AZE.US
With Ramadan now over, Azerbaijan’s wedding season is gaining momentum again, and banquet halls say demand has risen noticeably in recent weeks.
Restaurant and venue administrators report that applications for weddings in April have increased, with weekends remaining the most sought-after dates. In many cases, bookings for April, May and even the first half of June have already been taken, leaving only a limited number of open days.
Some venues say they already have around 20 to 25 weddings booked per month. While demand has strengthened after Ramadan, operators say there has been no dramatic shift in pricing policy. Even so, menu prices have moved higher compared with last year.
According to venue representatives, prices now typically range from 60 to 130 manats per guest, depending on the menu selection. The biggest differences usually come from hot dishes, grilled items, seafood and other premium food options.
Some administrators say the market is still not fully booming and that activity remains uneven in some locations. But even there, a moderate increase in menu prices is being recorded. They link that rise mainly to higher costs for meat products, delicacies and fish.
Fish and seafood, in particular, are cited as some of the most expensive parts of a wedding menu and often play the biggest role in pushing the final price higher. Depending on the selection, the cost per guest may rise from around 70 manats to 80 manats or more.
Another notable trend is that weddings are no longer as large as they used to be. Venue operators say many celebrations are now being held on a smaller scale, typically with around 200 to 250 guests.
The increase in demand is being seen not only in Baku but also in the regions, where banquet halls are generally more affordable. In the Aghstafa district, for example, prices start at around 40 manats per person, although the final cost still depends on the number of salads, add-ons and other dishes included in the package.
Administrators also say the rise in bookings is not limited to weddings. Engagement parties, circumcision celebrations and other large family events are also contributing to growing demand.
By summer, venue operators expect the number of people planning weddings to rise further, which could tighten availability even more during the busiest dates.