West Asia crisis casts a shadow over wedding industry

Mangaluru: Event planners, caterers, photographers and other stakeholders in the wedding and hospitality industry are facing uncertainty amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, as regular flight services to Gulf nations remain disrupted.Industry sources said the impact is being felt across communities, particularly among coastal Karnataka families that share close ties to West Asia. With relatives, guests, and in some cases even brides or grooms unable to confirm travel plans, several weddings and social functions are being postponed to later months.Though summer typically sees fewer functions than the peak wedding months of Oct to Jan, service providers say even this limited schedule (dates) has now been disrupted.Ashwatham Hegde, proprietor of Tulunadu Food Catering Services, said the already short wedding season, further limited by Maudya beginning May 10, has been hit harder by the ongoing crisis. With many families having ties to Gulf countries, including brides or grooms working there, several weddings are being postponed to the year-end, starting Oct. He added that those going ahead with events are trimming guest lists amid uncertainty, while extreme summer heat and a preference for indoor functions are also prompting families to defer celebrations to more pleasant months.Caterers said flight uncertainties are not only forcing postponements but are also likely to push up costs in the coming months. Alwyn Pinto, from Aroma caterers, believes that deferred events could lead to higher rates, as prices of essential commodities are rising and would require complete re-budgeting of orders. Anil Pinto of Pinto Catering said one wedding nearly got cancelled due to flight disruptions, but eventually went ahead after travel arrangements were secured. The caterers are also facing rising input costs, with commercial gas now priced at around Rs 2,160, and firewood rates increasing from Rs 300–Rs 400 to Rs 600 per quintal.Wedding planners said many ceremonies fixed well in advance are now being reconsidered due to flight disruptions, affecting not just weddings but also receptions, engagements, Holy Communion ceremonies and other gatherings reliant on relatives arriving from abroad.
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