The Big Fake Wedding is coming

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ

New trends emerge constantly, and one of the quirkiest to hit the party scene around India is the ‘fake wedding’. Goa is now joining in the fun with the first edition of The Big Fake Wedding, a celebration packed with music, dancing and all the grandeur of a real ‘shaadi’, minus the stress and formalities.

Scheduled for August 3 at LPK Waterfront Nightclub, the event offers a full-fledged wedding-inspired experience.

“Goa has always been a space for bold ideas and unforgettable parties but we felt it was time to flip the script,” says CEO of LPK Waterfront, Advait Naik. “The Big Fake Wedding combines the nightlife Goa is known for with something more immersive. People today want more than just music and drinks, they want an experience.”

Naik explains that the event is a theatrical celebration where guests step into a staged wedding environment. “It blurs the line between fantasy and nightlife. We’ve taken the most entertaining parts of an Indian wedding and turned them into a curated club night.”

However, bringing this concept to life wasn’t easy. “Coordinating DJs, live acts, ‘mehendi’ artists, photo booths and themed décor while keeping things smooth and engaging was a challenge,” he says. “But the goal was to create a fun, well-managed experience. Guest safety and comfort are
top priorities.”

Guests can expect a mix of live Goan music and Bollywood DJs across two stages, along with vodka pani puri shots, ‘mehendi’ booths, Punjabi dhol artists, a staged bride and groom, mock ‘pheras’, a wedding cake cutting, and themed zones for entertainment and photo ops. The dress code is ethnic wear for both men and women and early guests can enjoy giveaways like free ‘fetas’ and a
fireworks display.

A night of fun and dancing

The playlist will span from ‘sangeet’ hits to EDM and the entertainment line-up has been curated to support local talent. Taking the stage for the night will be in-house DJs Deep, Mukesh (aka Floh Tek), Shailesh, Sid, DR. RD and the Black Sapphire Band.

“It feels great to be part of something so different,” says DJ Deep, who has been a resident DJ at LPK for the past 12 years. “We’re expecting a great crowd. The music will bring in that full wedding feel. It’s going to be a night of fun and dancing to all your favourite wedding tracks.”

DJ Mukesh, also known as FlohTek will be playing mostly wedding numbers, some romantic ones, too. “Let’s see how the crowd reacts. Sometimes people are a little reserved but we’re expecting more Goans this time along with the regular tourist crowd so it’s going to be a very different experience.”

He adds, “I haven’t done any special remixes for the night, the plan is to go with a classic wedding vibe using a mix of English and Bollywood tracks.” Singer-songwriter Alison Gonsalves of the Black Sapphire Band says the band was instantly excited when they received the invitation. “Fake weddings have been making waves on social media across the country. It’s such a fun and offbeat concept; we couldn’t wait to be part of it,” he says. He promises a high-energy performance. “We’re bringing a mix of classic wedding anthems and full-throttle party hits to keep the dance floor alive all night.”

Striking a chord

The response to this concept has been strong from both locals and tourists. “Locals enjoy the humour behind it and visitors are excited to experience a wedding-themed party without the usual obligations,” says Naik. He notes that it’s striking a chord with millennials and Gen Z who crave quirky, shareable
moments.

Sister duo Ayesha and Aafiya Rafiq, from Margao currently studying in Bengaluru, are coming specially for the event. “I’d never heard of a fake wedding party before and I loved the idea,” says Ayesha. “It’s like enjoying the best parts of a wedding without the relatives or pressure. Wearing a ‘lehenga’ and dancing all night sounds like a great time.”

She adds that Goa’s nightlife can feel repetitive and this event is a welcome change. “I’m ready for my Bollywood moment,” she says.

Aafiya meanwhile is drawn to the originality of the idea. “I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together, the setup, outfits, and performances sound well planned.”

Zaara Khatib from Candolim finds the concept a fun twist on a typical night out. “Walking into a club that looks like a wedding venue and joining a celebration with no rules is refreshing,” she says. “It breaks the formula and helps people loosen up.”

Having taken a break from partying due to work, Khatib says this is one event she didn’t want to miss. “You get all the fun of a wedding without the stress or social expectations. No awkward questions from aunties, just music, dancing, and great outfits.”

Panaji-based Kusum Shaikh was excited from the moment she heard about the party. “Weddings are full of energy, music, dance and drama. This party keeps all of that and skips the serious stuff.”

She compares it to crashing a wedding you were actually invited to. “No pressure, no gifts, no expectations. Just good music, ‘baraat’-style dancing, and great energy.”

Shaikh believes Goa’s nightlife is ready for a shift. “People want more than the usual club night. They want experiences they’ll talk about and this gives them that.”

Given the enthusiastic reception, the organising team is considering turning this into a recurring event. “We’re already exploring future editions, maybe even a ‘Big Fake Breakup’. A night of most emotional and sad retro songs,” Naik says
jokingly.