Move over fake weddings, ticketed shaadis are the next big thing

India Today

2 days ago

Imagine this: You're in France, soaking in the charm of cobblestone streets, strolling past quaint cafes, gazing at historical monuments that whisper stories of centuries gone by. Of course, you also see the Eiffel Tower, the most famous symbol of love. It feels like the perfect vacation. But then, something unexpected happens. You end up at a wedding. Not your friend's wedding, not your family's, just a random wedding.advertisementThe twist is, you don't know the couple. You weren't invited. You didn't even try to sneak in (remember 3 Idiots?). You actually bought a ticket to attend someone's big day.Yes, you read that right. In a world where Gen Z is busy dancing in fake baraats at staged weddings, there's another trend picking up: attending real weddings as a paid guest. No relation to the bride or groom, no emotional ties, just an experience you pay for, like a concert or a food festival.
It's not about crashing a wedding for free food. It's a planned experience where you pay to be part of the celebration. You get to enjoy the music, the traditions, the grand decor, and maybe even make new friends. Weddings are no longer just private family events; they're becoming social experiences where anyone can join if they buy a ticket.
Love weddings? You don't need an invite—just grab a ticket and join the celebration | Photo: Pexels/Emma Bauso
According to The Guardian, Katia Lekarski, the founder of Invitin, came up with this idea earlier this year to connect wedding couples with paying guests. So far, six weddings, mostly around Paris, have signed up.Lekarski told the publication that it all started when she was renting out her house in southern France to some people attending a wedding, and her five-year-old daughter wondered why they never got invited to weddings.This made Lekarski think: what if people could actually buy tickets to a wedding and help the couple financially at the same time?In a world where we swipe left and right on dating apps, share meals with strangers, and bond with people we barely know over board games, paying for a ticket to attend a wedding as a guest doesn't sound all that strange.Wondering what guests get for shelling out an average of EUR 100 to EUR 150 (Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 approx.)? Basically, the full wedding experience. You'll be there for the whole day. The only catch? You have to follow the dress code.This concept is even happening in India. A startup called Join My Wedding connects tourists with couples having traditional Indian weddings, allowing them to experience the culture and celebrations up close.advertisementThe company describes it as the ultimate cultural experience. As their website puts it, "You haven't been to India until you've been to an Indian wedding." The weddings listed on their website, happening across India, are priced between $150 and $250 (Rs 13,000 to Rs 21,000 approx.) per invite. The company says that this contribution is treated as a gift for the couple and covers entry to all the ceremonies on all the days.Are you wondering if attending a stranger's wedding is a good idea? Surprisingly, it could be an amazing one. Think about it, you're not just going to a party, you're stepping into an entirely new cultural experience. You get to witness age-old traditions up close and enjoy the grandeur that comes with weddings. And let's be honest, who doesn't love good food? That alone is reason enough for some of us.But it doesn't stop there. Weddings are all about people, and this is your chance to meet new faces, strike up conversations, and maybe even make friends for life. If you're someone who loves dancing, who knows, you might even end up being the life of the party.And just imagine the story you'll have to tell years later: Remember that time we met at a wedding I bought a ticket for? Sounds like something straight out of a movie, doesn't it? The entire experience is a mix of adventure, fun, and unforgettable memories waiting to happen.- EndsTune InMust Watch