The wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of healthcare tycoon Viren Merchant, has set a new benchmark for opulence.
From the pre-wedding festivities alone down to the wedding ceremony proper, the celebrations featured custom couture, exclusive venues, and a feast for thousands, highlighting the Ambanis' unmatched ability to blend luxury with cultural significance.
Here, is a trip down memory lane, spotlighting some of the expensive weddings history has unfolded to us:
Most expensive weddings in the world
Kate Middleton and Prince William - USD 33 million
The 2011 royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William would rank among the top most expensive weddings in the world as it captivated the world with its extravagance and splendour. Held at Westminster Abbey with 1,900 guests, the event was watched by 160 million viewers globally, with celebrations extending across Commonwealth nations.
Madelaine Brockway and Jacob Lagrone - USD 59 million
Coming 9th in the list of the most expensive weddings ever is the nuptial ceremony of Madelaine Brockway and Jacob Lagrone. Emerging from the depths of the internet, Madelaine Brockway and Jacob Lagrone's USD 59 million wedding left TikTok users in awe. Netizens, using their detective skills, uncovered that Madelaine is the heiress of car dealership tycoon Robert "Bob" Brockway, Chairman and CEO of Bill Ussery Motors. The couple's lavish Parisian wedding became an online sensation, epitomizing opulence and extravagance as the only way to celebrate their special day.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - USD 63 million
In 2018, Prince Harry's marriage to American actress Meghan Markle marked a significant moment for British royalty. The ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor, was attended by 600 guests, including numerous celebrities and royalty.
Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhattia - USD 65 million
Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha, married Amit Bhattia in a 2004 event spanning iconic French locations. The six-day celebration featured a performance by Kylie Minogue and hosted 1,000 international guests, and takes its place among the most expensive weddings in India and beyond.
Rajeev Reddy and Brahmani Janardhana Reddy - USD 74 million
Brahmani Reddy's 2016 wedding, held at Bangalore's Palace Grounds, drew criticism for its extravagance amid India's demonetization crisis. The event saw 50,000 guests and included luxurious elements like a USD 2.3 million sari and extensive security.
Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal - USD 100 million
Reliance heiress Isha Ambani married Anand Piramal in 2018, with multi-city celebrations starting at the Ambani residence, Antilia. The lavish events featured numerous high-profile attendees and elaborate ceremonies.
Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles - USD 115 million
The 1981 wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles at St Paul's Cathedral was a global spectacle, with 750 million viewers. Diana's iconic dress and the grand ceremony left a lasting legacy.
Chandni Toor and Seemanto Roy; Richa Roy and Sushanto Roy - USD 123 million
Sahara Group's Subroto Roy hosted a double wedding for his sons in 2004, transforming Lucknow with lavish arrangements. The six-day event featured gold napkins, luxury cars, and private jets for 11,000 guests.
Sheikha Hind Bint bin Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - USD 137 million
Dubai's 1979 royal wedding saw Sheikh Mohammed marry his cousin Sheikha Hind. The week-long celebration included a custom-built venue, traditional musicians, and jewel-adorned camels.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant - USD 1 billion+
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding ranks as the most expensive wedding in the world. The pre-wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in 2024 featured Rihanna and numerous global celebrities. The extensive celebrations included a Mediterranean cruise and lavish parties, setting a new standard for wedding extravagance.
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