When it comes to gifting, perhaps no one does it like the Ambanis. Undoubtedly so, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations were marked by unparalleled opulence. The couple hosted a lavish three-day Mediterranean cruise from Italy to France, following an extravagant bash in Jamnagar in March. The Ambani family, led by Mukesh Ambani, reportedly spent Rs 1200 crore on the Jamnagar event alone, featuring a performance by Rihanna and custom gifts like Louis Vuitton bags and gold chains.
Here are some of the ridiculously expensive gifts and services provided at these events:
Charter flights
For their second pre-wedding bash in Europe, the Ambanis went all out, organising a fleet of 10 charter flights to transport their esteemed guests to Barcelona. Alongside, they secured 12 private aircraft for family, business associates, friends, performers, and event personnel. Each of these flights and charters amounted to significant costs, as reported by India Today.
Luxury cars
Upon arriving in Barcelona, the guests were met with a fleet of 150 opulent cars, featuring top-of-the-line models from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Reports and media observations confirm that these luxury vehicles were used to chauffeur guests between venues, ensuring a smooth and lavish travel experience throughout the event.
Luxurious cruise
The couple treated approximately 800 VIP guests to an unforgettable experience aboard the Celebrity Ascent, a luxurious cruise liner that sailed approximately 4,380 kilometers from Italy to the South of France from May 29th to June 1st. Among the exclusive attendees were prominent celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Suhana Khan, Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and many more.
The expenses for staying aboard the Celebrity Ascent varied depending on the duration and accommodation preferences, with prices ranging from approximately US$1,849 (Rs 1,53,705) for a single room to $2,879 (Rs 2,39,328) for an ocean-view stateroom and $5,736 (Rs 4,76,828) for a suite, as outlined by Celebrity Cruises. During their voyage, guests were entertained by exhilarating performances from renowned artists such as Katy Perry, Pitbull, and The Backstreet Boys, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
Karimnagar’s silver filigree jewellery
The guests at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's cruise party were also presented with exquisitely crafted silver filigree jewelry, sourced from artisans in Karimnagar, Telangana, as reported by The Hindu.
Louis Vuitton bags
At the previous pre-wedding celebration in Jamnagar, guests were treated to custom-made Louis Vuitton bags, a lavish gesture undoubtedly carrying a hefty price tag for the Ambanis.
Custom duffle bag by Bombay Artisan Co.
In addition to the prestigious Louis Vuitton bags, guests were gifted custom-designed duffle bags from a local brand named Bombay Artisan Co. These unique bags, crafted from cruelty-free leather and adorned with hand-painted animal motifs, served as a homage to Vantara, the animal rehabilitation center overseen by Anant Ambani.
Gold chains
Lavish gold chains were also among the gifts, reflecting the event's extravagance.
Designer footwear and nightwear
In addition to other lavish gifts, the Ambanis also bestowed upon their esteemed guests a collection of designer shoes and chic, yet comfortable, nightwear, ensuring their comfort and style throughout the celebratory events.
Candles from Sunrise Candle
The Ambanis further demonstrated their commitment to supporting local businesses by gifting their guests special candles from Sunrise Candle, a company based in Mahabaleshwar. Notably, the company employs visually impaired artists, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
Bandhani and Pethani scarves
In homage to India's rich heritage, the Ambani family commissioned skilled women artisans from Kachchh and Lalpur to hand-weave Bandhani and Pethani scarves for their esteemed guests, showcasing the country's traditional craftsmanship and artistry.
The sheer scale and expense of these gifts and services underscored the Ambani family's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests, showcasing their wealth and hospitality in grand style.
