In 2025, it will not be mistaken to say that the most effective wedding ceremony you attended had no bride and groom.
No pheras, no family, no crying mothers and most importantly- no awkward introductions. Simply nice meals, capabilities and strangers dancing like they’re household. Right here’s the wild new pattern sweeping India’s social gathering scene: pretend weddings.
These shaadi-themed events include all of the bells and shehnais of an actual Indian wedding ceremony—minus the precise marriage. The truth is, it’s not even clear if there might be a bride and groom. Some occasions tease the concept, others skip the couple altogether. What they do promise is a full-fledged, no-strings-attached wedding ceremony expertise: haldi operate, mehendi nook, baraat entry, choreographed sangeet, meals counters, and naturally, Instagrammable moments.
And earlier than you begin fretting over presents, relaxation straightforward—you don’t must deliver one. Since you’re already paying in your seat on the mandap. As an illustration, on July 12, certainly one of Noida’s well-known golf equipment will rework right into a full-blown wedding ceremony venue.
Tickets are going for Rs 999 (ladies) and Rs 1,499 (stags/{couples}) on platforms like BookMyShow and District. These ticketed occasions are taking metros like Mumbai, Noida, and Lucknow by storm, providing all of the enjoyable of a giant fats Indian wedding ceremony minus the emotional baggage, monetary stress, and an actual couple.
Keep in mind these viral movies the place content material creators would crash actual weddings simply to bounce, eat, and soak within the vibe—despite the fact that they knew completely nobody there? Properly, that’s not vital. With pretend weddings, you’re invited, and higher but, inspired to decorate in your brightest lehengas, sherwanis, and desi bling for an evening of pure, commitment-free celebration.
One such social gathering is being hosted by Eventic Planners in Lucknow on July 25, 2025. It is a full-scale shaadi setup — with rituals, themed corners, and even native model companions like Honey Excursions and Travels (mobility accomplice) and Lushh Magnificence (official magnificence accomplice). The twist? It’s nonetheless unclear if there’ll even be a bride and groom.
With restricted capability and an age bar of 18+ or 21+ (relying on the town and venue), the occasions are clearly designed for city Gen Zs and younger millennials. You understand—the type who love Indian weddings, however not the half the place you reply rishta-related questions from long-lost aunties.
These mock weddings are tailored for social media, with selfie zones, stay DJs, dhol gamers, and curated lighting setups. And whereas it might really feel like a brand new phenomenon, the roots go deeper.
Golf equipment throughout India have flirted with “Shaadi Nights” earlier than, and Western international locations have hosted wedding-themed costume events for years. However what’s new is the dimensions, the dedication to element, and the blurring line between parody and efficiency.
Will or not it’s the following huge social occasion?
As Indian weddings change into extra intimate, pretend weddings provide a joyful escape—all of the cultural excessive, not one of the emotional low. They have fun the spectacle, the music, the outfits, and the meals—however with zero stress, drama, or log kya kahenge.
The query is: Will these pretend weddings change into the following huge factor — a Gen Z social custom within the making? Or are they only the last word desi theme social gathering?
Written with the View : afaqs
