Love & shaadi in the flash-y lane

In today’s fast-paced world, where everything from food delivery to business deals is designed to be quick and efficient, even relationships aren’t immune to the allure of speed. Enter the phenomenon of flash marriages—a trend where couples rush into marriage only to divorce shortly after. In a world driven by hustle culture, these unions raise important questions about love, commitment, and convenience. Usually, when couples get married, people joke about the

‘7-Year-Itch’ but there are many celebs whose flash marriages have not even lasted 70 days, 7 days or 72 hours. Pop princess Britney Spears’ flash marriage to childhood pal Jason Alexander did not last even 55 hours. Actor Nicolas Cage and Erika Koike’s impulsive marriage lasted only 4 days. Hollywood heartthrob Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds got married and split in 14 days. The list of flash marriages and impulse unions is endless.

Yet, many still jump into flash marriages, only to jump out in a jiffy. What motivates these impulsive unions, and what does their rise mean for modern relationships?

Expert Speak

Dr. Neha Mehta, Psychologist and Marriage & Sex Therapist says, “I’ve seen people rush into relationships because they think they need to check that box.” Flash marriages are an extension of the quick-fix mentality that characterizes hustle culture. In the rush to tick off life’s milestones — education, career, marriage — people are choosing convenience over commitment. And the emotional aftermath of a failed marriage, which happens more often than not, is a bitter reminder that love can’t be rushed. For many, flash marriages are less about romance and more about practicality. Financial gains, legal benefits, and social capital often take precedence over emotional connection. Consider this: A quick marriage might help someone gain residency in a foreign country or access joint financial benefits.

For others, especially influencers and public figures, marriage becomes a tool for building their brand. Lavish weddings and dramatic breakups generate buzz, keeping followers engaged. “There’s so much pressure to appear successful in every area of life,” explains Dr. Mehta.

Flash Marriage Trend

Flash marriages are exactly what they sound like — marriages that happen in a flash. Couples meet, date, and marry in a matter of weeks or months, skipping the slow dance of courtship. While some of these unions stem from genuine affection, many are motivated by convenience. Think of legal benefits, financial advantages, or even social standing. In some cases, marriage becomes a strategy rather than a romantic milestone.

IM Rao, a Mumbai-based psychologist and relationship counsellor points out that some flash marriages could be for quick gains or a marriage of convenience. “Looks are deceptive. Marriage is an important decision that affects your life. Some people may get into a marriage to secure a visa, financial stability or even escape parental and societal pressure. For example, few closeted gay persons have got married in India, moved abroad and then divorced or separated from their spouse. This happens with straight couples too.”

Whether it is securing a visa, improving financial stability, or boosting social media clout, such unions often dissolve as quickly as they begin, leaving behind emotional wreckage and a growing sense of scepticism about love.

The Hustle Culture

The roots of flash marriages can be traced back to hustle culture, where success is measured by how quickly and efficiently one can achieve life’s milestones. Education? Check. Career? Check. Marriage? Better check that off too, and fast. But while hustle culture works for career goals, it’s a poor fit for love.

Relationships thrive on patience, understanding, and shared experiences—all of which are impossible to rush. Flash marriages, in their speed and impulsiveness, often miss these essential elements, leading to emotional fallout down the line.

Social media platforms and dating apps also play a significant role in encouraging the speed and convenience that drive flash marriages. With the ability to meet potential partners at the click of a button, many people find themselves rushing into relationships before truly getting to know their partners. “The online dating scene is tricky. It has connected people, but when it comes to forging long-term relationships, it has isolated them further,” says Kanika Singh, a life coach.

For some, this leads to flash marriages — intense, whirlwind romances fuelled by the instant gratification that modern technology offers. These quick decisions, however, often come with long-term consequences. Sangita Sharon (name changed), a single mother who got into a flash marriage and separated from her husband says, “Once we got married, the daily pressures and dynamics of our relationship changed completely within six months. We moved to the US but he wanted me to be a typical trad wife, while I wanted to pursue my career in law here,” says Sangita, a Mumbai-based lawyer.

The Emotional Cost

Despite the convenience and perceived benefits of flash marriages, they come with significant emotional costs. Since these marriages are often entered into hastily, with little consideration for long-term compatibility or emotional connection, the fallout can be intense. For those involved, the emotional toll of a flash marriage that ends in divorce is often severe. After all, these marriages are often formed under the assumption that they’re genuine, only to unravel when the reality of the rushed decision sets in. Flash marriages can also erode the concept of commitment itself. With more and more people viewing marriage as an easily attainable, disposable milestone, the deeper significance of this union is lost. “Young people today are already sceptical about the concept of traditional relationships,” says Dr. Mehta. “When flash marriages enter the picture, it only further complicates things. It reinforces the idea that love and commitment are optional, rather than essential.”

Relationships that once required deep emotional connections, communication, and shared experiences now seem transactional, driven by convenience rather than genuine affection. This shift threatens to undermine the very foundation of marriage as a committed, long-term relationship.

The Slow Burn

In a society obsessed with speed and convenience, it’s easy to see the appeal of flash marriages. But love, unlike career goals or social milestones, doesn’t come with a fast-forward button. It’s a slow burn, requiring time, effort, and vulnerability to grow. “Real relationships need patience and time. Couples need to share values and have mutual respect in any relationship. A marriage is a long-term commitment to your emotional, mental and physical well-being. It is a work-in-progress project throughout life. There are no shortcuts in it,” explains Rao.

While flash marriages may seem like a passing trend, they raise important questions about the future of relationships. Will they become a norm, or will society return to a more traditional understanding of marriage? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: as the world speeds up, relationships will have to adapt, and love will have to find a way to survive in the fast lane.

MARRIAGE FLASHBACKS

• Britney Spears's flash marriage to Jason Alexander lasted for 55 hours

• Nicolas Cage and Erika Koike’s impulsive marriage lasted only 4 days

• Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds got married and divorced within 14 days

• Ali Merchant and Sara Khan married on a reality show and split in 60 days

• Actors Mandana Karimi and Gaurav Gupta's marriage lasted 6 months

I’ve seen people rush into relationships because they think they need to check that box.” — Dr. Neha Mehta, Psychologist and Marriage & Sex Therapist

The online dating scene is tricky. It has connected people, but when it comes to forging long-term relationships, it has isolated them further.” — Kanika Singh, Life Coach