Dancing without the vows: Kerala joins the craze for fake weddings

There are no bride or groom in sight, but the vibe is unmistakably festive with rituals, music, food and dancing. The trend of `fake weddings', already a huge hit in North India, has now started making its way to Kerala. Wait a minute. What exactly is a fake wedding? None of your friends is in the mood to get married, so there’s no chance of dancing a few steps at a wedding party. Maybe you aren’t keen on attending most family weddings either, dreading the inevitable questions and accusations from nosy relatives. Still, the desire to experience a wedding lingers.

Perhaps you’d like to show your friends from abroad how a traditional function in your community is celebrated, but there’s no wedding on the horizon. That’s exactly where fake weddings step in—pre-booked parties themed around weddings, designed for people who miss the joy of such celebrations. The highlight of these events is that almost everything mimics a real wedding, except for the presence of a bride and groom.

What makes them different?
Unlike a real wedding, there are no rituals, no legal commitments, and no family responsibilities involved. Instead, attendees form a lively baraat (groom’s procession), dance to live music or a DJ, pose for photos in glamorous setups, and feast on a lavish spread. It’s a wholehearted celebration, stripped of obligations.

Do you need an invite?
Not at all. These are ticketed events with entry only for those who’ve paid the fee. Prices in Kerala reportedly range between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000 per head, with discounts often given to women and couples. Since you book your spot online, there’s no need to present a wedding card at the gate. That said, organisers often design beautiful, wedding-style invitation cards for the experience. Hotels and event management groups usually host such events, with bookings handled through online platforms.

Has Kerala caught on?
Yes. Fake weddings have already been hosted in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi several times, drawing crowds of young professionals, influencers, and NRIs eager for a dose of wedding-style fun.
What happens inside?
Most events run for about six hours, typically from 6–7 pm until 2–3 am. Guests are encouraged to dress in accordance with the chosen theme. Selfie zones and photo booths are set up to flood social media with wedding-like pictures. Meanwhile, the music, dancing, and food keep the celebration going late into the night.

Where the trend took off
The trend first gained popularity in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi, before spreading to the south. In Kerala, the first wedding-themed party is believed to have been held in July 2024 in Kochi, drawing nearly 400 participants. Soon after, similar events began to be hosted in luxury hotels around Thiruvananthapuram.

Debate and doubts
As with any new fad, fake weddings have sparked their share of criticism. Some argue that the concept is a pastime of the elite class, an attempt to trivialise tradition. Others doubt its staying power, questioning whether the novelty will wear off quickly. On the other hand, many defend the trend, pointing out that such parties allow the middle class to experience the grandeur of luxury weddings.

Why are youngsters hooked?
No pressure: No relatives asking awkward questions like `When are you getting married?' or `When are you having kids?' or `Where’s your job?'
Social media glam: Every corner of the venue is decked out for selfies and reels, giving social media buffs endless content.
Mix of cultures: The events combine the celebratory spirit of North Indian weddings with the high-energy vibe of night parties in Kerala.
Open to all: Attendees aren’t just locals but include people from other states and even foreigners.