Why wedding halls in Bengaluru’s old areas are losing favour

From Chandra Sagara Convention Centre and Sindhoor Convention Centre in the south to the Sapthapadi Sapthagiri Palace and Sri Rajhans Convention Hall in the west, for decades, Bengaluru’s weddings were synonymous with Kalyana Mantapas in the heart of the city. These halls were compact and functional. But today, couples are stepping away from these local venues, seeking more spacious and picturesque locations, and personalised wedding experiences. Now most of these conventional centres are becoming venues for exhibitions and sales round the year.

From Chandra Sagara Convention Centre and Sindhoor Convention Centre in the south to the Sapthapadi Sapthagiri Palace and Sri Rajhans Convention Hall in the west, for decades, Bengaluru’s weddings were synonymous with Kalyana Mantapas in the heart of the city. These halls were compact and functional. But today, couples are stepping away from these local venues, seeking more spacious and picturesque locations, and personalised wedding experiences. Now most of these conventional centres are becoming venues for exhibitions and sales round the year.

Traffic congestion, parking woes, and the rigid structures of older function halls have driven families to explore alternatives that offer both luxury and flexibility. From serene retreats in Nandi Hills to lavish resorts along Kanakapura Road, to modern convention halls at Hebbal, the trend is now more about immersive experiences and not just rituals. With an increasing number of couples opting for grand or intimate, or theme-based celebrations away from the city’s chaos, Bengaluru’s wedding landscape is undergoing a transformation.  

The Hindu spoke to wedding planners, convention hall owners, newly married couples and others, who explained that it is not just about space and aesthetics, but there are deeper cultural and economic factors at play too.

Nanditha Shetty, who is set to get married in June, said that the vibe at a resort is just so much more “chill and scenic.” “It feels personal and exclusive like it is just me and my people having a blast, which is what a wedding should be all about. But convention halls are like wedding factories, just a conveyor belt of events. With a resort it is like a mini destination wedding, but without the crazy price tag.” In her view everything is “right” there -- the food, the space, the experiences. “There are only a few things that might need to be outsourced, and that’s a total win in my book,” she added. 

Siri Rao, who got married in December last year, shared a similar view, that resorts or open-air venues feel more relaxed and informal. “We had a very specific theme and an open-air venue that really gave us an opportunity to properly personalise the decor and everything. So, it fully fits our personalities. We could also create little nooks and corners for photo booths and other fun stuff,” she said. 

On the other hand, Syed Riaz, who got married in November last year, said that regular convention halls have got very expensive. “I had my wedding outside Bengaluru but had the reception in the city. We wanted the wedding at a popular convention centre in south Bengaluru because this is where I have lived all my life, but the place was around ₹5 lakh per day. I got a bigger convention centre in north Bengaluru for ₹2 lakh per day, with double the space and that looked aesthetically better. Accessing convention halls at prime areas is going beyond budget for most middle-class people,” Syed explained.

Makeup artist Humma Khannam, who does bridal makeup for brides across Bengaluru, said that destination or outdoor weddings have gained immense popularity in recent years due to affordability factors. “People prefer destination weddings instead of the traditional ones because couples want something unique and memorable for their big day. The bride and groom get to keep their guests minimal, allowing couples to prioritise their loved ones, which also avoids the stress to invite extended family members. Moreover, the overall cost of the wedding will be significantly lower when compared to that of a wedding in a convention hall in the city,” she added.