Growing Trend of Pre-Wedding Videos in India: Societal Pressures at Play

In recent years, pre-wedding videos have become a prominent trend in India, especially among couples in arranged marriages. This phenomenon is fueled by a complex web of societal pressures, each contributing to the widespread appeal of elaborate pre-wedding shoots. Below are the key factors driving this trend:

1. Social Media and the “Flex Culture”
   The rise of social media has significantly impacted modern relationships, pushing couples to share curated, idealized versions of their lives. Many people point to the influence of platforms like Instagram, where individuals strive to present an image of perfection. Pre-wedding videos, often meticulously staged and heavily edited, serve as a way for couples to “flex” their happiness and romance, even if these portrayals don’t reflect their true relationship dynamics.
2. Conformity and the Pressure to Keep Up with Trends
   Pre-wedding videos have evolved into a cultural trend in India, with couples feeling an overwhelming sense of obligation to follow suit. Many are driven to create their own pre-wedding videos simply because “everyone else is doing it.” One individual shared a particularly extravagant example: a classmate who had a pre-wedding shoot in Greece followed by a destination wedding, flooding social media with these glamorous images. The pressure to conform can overshadow genuine desires, making the videos more about fitting in than personal significance.
3. Parental and Societal Expectations
   Family pressures are another significant force shaping this trend, particularly for women. Many individuals, especially those in arranged marriages, may feel the weight of societal and parental expectations when planning their wedding. For some, having a pre-wedding video becomes a way to fulfill these expectations and avoid criticism. One person shared how their cousin, pressured by her parents, agreed to a pre-wedding video as a means of meeting the traditional standards of a “grand” wedding celebration.
4. Seeking Validation and Addressing Insecurities
   Pre-wedding videos can also serve as a tool for validation. For some, especially women, these videos act as a response to insecurities about their relationship or self-image. One individual shared the experience of their friend, who was in a love marriage but still felt compelled to have a pre-wedding shoot. This was driven less by a genuine desire for the video and more by the need to compete with others and seek validation through social approval.
5. Focus on Appearances over Substance
   Many critics argue that the trend of pre-wedding videos prioritizes superficiality, focusing on looks and the external glamour of the wedding. While these videos often showcase beautiful settings and high production values, they are sometimes seen as a distraction from the deeper, more meaningful connections in a marriage. The emphasis on perfection can overshadow the emotional foundation that should ideally define the relationship. Some couples even spend large sums on these videos while neglecting the true essence of their bond.

Conclusion

The popularity of pre-wedding videos in India reflects a broader societal shift toward image-consciousness, the desire for validation, and the pressures of keeping up with trends. While these videos often showcase idyllic and glamorous moments, they are frequently driven by external expectations—whether from social media, family, or the desire to feel secure in one’s relationship. Ultimately, the trend raises important questions about the true value of a wedding celebration and the importance of focusing on genuine emotional connections rather than outward appearances.