Terrace weddings make a stylish comeback: The Guide decodes the trend

Rooftop and terrace venues are increasingly becoming part of wedding conversations in the city. An open-air space with a sweeping skyline or sea view naturally elevates the experience of a reception. There is  a shift towards smaller, more thoughtfully curated celebrations. Couples today prefer a wedding that feels personal and immersive rather than simply large in scale, and terraces lend themselves beautifully to that mood.

Former cricketers Yuvraj Singh (right) and Virender Sehwag (behind Singh) at the celebration. Pic courtesy/Youtube

When designing a terrace celebration, the view is always the hero. Instead of competing with the skyline, the aim should be to frame it. That often means keeping stage backdrops minimal or even transparent so the city-scape continues to be visible behind the couple. Lighting becomes one of the most important design tools. Warm fairy lights, candle clusters and soft ambient lighting help build the atmosphere.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor during their wedding ceremony

Decor in these spaces tends to lean towards modern, elegant and slightly minimal aesthetics. Rather than heavy installations or elaborate structures, we often work with sleek lounge seating, curated floral accents and layered lighting. The layout is equally important. A terrace should feel fluid and social, so design the space in a way that encourages movement and allows guests to experience the skyline from different vantage points.

Shivaansh Puri

Of course, the beauty of a rooftop also comes with practical considerations. Weather, particularly in March to June in Mumbai is the most obvious variable, which is why one should always have a contingency plan  such as transparent roofing or quick-install covers. There are also sound regulations, lift logistics and load-bearing limits when transporting decor and technical equipment to a terrace. In many ways, planning a rooftop event requires the designers to think like production managers — balancing aesthetics with engineering, logistics and guest flow to ensure the experience feels seamless.

Shivaansh Puri, 32, entrepreneur, Chembur

Let’s talk finance

From a visual standpoint, terrace weddings undeniably have a strong appeal. In an Instagram-driven era where couples value memorable moments such as a ‘sunset varmala’ or golden-hour portraits, rooftop venues offer a naturally beautiful backdrop that traditional banquet halls often struggle to replicate.

Kapur and Kamra during their reception on the terrace

That said, from a financial perspective, terrace celebrations are not automatically the more economical option. In cities like Mumbai, many luxury hotels and restaurants actually charge a premium for rooftop spaces precisely because they are in demand and perceived as more exclusive.

Couples, at times, assume that the natural skyline will significantly reduce decor costs, but in practice the budget often shifts rather than decreases.  If you are saving on large-scale banquet draping or elaborate stage structures, that money may instead lean towards installations, architectural lighting, or specialised decor designed for open-air settings. In many cases, the final expenditure ends up being quite comparable to a traditional reception, and occasionally could be higher.

Disha Wadhwani

Guest capacity also plays a role in budgeting. Terrace venues usually accommodate fewer people, which can naturally reduce catering and service costs. However, that advantage is often balanced out by the additional infrastructure required to make an outdoor event comfortable. Keep in mind the logistics and regulations as they play a significant role in rooftop weddings. Planners often have to secure multiple permissions including sound licences and venue approvals,  which can add significantly to the event budget.

A lightly styled dining table in soft pastel tones for a terrace celebration. Representation pic/stock 

Weather preparedness is one of the biggest financial considerations. In a coastal city like Mumbai, humidity can be particularly  challenging. At a recent rooftop event I planned, we installed nearly  30 mist fans  and    industrial coolers across the venue, yet  guests  were still feeling the heat.

Disha Wadhwani, 21, wedding planner, Andheri