In recent history, no other wedding better typifies the lifestyles of the rich than that of India’s Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
Anant, the son of Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in Asia, and Radhika, the daughter of an Indian pharmaceutical giant, made their engagement official in January 2023. The announcement was followed by a series of festivities over the course of several months, leading to their lavish Mumbai wedding in July 2024.
With a guest list that boasted A-list glitterati, billionaires, and influential figures including former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, and Samsung chairman Lee Jae Yong, the celebration had opulence down to a T, racking up a reported estimated price tag of $600 million or approximately P35 billion.
From private concerts with sought-after musicians to personal cruise parties around Europe, the total bill comes as no surprise for these billionaires. Ahead, see the most expensive details of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s lavish wedding.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant Wedding: The Most Expensive Costs
Rihanna’s Performance at the Pre-Wedding Party
Estimated Cost: $6 million (P350 million)
Months before the main wedding festivities kicked into gear, high-profile guests across the globe already had a peek into Anant and Radhika’s celebration. The month of March started with a pre-wedding party attended by 1,200 guests, including tech giants Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and political names like Hillary Clinton and Ivanka Trump. The jungle-themed party with 5,500 drones had Rihanna as its personal headliner, with the singer reportedly paid $6 million (approximately P350 million) for the one-night gig.
Pre-Wedding Party Cruise in Europe
Estimated Cost: $150 million (P8 billion)
For a pre-wedding bash in May outside of India, the couple chartered a private cruise for 800 guests, sailing around the Mediterranean. The cruise stopped along European cities including Rome, Cannes, and Portofino, while guests were serenaded by musicians like Andrea Bocelli, Katy Perry, the Backstreet Boys, and Pitbull. According to The Guardian, the cruise party racked up a $ 150 million bill–that’s approximately P8.7 billion.
Justin Bieber’s Performance at the Welcoming Party
Estimated Cost: $10 million (P580 million)
A few days before the official nuptials in July, Anant and Radhika celebrated their sangeet, a night of music to welcome the guests. The particular party had none other than Justin Bieber as its musical highlight, who's said to have been paid a hefty $10 million (approx. P580 million) to sing his greatest hits.
Luxury Watches for the Groomsmen
Estimated Cost: $105,000 each (P6 million)
Those outside can only imagine the loot bag given at the wedding, but for the groomsmen, it’s one for the books. Anant’s closest friends reportedly received an exclusive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch each, which is valued at $105,000 or P6 million.
Before the festivities, each invited guest also received an invitation with a box engraved with a Hindu deity.
Lavish Jewelry
While the exact prices are up in the air, grand and intricate jewelry came aplenty in the months-long celebration. According to People, Anant wore a custom-made lion brooch with a giant diamond and jewels more than 50 carats, while the mother of the groom Nita Ambani was decked out in a 100-carat yellow diamond necklace. Of course, the bride herself, Radhika, was accessorized to the nines, as she wore an array of emeralds, diamonds, and even a 20-year-old heirloom.
The Grand Venue
The wedding venue itself, the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, was transformed for the festivities. The hallways were made to appear like the ancient streets of Varanasi, lined with street food, bangle sellers, and astrologers, according to The Guardian. The place was almost like another world of its own!
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