SOMETHING BORROWED, NOTHING REAL

Gen Z is saying “I do… but only for the gram” – Sharon D’Silva unpacks the rise of fake weddings

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The big, fat Indian wedding hardly needs an introduction. Glittering décor, endless rituals, Bollywood-level drama, and feasts that could feed a small country - basically, a celebration where 'more is more' is the only rule. From the mehendi to the sangeet, from joota chhupayi to saat pheras, Indian weddings are a sensory overload in the best way possible. But now, a cheeky new trend is giving the traditional shaadi some serious takkar - and, no, it doesn't involve cutting down the guest list or limiting the playlist to lo-fi chill beats.

Unless you've been living in a literal cave (and without wi-fi, which is the only acceptable excuse), chances are your Instagram feed is overflowing with wedding content. Only, this isn't the usual 'app kholte hi kisi aur ki shaadi ho jaati hai' situation. The buzz is all about fake weddings - ticketed events designed purely for fun, minus the stress, drama, and family politics. Think of it as a full-fledged wedding celebration, only without a bride, groom, or any of the emotional weight that comes with tying the knot.