Exclusive: Inside the Most Lavish Celebrity Wedding of the Year
Exclusive: Inside the Most Lavish Celebrity Wedding of the Year
In July 2024, Mumbai became the epicenter of opulence as Anant Ambani, heir to Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, wed Radhika Merchant in what is widely regarded as the most extravagant wedding in modern history. Spanning nearly a month, the celebrations featured a series of pre-wedding events, culminating in a six-day main ceremony from July 12 to 30. The total cost is estimated between $600 million and $1 billion, making it a spectacle of unprecedented scale and luxury .
A Star-Studded Affair
The guest list read like a who's who of global royalty, entertainment, and politics. Hollywood icons Kim and Khloé Kardashian dazzled in over 1,000 carats of diamonds, emeralds, and pearls, while Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas graced the event in traditional Indian attire. WWE superstar John Cena also made an appearance, donning a light blue sherwani .
International dignitaries included former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, as well as tech moguls Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. Bollywood royalty such as Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh added to the star power .
Unprecedented Entertainment
The wedding's entertainment lineup was equally impressive. Rihanna kicked off the festivities with a private concert in March, followed by a celebrity-studded cruise in May featuring performances by Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, and the Backstreet Boys. Justin Bieber was reportedly paid $10 million for his performance at the sangeet ceremony .
Extravagant Decor and Venues
The venues, Antilia and the Jio World Convention Centre, were transformed into a floral wonderland by renowned designer Preston Bailey. His team created 60 animal sculptures made from over 100,000 flowers, including tigers, elephants, and replicas of the couple’s two dogs .
Community Outreach
In a rare gesture, the Ambanis organized a grand feast for 51,000 villagers from Jamnagar, featuring an array of dishes prepared by approximately 100 Indian chefs. Additionally, hairstylists and dressing teams were made available to all attendees, offering their services free of charge .
A Cultural Phenomenon
While the wedding showcased India's growing economic power, it also sparked debates about wealth inequality. Critics argued that the lavish spending highlighted the stark contrast between the country's elite and its underprivileged .
Nevertheless, the Ambani-Merchant wedding set new standards for grandeur and spectacle, blending tradition with modernity in a celebration that will be remembered for generations.