are popping up across metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, hosted in rooftop bars, college campuses, and even ticketed banquet halls.
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Think of it as a wedding-themed rave with ethnic wear, Bollywood music, and unlimited food. You get the baraat-style entrance, choreographed sangeet performances, flower showers, and even a mock pheras setup. But instead of sitting through rituals, you're dancing, posing for Instagram reels, and living your best life.
Let's be real, Indian weddings are iconic. The colours, the chaos, the food, the fashion, it's all a vibe. But they also come with emotional baggage, sky-high expenses, and a lot of pressure. Fake weddings strip all that away and keep the fun bits. They're inclusive, creative, and community-driven, which is exactly what Gen Z is all about.
Whether you're single, in a situationship, or just want to party with your gang, fake weddings offer a safe space to celebrate love, friendship, and culture, without needing a shaadi ka rishta.
Most fake weddings are ticketed events, with prices ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹15,000 depending on the venue, food, and entertainment. A friend of mine, for instance, paid ₹5,000 per couple for a night of dancing, dining, and dressing up at a restaurant and bar in Noida. Some college campuses host budget-friendly versions, while upscale bars offer premium packages with DJs, live dhols, and curated menus.
Colourful ethnic outfits and vibrant decor set the mood at a fake Indian wedding.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Here's the best part, there are no rules.
Unlike real weddings where you're constantly second-guessing your outfit (Is black too unlucky? Is this blouse too backless? Will aunties judge me?), fake weddings are all about self-expression. You're not dressing to impress a rishtedaar or a potential MIL. You're dressing for yourself and your Instagram feed.
1. Break The Colour Code
Traditionally, black is considered inauspicious for weddings. But at a fake wedding? Black lehengas are not just allowed, they're celebrated. Pair a black mirror-work lehenga with silver jewellery and a bold lip, and you've got a look that's both edgy and festive.
Neon pinks, electric blues, and even whites (yes, whites!) are fair game. The vibe is maximalist, so don't be afraid to go bold.
2. Blouses That Slay
Backless, strappy, corset-style, off-shoulder, wear whatever makes you feel like a star. There's no “too scandalous” here. If you've been dying to wear that sheer blouse or that plunging neckline, this is your moment.
Crop tops with lehengas, bralettes with sarees, and even fusion fits like dhoti pants with embellished jackets are all trending.
3. Footwear That Lets You Dance
Skip the stilettos unless you've mastered the art of dancing in them. Juttis, block heels, or even embellished sneakers are perfect for fake weddings. Comfort is key because you'll be on your feet all night.
4. Accessories That Pop
Think oversized maang tikkas, quirky potlis, and layered necklaces. Add a pair of tinted sunglasses for daytime events or a blingy hairband for a night party. The goal is to look like you walked out of a Bollywood music video.
5. Makeup That Makes A Statement
Go for glitter lids, coloured eyeliner, glossy lips, and highlighter that can be seen from space. Fake weddings are your chance to experiment with makeup looks that might be “too much” for a regular shaadi.
6. Gender-Neutral Glam
One of the coolest things about fake weddings is how inclusive they are. Guys can wear sequinned kurtas, skirts, or even sarees. Girls can rock sherwanis or bandhgalas. And everyone can wear whatever makes them feel fabulous.
The Great Indian Fake Wedding isn't just a trend, it's a cultural shift. It's about reclaiming the joy of celebration without the pressure of tradition. It's about dressing up, showing up, and dancing like nobody's watching (except your followers on Instagram).
So the next time you get an invite to a fake wedding, don't ask “Who's getting married?” Ask “What am I wearing?” Because in this world, you're the main character.
1. What is a fake Indian wedding party?
A fake Indian wedding is a themed event that replicates the atmosphere of a traditional Indian wedding, complete with baraat, sangeet, and mock rituals, but without an actual bride or groom. It's a celebration focused on fun, fashion, and community.
2. How much does it cost to attend a fake wedding event?
Ticket prices for fake weddings typically range from ₹1,500 to ₹15,000, depending on the venue, entertainment, and food offerings. Some college-hosted events may be more budget-friendly.
3. Can I wear black or white to a fake wedding?
Yes! Unlike traditional weddings, fake weddings have no fashion taboos. Black, white, neon, and metallics are all welcome. It's a space for bold, expressive fashion choices.
4. Are fake weddings inclusive for all genders and identities?
Absolutely. Fake weddings embrace gender-neutral fashion and inclusive vibes. Guests are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel confident, be it sarees, sherwanis, lehengas, or fusion fits.
5. Where are fake weddings usually held?
Fake weddings are hosted in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Popular venues include rooftop bars, banquet halls, college campuses, and curated ticketed events.