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THE world’s most expensive wedding, stretching more than 134 days of celebrations and costing, at least, US$155 million, will reach its climax in Mumbai this weekend.
The final phase of the wedding starts in the Indian commercial capital tomorrow and ends on Sunday with Anant Ambani, the youngest child of Asia’s richest family, marrying Radhika Merchant.
The Ambanis have so far brought Rihanna out of an eight-year hiatus to perform a set for their pre-wedding festivities, including her hit track, Diamonds.
It will be the most expensive wedding in the world.
But, how does it compare with other expensive weddings in the world?
Sheikha Hind Bint bin Maktoum to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – US$137 million
Emirati royal Bin Rashid married his first cousin, Princess Sheikha and it cost an eye-watering sum of US$45 million in 1979 and the week-long was accompanied by a five-day nationwide holiday. There were over 20 000 guests. A fleet of 20 camels, embellished with jewels, were utilised for delivering gifts to the bride. To arrange for similar fanfare today, the estimated cost would be close to US$137 million.
Chandni Toor to Seemanto Roy and Richa Roy to Sushanto Roy – US$123 million
Before it all went downhill for the Sahara head honcho, Subroto Roy enjoyed the status of pulling off the world’s most expensive wedding for his two sons, Seemanto and Sushanto. Dishing out a whopping US$75 million in 2004, the double nuptials descended to Lucknow’s Sahara India township with an 11,000-strong guest list. Naturally, the entire town underwent a major revamp to reflect the family’s love for contemporary aesthetics. The six-day extravaganza saw no stone left unturned– gold napkins welcoming guests upon arrival, a fleet of 200 Mercedes cars for inter-city transport, and chartering 27 of his company jets.
Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles – US$115 million
Held at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, Lady Diana and Prince Charles’ July wedding in 1981 was widely billed as a “fairy-tale”. At a time when the world was still two decades away from the internet, this British royal wedding amassed a staggering broadcast viewership of 750 million people worldwide. A total of 3,500 guests were invited to the stately affair, as two more million spectators lined the route of Diana’s procession. Three choirs and three orchestras played their tunes as the newest royal member walked the aisle in a US$46,785-worth ivory silk taffeta dress, decorated with lace, hand embroidery, sequins, and 10,000 pearls. – Agencies.
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