The Rise of ‘Fake Weddings’
Imagine scrolling through Instagram and seeing a lavish wedding ceremony—bride in lehenga, groom in sherwani, dancing, rituals, guests, even a cake. But there’s a twist: it’s not real.
Welcome to 2025, where fake weddings are the newest viral sensation, especially among Gen Z in India and abroad. These aren’t pre-wedding shoots or theme parties. These are staged weddings with no marriage involved, often crafted to go viral, prank families, or gain content followers.
🔥 Why Are Fake Weddings
Trending?
Social Media Clout – Content creators stage weddings to gain traction, followers, and collaborations.
Freedom Without Commitment – Enjoy the wedding experience without the lifelong responsibility.
Creative Expression – A form of theatrical storytelling that resonates with Gen Z’s experimental mindset.
Trolling Families & Exes – Some use fake weddings as pranks or even revenge content.
Business Opportunities – Wedding planners and decorators are jumping in to offer “fake wedding packages.”
📸 Real Events & Examples
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! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/CE3b197lBV
— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) July 9, 2025
🎉 1. Full-Wedding Vibe, Zero Commitment
A prominent Fake Wedding party in Noida recently went viral for offering all the pomp of a traditional wedding dhol, mock varmala, ethnic attire for just ₹1,499 per couple, yet with no bride or groom involved. Guests simply pay, enjoy the feast, dance, and get Instagram-worthy photos.
🌆 2. Metro Cities Embrace the Trend
Fake wedding events have popped up in Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Hyderabad. These ticketed gatherings mimic real shaadi customs: baraat processions, mehndi stalls, flower showers, and even a fake pandit performing rituals, but again—with no actual marriage www.ndtv.com
✈️ 3. Global Reach: From India to Ivy League
This cultural remix isn’t confined to India. A two-day Mock Shaadi event at Cornell University featured haldi, mehndi, pheras, and even joota chupai mirroring Indian weddings, yet it was purely for culture and fun NDTV Profit
💰 The Fake Wedding Industry Is Real
Wedding Planners now offer “Staged Ceremony” Packages
- ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 including:
- Bridal/groom makeup
- Photographers
- Rented guests
- Decor & rituals
- Fake marriage certificates
- Rental Guests and Pundits: Just like in movies, people are hiring fake guests, pundits, and even fake in-laws!
🧠 Psychology Behind the Trend
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing others get married creates pressure, so people “simulate” it for the vibe.
Emotional Exploration: Letting go of traditional pressure but still experiencing the fairy tale.
Performance Culture: Gen Z often blurs the line between reality and performance for the sake of content.
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Concerns
Fake Marriage Certificates: Some people go too far and forge paperwork this is illegal.
Family Deception: Many fake weddings include pranking parents or communities, sparking backlash.
Religious Sensitivity: Misusing rituals in a staged manner can lead to social media outrage or worse, legal complaints.
🌐 Global Influence: Not Just an Indian Trend
In Japan, agencies offer “Solo Wedding” shoots for single women to experience a bridal moment.
In the U.S., a TikTok trend called “Fake Fiancé Weekend” sees friends posing as engaged couples for content.
📉 Is This a Passing Trend or Here to Stay?
Fake weddings might not replace real ones, but they’re shaping how we think about relationships, weddings, and digital identity. Brands are already cashing in. So, this trend? It’s realer than you think.
📌 Conclusion: The Line Between Real and Reel is Thinning
From prank weddings to influencer marketing events, fake weddings reflect our changing values, the power of digital personas, and how we celebrate without consequences. While it’s fun and quirky, it raises questions about authenticity, trust, and the future of ceremonies.
Would you attend or host a fake wedding? Is this trend fun, foolish, or the future of celebration?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
That’s something new 😱
OMG