Istanbul Wedding Halls to Observe Tuesday Closures Starting March 1st
Istanbul, February 13, 2026 – Wedding and event venues, outdoor wedding spaces, and engagement houses in Istanbul will implement a Tuesday closure policy starting March 1st. This initiative aims to protect employees’ right to rest and establish a common standard within the sector.
The Istanbul Chamber of Meeting and Wedding Hall Operators (İSTDO) announced this recommendation, emphasizing sustainability and employee welfare. The decision, effective from March 1st, will see all wedding and invitation halls, outdoor wedding venues, and engagement houses across the city closed on Tuesdays.
The primary objectives of this resolution are to safeguard the rest rights of business owners and employees, balance the workload for members operating multiple venues, and enhance employee motivation and service quality.
Exceptions to the Tuesday Closure Rule
Businesses with pre-scheduled events on Tuesdays must notify İSTDO in writing. In such cases, venues may open no earlier than 5:00 PM on the designated Tuesday.
Failure to comply with this decision will result in actions taken against the businesses within the framework of the Chamber’s “Mandatory Principles and Customs.”
İSTDO President Emphasizes Employee Welfare
Adem Sönmez, President of İSTDO, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that approximately 1300 wedding halls in Istanbul serve citizens. He highlighted that weddings in Turkey are a tradition rooted in social solidarity, and the sector is committed to upholding this tradition.
Sönmez noted that the wedding sector occasionally makes decisions, and previous recommendations have been successfully implemented. He stressed the importance of this new recommendation for the rest of sector employees.
“Based on requests from tradesmen and managers working in these businesses, a general assembly meeting on January 13, 2026, resulted in a recommendation for Tuesdays to be a holiday starting March 1st. This decision will contribute to the rest of our personnel,” Sönmez stated.
Sönmez also mentioned that the existing Tuesday closures for women’s hairdressers in Istanbul influenced this decision, and that exceptions would be made for specific events held at the venues.
He reiterated that businesses wishing to host events on Tuesdays must provide written notification to the Chamber. “Our businesses will be open after 5:00 PM. Weddings, henna nights, engagements, or marriage ceremonies can be held with the knowledge of our Chamber,” he explained.
Enforcement and Industry Standards
Sönmez indicated that sanctions are in place for non-compliant businesses, and inspection personnel will be on duty in the field. “Decisions made under the obligations of the Chamber will be enforced. However, I don’t believe this will be necessary, as this request originated from our members,” he added.
He further elaborated, “A large portion of sector employees are women. Weekends are extremely busy. Monday will be for completing accounting and supply operations, and Tuesday will offer a rest opportunity for all personnel. One day of rest for both businesses and staff is crucial for providing better and higher quality service. It also aims to boost employee motivation and establish a common standard in the sector.”
Addressing Staffing Needs in the Sector
Sönmez recalled that the Chamber previously banned the use of flammable and combustible materials indoors, a decision that was well-received by both the industry and the public.
He also pointed out a shortage of staff in the wedding and service sector, expressing a desire to collaborate with universities, vocational schools, public education centers, and İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency) to find solutions.
Sönmez concluded by stating that there is a need for mid-level staff such as waiters, musicians, and field and banquet personnel, and that their doors are open to anyone interested in working in this field.
