KARSTEN MIRANDA
karsten@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Weddings in Goa are set to face a significant challenge as the recent enforcement of mandatory music licensing fees has drastically increased the cost of hosting events in the State. Wedding planners warn that these rising expenses, coupled with other factors, could lead to a substantial decline in the number of weddings hosted in Goa.
Qammar Hakim, CEO of DRQ Events & Experiences, shared his concerns.
“The high costs of hosting weddings in Goa are becoming a deterrent for clients. For events of 250-300 guests, licensing fees alone—covering music, beach, sound, and panchayat permissions—can exceed Rs 8 lakh, leaving little room in typical wedding budgets of Rs 10-20 lakh for decor and entertainment. These rising costs, coupled with expensive hotel rates, costly décor, and frequently shifting government policies, have led to forecasts of an estimated 30% drop in wedding events in Goa this year. Corporate clients have already begun shifting to Southeast Asia for its affordability, relaxed policies, and similar amenities. Without intervention, wedding clients may soon follow suit. Streamlining permissions and revisiting cost structures should be top priority for Goa to remain competitive as a prime event destination,” said Hakim.
Nafisa Sheikh, Founder of Purple Tree Event solutions, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact on wedding planners.
“As a wedding planner in Goa, this recent change regarding music license requirements for wedding events brings up several concerns that could impact the smooth organization of weddings. The suspension of the music license exemption means that we, along with our clients, may face increased fees and paperwork. Dealing with multiple copyright societies (such as Novex and PPL) adds to the financial and logistical burden. Goa has built a reputation as a premier wedding destination, and this new licensing process could harm its appeal. If the experience becomes too complex or costly, clients may reconsider, which would affect not only planners but also hotels, venues, and other businesses that rely on wedding tourism. As industry stakeholders, we might consider joining with hotels, venues, and entertainment professionals to advocate for standardized licensing fees and a streamlined process. A simplified system could make it easier for all parties involved, while still respecting copyright laws, said Sheikh.
Sylvester Godinho, who manages a wedding venue in South Goa, expressed concern that the licensing requirements could make organizing weddings so burdensome and costly.
“What is a Goan wedding without live music? The bands are the ones that keep the tempo lively, bring the crowd onto the dance floor, and make it a night to remember, especially for the wedding couple. When they invite their friends and family, the music is the entertainment, and if they have to think twice now due to the added cost, it can take away the heart of the wedding,” Godinho lamented.
“Also, how many weddings happen here during the wedding season as we call it? There are multiple weddings happening sometimes on the same day. You are going to make it difficult for all of them? We have seen what has happened in the past - it's not a clear system, where you do x, y, z, pay this much, and that too within reason, to get the license. There was so much ambiguity and last-minute pressure on the wedding couple, who were forced to shell out much more at the very end just to save the event,” Godinho elaborated further.
Budget-busting license fees will steer Indian weddings to Thailand, Vietnam: Goan bands
MARGAO: The recent reinforcement of mandatory music license fees for weddings and private functions has sparked concern among event industry professionals in Goa, following both the High Court's decision and the Central government's stance on copyright society payments.
Lester Rodrigues, founder of the band A26, shared his perspective on the issue.
“At the outset, I want to clarify that bands or DJs have nothing to do with obtaining these licenses - that responsibility falls squarely on the wedding couple or event organizers. That being said, sometimes the cost of the licenses is more than the cost of the entertainment of the function. It makes no logical sense. This entire licensing requirement for private functions is taking us down a terrible path,” said Rodrigues.
“The problems are manifold. The rates being charged are extremely high - over Rs 30,000 per license per day even if one song is played that belongs to the licensing authority, meaning total costs can run into lakhs. Adding to the complexity, there isn’t just one copyright agency involved but around four, unlike getting a simple liquor license,” Rodrigues elaborated further.
Zubin Da Cruz, Founder of the band True Blue, also shared his concerns.
“If this is the case, it is really sad for the future, there’s no doubt about it. This is going to drive prices up and affect everyone. In the future, you’re just going to have weddings with ambient music, where people come, wish the couple, and leave,” said Da Cruz.
He also shared some feedback he received recently. “I attended the India International Wedding Connection (IIWC) conference in Thailand, where I observed that all the big-name event planners from Goa and across India are facing issues and hassles with this license requirement and other permissions,” Da Cruz added.
Omar de Loiola Pereira, Music Director at Sounds from Goa, provided further insights
“The crux of the matter is the lack of clarity on all fronts, whether for law enforcers or for venues/clients. While the venues or the client would probably still have to pay for the licenses, care should be taken to ensure that musicians are not at the receiving end, where their equipment is confiscated, or blame is placed on them,” said Pereira