Fake Shaadis - Gen Z’s Newest Obsession That’s Anything But 'Sanskari'

It’s a Saturday night in Delhi. You're in a sherwani, your friend is wearing a bright yellow lehenga, there’s dhol playing, people are dancing like it’s a real sangeet and someone just yelled, “Varmala time!” But here’s the twist- no one’s actually getting married.

Welcome to the world of Fake Shaadis. India’s latest youth trend where there’s no bride, no groom, and definitely no in-laws. Just friends, food, fashion, and full-on filmy vibes.

What Are Fake Shaadis?

Fake shaadis are wedding-themed parties that mimic the full desi wedding experience, complete with traditional outfits, vibrant decor, DJ nights, mock rituals, baraat processions, haldi-style games, and sangeet-style dance-offs but without an actual wedding.

There’s no legal ceremony, no commitment, and no family drama. Just pure celebration. Guests usually pay an entry fee usually between ₹999 to ₹1,499 to be part of the chaos, enjoy the food, dance till they drop, and capture aesthetic, Instagram-worthy memories.

Why Is It So Popular With Gen Z?

Because it’s peak Gen Z energy. These parties blend tradition with playfulness, offering everything they love:

1. No Family Pressure: No awkward conversations, no expectations, just unfiltered fun with friends.
2. Content Heaven: These shaadis are made for social media. From coordinated dance reels to staged varmala pictures, everything screams “post me!”
3. Affordable Extravagance: For the cost of a pizza night, you get the grandeur of a big-fat Indian wedding, without footing a 10-lakh bill.
4. Freedom to Remix Culture: Gen Z isn’t rejecting tradition; they’re remixing it. Adding humor, memes, music, and style to rituals that once felt too formal.
5. Just Vibes: It's not about love or marriage but it’s about shared joy, collective chaos, and cultural expression without emotional weight.

How Does a Fake Shaadi Actually Work?

You buy a ticket. You dress up in your ethnic best. You walk into a decorated space with fairy lights, photo booths, food counters, and a full DJ setup. There might be a “couple” just for fun that are often friends volunteering to be the dulha-dulhan for the day. People throw flowers, dance in the “baraat,” and maybe even do a mock pheras moment.

No one signs anything. No one cries (except from laughter). No one gets married. Everyone just parties.

But What About the Critics?

Of course, not everyone is clapping. Some traditionalists call it bizarre or even disrespectful to the institution of marriage. Others see it as Gen Z’s way of turning everything into content. But here’s the thing, these fake shaadis are not about mocking rituals. They’re about reclaiming them, celebrating togetherness in a low-stakes, creative way. No pressure, no judgment, no log kya kahenge.

Not to Be Confused With Marriage Scams

Let’s be clear, these fake shaadis are parties. They have nothing to do with fake marriage scams, which involve forged documents, fraud, or illegal financial schemes. That’s a serious crime.

Fake shaadis, on the other hand, are completely harmless, just people having fun in a shaadi-style setting, without the actual wedding.

Why This Trend Actually Matters

Because it reflects something deeper: a generation choosing experience over obligation, community over chaos, and joy over judgment. It’s about celebrating culture on your own terms, where rituals are playful, inclusive, and personalized. Where a shaadi can happen without a couple, and it still feels just as grand.

Final Thoughts

Fake shaadis are more than just a viral trend, they’re a symbol of how Gen Z is reshaping celebration. They’re fun, loud, a little ridiculous and that’s exactly the point.

So the next time you get a wedding invite from your best friend, and you ask “Wait… who’s getting married?”, Just know the answer might be-

“No one. But we’re still showing up in full swag.”