No Vows, Just Vibes: Gen Z’s Fake Weddings Are The New Party Trend

India’s grand wedding spirit just got a Gen Z twist—and this time, there’s no bride, no groom, and definitely no pressure. Across cities like Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore—and even college campuses overseas—young people are throwing full-blown shaadi-style parties without an actual wedding in sight.

Welcome to the ‘ Nakli Shaadi ’—a wedding where the only thing missing is the marriage.

In these viral events, there’s no bride or groom tying the knot. Yet, the setting is identical to a real Indian wedding—mandaps decorated with marigolds, guests decked in full ethnic glam, mock varmala ceremonies, and even photo booths that scream 'big fat Indian wedding.' These parties are all about channeling the electric vibe of a wedding without any emotional or societal baggage.


Guests arrive in style, flaunting designer outfits and desi jewelry, ready to groove on Bollywood tracks, sip mocktails, and film endless Instagram reels. There’s mehndi for the girls, dhol performances for the thrill, and staged pheras for laughs.

No in-laws. No rituals. No stress. Just celebration.

Gen Z’s Party, Gen Z’s Rules

What started as a quirky idea has now become a full-fledged phenomenon. These faux weddings offer a unique mix of cultural nostalgia and freedom—without any of the baggage that comes with a real one. No nosy relatives, no awkward questions, no compromises.


It’s the perfect escape. People come for the fun, the food, and of course, the Instagrammable moments. With playlists curated like real sangeets, choreographed dance entries, and camera crews snapping reels, these parties are made for the feed.

Tradition Gets a Refresh

Fake shaadis have outgrown clubs and party halls. From rooftop soirées in Delhi to luxury hotel setups and college campus extravaganzas, they're popping up everywhere. At Cornell University, students even hosted a two-day Mock Shaadi complete with haldi, mehndi, and pheras—minus the lifelong commitment.

Tickets, Themes, and Trendsetting

Some Nakli Shaadis are private house parties between close-knit friends, while others are ticketed events organized by event planners or collectives looking to monetize the trend. The themes vary—from '90s Bollywood Shaadi' to 'Royal Rajasthani Affair'—and so do the scale of preparations.


There are hosts, stylists, choreographers, and even fake priests conducting light-hearted, scripted ceremonies. The vibe is festive but controlled, fancy but fun.

A Cultural Remix, Not a Joke

While it may seem like a gimmick, the Nakli Shaadi trend is a deeper reflection of how Gen Z is reclaiming cultural celebration. It's not about mocking weddings—it's about removing the pressures that traditionally come with them. No matchmaking aunties, no awkward couple introductions, no career or family questions—just the beauty of the ritual, the food, the fashion, and the dance.

In many ways, these parties celebrate community, joy, and expression in a way that’s more inclusive and stress-free than traditional weddings. They’re reinventing Indian festivities for a new era—where fun comes first, and the rest can wait.

No vows, no stress—just vibes. And honestly, isn’t that what every good party should be?