Credit: Special Arrangement
Bengaluru’s party scene has always been a conversation starter. From laid-back sundowners on rooftops to all-night techno marathons, and from ‘run’ parties to early morning coffee, the city thrives on an ever-evolving social scene. The latest addition making waves? The fake wedding.
Imagine that you dress up in a glittering lehenga or sharply tailored sherwani, layer on the jewellery, experiment with bold hairstyles and make-up, and dance your heart out to Bollywood wedding hits - all without the pressure of an actual marriage. There’s no nervous couple at a mantap, no priest chanting mantras, and no family drama in the background. Instead, it’s just pure celebration, where the ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ are usually friends play-acting for the evening, and every guest is in on the fun.
The party concept mirrors the real deal - mehendi-style gatherings, sangeet-like dance-offs, choreographed entrances, even vows (often hilariously written) - but the stakes? Zero! Think of it as part performance art, part costume party and part satire on the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’.
So, why are Bengaluru’s Gen Z and young millennials hooked onto this trend? For one, it reflects their appetite for light-hearted fun and love of being casual. “We all love the grandeur of Indian weddings - the outfits, music and food. But many of us don’t relate to the pressure of marriage itself,” says Devanshi Jain, a model and wellness experience curator, who recently attended a fake wedding in Indiranagar. “This way, we get the best of both worlds.”
It also makes for perfect social media content. Instagram stories are flooded with clips of mock brides and grooms, baraat-style dance processions, and over-the-top ‘wedding photography’ where everyone is dressed to the nines. These moments are staged, but the joy looks anything but fake.
Event curators are starting to take note too. A few boutique planners in Bengaluru have begun offering themed decor and packages for those wanting to host their own mock wedding. From hiring DJs who specialise in wedding music to setting up buffet spreads with chaats and mocktails, the concept is turning into a viable new niche.
“Gen Z weddings are turning into cultural playgrounds - food trucks, fusion menus, live music and immersive zones are replacing the standard banquet style. It’s about curating an experience rather than just hosting an event,” says Ankit Agrawal, an events and food curator. “They are less about rituals and more about experiences. From curated food pop-ups to Instagram-worthy decor, couples are redefining celebrations with a mix of tradition and individuality.”
But beneath the humour lies a subtle commentary. With sky-high wedding budgets and growing skepticism about traditional timelines, these fake weddings are Gen Z’s playful rebellion. They parody societal expectations while still honouring the spirit of togetherness. “It’s like a shaadi without the stress,” quips Meghana Sharma, a senior analyst. “No aunties asking you when you’re next, no family drama - just friends, music and laughter.”
Of course, not everyone is on board. Some argue it trivialises a deeply cultural institution. But for many young urbanites, that’s missing the point. Fake weddings aren’t about mocking tradition - they’re about reimagining joy in a way that feels authentic to their generation.
In a city where brunches and themed nights come and go, fake weddings might just be the most uniquely Gen Z phenomenon yet.