Young entrepreneurs cash in on event boom

. As wedding bells begin to echo and streets glow beneath strings of colourful lights, a season of celebration sweeps across the cities. From grand wedding ceremonies to glittering bridal showers, lively birthdays and intimate farewells, the desire to celebrate in style is creating a new race among young entrepreneurs to turn every occasion into a memorable event. Behind the sparkle of decorated halls and beautifully arranged tables, a quiet business transformation is also taking place. Event management, once largely associated with a few established and expensive companies is increasingly attracting young men and women who are entering the field with creative ideas, flexible packages and services designed for different budgets. Event managers say the growing appetite for professionally organised gatherings has changed the way people approach celebrations. Customers are no longer interested only in booking a hall; many now want complete arrangements covering décor, lighting, catering, photography, seating and entertainment. "People want their events to look different and memorable. Even a small gathering is now planned with attention to decoration, theme and presentation," said an event manager. The wedding season remains one of the busiest periods for the industry. Banquets, marquees, hotels and restaurants witness increased activity as families prepare for wedding ceremonies, receptions, mehndi functions and related gatherings. Fozia Danial, a woman client, said even the choice of venue had become part of the celebration planning, with halls offering flexible options from half-hall to full-hall bookings. She said some venues allowed children under five to attend free of charge, but a separate charge was applied when a child occupied a designated seat, giving families more flexibility in managing their celebration budgets. Hotel owners say the demand, however, is no longer confined to weddings. "Bookings now come for birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, farewell parties, corporate dinners and other family gatherings as well," said a hotel manager Bilal Abbasi.