The rising inflation has not only hit the common man, its effect could be seen on special occasions too.
The rising cost of fuel, electricity and land, clubbed with higher labour cost, is resulting in higher rentals for the marriage halls across the city.
As the marriage season is about to start from next month, the hunt for a good hall begins immediately. Currently the rising cost of maintenance and other items is leading to an increase in rent and thereby turning good marriage halls too expensive.
Lucknow alone supports over a hundred wedding lawns, which have increased their rents almost 3 times the previous year.
“There is almost 30 per cent rise in the maintenance expenses. Fuel, electricity, labour cost all are increasing, this is bound to have an impact on the rent,” says Piyush Kumar Srivastava, manager, Hari Shagun lawns.
Hari Shagun can be booked for Rs 60,000 for a day, which includes decoration as well. However, there are others who charge equally good amount of money for the rent alone.
“We keep on spending on renovation and building during the off season as well. The marriage season is the time to recover our spending and hence the rates are high,” Ved Prakash of Kalyan Mandap said.
The rent for Kalyan Mandap has increased from Rs 11,000 to Rs 40,000 in the past six months. Moreover the charges for decoration and food need to be given extra. The wedding season begins in October which is the time for booming business for land owners. “Weddings today have become a lavish affair. Today, weddings are no longer a household affair. They are well planned, organised and well publicised events,” said another.
Spacious marriage halls in the heart of the city cost more and the rent depends on the number of days of hiring.
This ranges from Rs. 50, 000 to Rs. 1.50 lakhs.
One needs to make advance bookings 3-4 months earlier the actual date, in order to secure a suitable hall.
“Number of limited sahalags (suitable marriage dates) makes it difficult to get an appropriate marriage hall for oneself. This leads to higher rentals,” said Kusum a housewife.
Kusum is done with booking a hall for her son’s marriage and is now busy making arrangements for decoration and food.
“Lawns alone stand close to Rs. 80, 000. Once we’ll add the charges for decoration, lights and food the total expenses will exceed our budget,” she added.
However another section of the crowd is happily ready to spend extra money on the decoration and related arrangements ‘to make their guests comfortable’.
“There are many numbers of expenses involved in a wedding. It is once in a lifetime. Why should I compromise on making the best effort for a few thousands?” said another.
“When people spend huge sums on decoration for just a few hours, they will be willing to pay a high rent for a well-maintained hall with all the required amenities,” Srivastava said.
One thing is loud and clear, the cost may impact the wedding parties’ budget, but people will still pay.
