The recent video detailing the extravagant Ambani-Merchant wedding offered a glimpse into a celebration truly beyond compare. As one of the most talked-about events globally, the union of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant transcended a simple marriage ceremony; it was a spectacle of culture, wealth, and profound family traditions. The scale of the Ambani wedding, reportedly costing over $600 million, positions it not just as India’s most expensive nuptial event, but also as a testament to the family’s immense influence and their commitment to elaborate celebrations.
For those fascinated by the opulence and intricate details glimpsed in the video, a deeper understanding of the planning, cultural significance, and sheer magnitude of this event can be explored. From the guest list featuring global luminaries to the multi-stage festivities spanning continents, the Ambani wedding was meticulously curated, reflecting both the couple’s personal journey and the rich heritage of Indian traditions.
The Unprecedented Scale of the Ambani-Merchant Wedding
The Ambani family, helmed by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, commands a fortune estimated at $114 billion, according to Forbes. Consequently, an event like their youngest son Anant’s wedding was anticipated to be monumental. The reported expenditure of more than $600 million for the entire celebration, while a staggering sum, represented approximately 0.5% of the family’s net worth. This budget allowed for an unparalleled array of experiences, from star-studded performances to bespoke decor and a guest list that brought together influential figures from around the world.
The financial outlay facilitated an experience that was, in many ways, an immersive journey into luxury. Every aspect, from the catering to the entertainment and the personalized gifts, was elevated to an art form. Such an investment in a private event often sparks conversations about wealth distribution and social impact, yet for the Ambani family, it was also an opportunity to celebrate significant life moments with grandiosity and a deep respect for tradition.
A Confluence of Global Influence: The Distinguished Guest List
The guest list for the Ambani wedding was a veritable who’s who of global power, fame, and influence. Dignitaries such as former US Secretary of State John Kerry, alongside former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, were observed attending. Business titans, including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Hillary Clinton, also graced the pre-wedding festivities. Their presence underscored the Ambani family’s extensive global network and their standing as key players in international commerce and philanthropy.
Beyond politics and business, the event drew a significant number of celebrities. Hollywood personalities like Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, and John Cena were visible, sharing glimpses of their elaborate preparations and experiences in India. Bollywood’s elite, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor, were also integral to the celebrations, mingling with guests and participating in the joyous atmosphere. This blend of global and local stardom created a unique cultural tapestry, highlighting the wedding’s universal appeal and significance.
Pre-Wedding Extravaganzas: A Global Journey of Celebration
The core wedding ceremonies in Mumbai were preceded by a series of opulent pre-wedding events that spanned several months and even continents.
Jamnagar Festivities: The Grand Kick-off
In March, a three-day celebration unfolded at the Ambani family’s estate in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This event hosted approximately 1,200 guests. The setting was inspired by the bride’s favorite spot, the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with a grand glass structure built for the occasion. Guests were treated to an extraordinary culinary experience, with 500 unique dishes prepared by a team of around 100 chefs, ensuring no dish was repeated. Personalized services, including access to hairstylists and makeup artists, were also provided, emphasizing guest comfort and luxury.
The Jamnagar celebration featured a jungle-themed party and a spectacular light show involving 5,500 drones. A major highlight was a performance by Rihanna, marking her first full concert since 2016, for which reports suggested she received between $6-8 million. Other entertainers included Akon and illusionist David Blaine. Guests, who received a detailed nine-page guide outlining dress codes for each event, were transported via return charter flights, ensuring seamless attendance at this remote, yet lavish, gathering.
A Luxury Cruise Across Europe
May saw another pre-wedding extravaganza, a three-day cruise from Italy to France, attended by 1,200 friends and partners. This voyage was described by Radhika Merchant as a retreat for those who had contributed to their lives, accommodating guests ranging from infants to nonagenarians. The cruise featured performances by international music sensations such as Katy Perry, Pitbull, and the Backstreet Boys, alongside a DJ set from David Guetta. In a memorable stop in Portofino, Italy, guests were serenaded by the legendary Andrea Bocelli, adding a touch of classical elegance to the modern spectacle.
The Sangeet with a Pop Icon
Leading up to the main ceremonies in early July, a Sangeet event was held, a traditional Indian pre-wedding ceremony filled with music and dance. This gathering was graced by a surprise performance from Justin Bieber, who reportedly commanded as much as $10 million for his rare appearance. His presence further underscored the global appeal and boundless budget of the Ambani wedding celebrations, delighting guests with an unexpected pop music spectacle.
Sacred Traditions and Opulent Ceremonies in Mumbai
The main Ambani wedding ceremonies, held from July 12th to 14th in Mumbai, were a profound display of Indian cultural traditions, enhanced by unprecedented grandeur. These rituals, guided by family pujaris (priests) for auspicious astrological alignments, took place at the Jio World Drive, a convention center built and owned by the Ambani family.
Prelude to Nuptials: Rituals of Preparation
Before the grand ceremonies, several significant pujas (ceremonial prayers) were conducted, symbolizing blessings and good fortune. These were followed by a Mehendi ceremony, where the bride and female guests adorned their hands and feet with intricate henna designs, and a Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was applied to the couple for prosperity and purification. These rituals are deeply symbolic, preparing the couple for their marital journey with spiritual and familial blessings.
The Grand Baraat and Core Wedding Rituals
On July 12th, the Baraat, the groom’s wedding procession, was a sight to behold. Anant Ambani made a majestic entrance on horseback before approximately 2,000 guests, accompanied by hundreds of dancers and musical performers. The venue itself was transformed with 60 animal sculptures, depicting elephants, monkeys, and tigers, all meticulously crafted from Indian flowers. Experts estimated that each sculpture required over 100,000 flowers, demonstrating the extraordinary attention to detail and scale of the decor.
The wedding ceremony itself featured core Indian traditions. The Jaimala saw the couple exchange flower garlands, a symbolic acceptance of each other. This was followed by the Pheras, where Anant and Radhika walked around a ritual fire, taking vows of love, fidelity, prosperity, and mutual respect, which were understood to form the foundation of their married life. These moments, while steeped in ancient customs, were performed amidst decor and arrangements that were utterly contemporary in their extravagance.
Radhika Merchant’s Bridal Trousseau and the Emotional Bidaai
For the sacred Pheras, Radhika Merchant wore a unique red and white couture ensemble designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. This choice reflected a blend of traditional bridal colors with high fashion artistry. Following the wedding ceremony, the Bidaai took place, a poignant farewell ceremony where the bride formally leaves her family home to begin her new life. This emotional moment saw Radhika’s family overcome with tears, a deeply felt tradition across Indian culture.
For the Bidaai, Radhika changed into a custom-made red and gold lehenga by Manish Malhotra, notably paired with a blouse from an Indian house’s archive that was over a century old. She had shared her intention to choose outfits planned with her mother and sister since childhood, prioritizing timeless elegance over transient trends. Anant Ambani also showcased exquisite taste, adorning a custom-made lion-shaped brooch encrusted with precious stones, including a diamond weighing over 50 carats, as a striking personal touch.
A Celebration of Unity and Gratitude: Post-Wedding Events
The Ambani wedding celebrations extended beyond the main ceremonies, encompassing events dedicated to spiritual blessings, communal harmony, and gratitude.
VVIP Blessings and the Saraswati Puja
On the Saturday following the main wedding, a significant puja for the Goddess Saraswati was conducted. This event was attended by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, and several current and former chief ministers. Their presence, offering blessings to the newlyweds and their families, underscored the national importance and reverence accorded to the Ambani family.
The Mangal Utsav Reception
The grand finale was the Mangal Utsav, the couple’s wedding reception, held on Sunday, July 14th, and attended by over 14,000 people. Radhika Merchant once again dazzled, wearing a gold filigree corset by Dolce & Gabbana, paired with a structured sari from Anamika Khanna. While rumors had circulated about performances by global superstars like Adele, Drake, or Lana Del Rey, guests were ultimately treated to mesmerizing vocals by celebrated Indian artists, AR Rahman and Shreya Ghoshal, who performed classical folk songs, grounding the celebration in rich local musical traditions.
Dazzling Details: Jewelry and Bespoke Luxury
Throughout the multi-day celebrations, the jewelry worn by the Ambani family was a focal point. Beyond Anant’s impressive 50-carat diamond brooch, his mother, Nita Ambani, captivated attention with a 100-carat yellow diamond necklace, a piece whose value is truly beyond conventional imagination. Radhika’s pre-wedding outfits also included a skirt adorned with 20,000 Swarovski crystals and another that required 5,700 hours to create, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and bespoke luxury that defined every aspect of the Ambani wedding.
The Enduring Narrative: Love, Family, and Philanthropy
While the Ambani wedding was marked by immense grandeur, it was also underpinned by a deeply personal love story and a commitment to family. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s romance blossomed during a shared trip in 2017, leading to their engagement in January 2023. Anant spoke movingly of Radhika, calling her the person of his dreams and crediting her with transforming his perspective on marriage.
The celebrations, organized meticulously by Nita Ambani with dedicated teams working tirelessly for months, also faced some public commentary regarding their extravagance. In response, the Ambani family undertook significant charitable initiatives. They hosted a communal dinner for approximately 51,000 villagers, where family members, including the bride and groom, served traditional Gujarati dishes to seek local blessings. Additionally, they organized a collective wedding for 50 disadvantaged couples and invested in building 14 temples within an expansive complex in Jamnagar. A closing reception was also held for Reliance Industries’ employees and even invited journalists and paparazzi, expressing gratitude for their hard work and participation. These gestures reflected a conscious effort to balance unprecedented luxury with social responsibility, ensuring that the joyous occasion had a broader positive impact.
