Was the Ambani-Merchant Wedding the Most Expensive Ever?

Few grand weddings have captivated global attention quite like the union of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. Their July 2024 wedding in Mumbai was more than just a celebration—it became a worldwide spectacle, reportedly costing $600 million, earning it the title of the most expensive wedding in history.

Mumbai was transformed into a fairy-tale scene, with city streets closed off for public festivities as international celebrities and dignitaries descended for the occasion. Custom-designed decorations adorned the venue, unparalleled in both scale and expense. Pre-wedding events featured performances by global stars like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber, each reportedly earning multi-million dollar fees, underscoring the couple’s international appeal and raising the bar for private event entertainment.

The guest list reflected the Ambani family‘s vast influence, with high-profile figures such as Kim Kardashian, Sir Tony Blair, and Priyanka Chopra attending, marking the wedding as a truly global social affair. The couple’s attire was no less remarkable; Radhika Merchant wore a hand-embroidered lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, while Anant Ambani donned a bespoke sherwani by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, both outfits symbolizing cultural heritage and unmatched luxury.

However, the wedding sparked mixed reactions. While celebrated as a major cultural event in India, it also triggered discussions about wealth inequality, with some critics highlighting the contrast between such extravagant spending and the economic challenges faced by many in the country. The event drew both admiration and criticism in equal measure.

Economically, the wedding likely gave a boost to local businesses, thanks to the influx of international visitors and media attention. Yet its true legacy may lie in its cultural impact, setting a new standard for high-profile weddings in the modern era.

For the Ambani family, this wedding was more than the union of two individuals; it represented the blending of wealth, culture, and global prestige. Though remembered for its staggering price, it will also be recognized as a moment where tradition and modernity met most spectacularly, redefining the grandeur of 21st-century events.