Feature: Argentineans, looking to party, throw fake weddings

Argentineans, looking for an excuse to party, are throwing fake weddings.

However, these weddings are held in an elaborate ceremony, with a "bride" and "groom", as well as guests in black ties and floor-length gowns.

"The idea emerged during a gathering with friends," one of the creators of the fake wedding phenomenon, Joaquin Alterman, told Xinhua on Sunday.

"None of us were getting married, but we felt like going to a wedding reception," said Alterman, "so we wondered why not have one for ourselves."

"Among various kinds of parties, wedding receptions are the most fun," explained Alterman.

People, who have ever been to a wedding before, would never forget the "epic" gathering of friends and family, with flowing alcohol and nonstop dancing.

"As a result, we named our idea 'Fake Wedding'; 15 weddings have been organized so far, with each time more people attending," Alterman said.

The large number of attendees even compelled authorities in the capital of Buenos Aires to close one fake wedding in the early hours of Sunday and expel 1,000 guests into the street, the La Nacion daily reported.

Officials in the capital have been cautious about nighttime revelry since five people were poisoned to death at a party about two weeks ago.

This reporter attended the fake wedding at a party room located at 5500 Figueroa Alcorta Avenue in the city's Palermo district.

Groups of friends, who had previously paid admission online, were dressed in formal attire to celebrate the "nuptials" of an actor and actress.

The bride Ana Sabone is an actress and dancer. She told Xinhua that this acting job presented more of a challenge since it is more of a comedy.

"We have a script, but it's more about playing around and improvising. There lies a challenge," said Sabone, who was acting bride for the first time.

"Fewer and fewer people are getting married; at the same time, people like to get dressed, go to the hairdresser, buy a dress, and this is a good opportunity," said Alterman.

The fake wedding is also "different from the same old thing -- it's not going to a bar or going to a disco," he added.

"It's a brand-new option, a combination between a play and a party that offers those who expect an unusual experience."

The fake wedding goers are "people between the age of 25 and 40 from the upper middle class who can afford to pay admission," Alterman said.

"This concept has taken off. The first party was improvised and amateurish; but as time passes by, we become more professional," said Alterman, adding that now they have "a dance coach and an artistic director for the actors."

Alterman also plans to make the fake wedding concept global.

"We have held 15 fake weddings in Argentina, one in Moscow and one in Uruguay, with more than 7,500 people; this year we are aiming for 15,000 people," he said. Endi