Inside the Star-Studded €40M Wedding Celebration: Kardashians, Critics, and Copycats Unite at Bezos’ Extravaganza!

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s extravagant wedding in Venice has captured global attention, arriving with a star-studded guest list and some controversy.

Celebrities like Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, and Queen Rania of Jordan have made their way to this iconic city, often spotted navigating the canals in stylish water taxis. Notably, Ivanka Trump was one of the first to arrive, taking time to explore and shop around Venice despite the summer heat.

It’s estimated that over 90 private jets ferried attendees to Marco Polo Airport. Meanwhile, some guests opted for luxurious super-yachts. The couple is reportedly spending the weekend at the Aman hotel, where rooms with stunning views of the Grand Canal start at €4,000 a night—reminiscent of the glamour surrounding George and Amal Clooney’s wedding.

The festivities kicked off at a 14th-century church, Madonna dell’Orto, showcasing works by the painter Tintoretto. The wedding is rumored to cost between €40 million and €48 million (£34 million to £41 million).

As the couple arrived in Venice by helicopter, Sánchez wore a vintage Alexander McQueen dress, part of a stunning wardrobe rumored to include 27 outfits for the wedding.

However, the glamorous festivities have drawn protests from locals who argue that the wedding symbolizes the city’s struggle with overtourism. Critics worry that such events transform the historical site into a playground for the wealthy. Demonstrators have rallied in St. Mark’s Square, some even dressing as a bride and groom on stilts.

Amid heightened security measures, the Venice authorities are enforcing a temporary ban on pedestrian and water traffic in areas hosting the wedding events. This comes as protest threats have increased, raising concerns among locals.

In a show of goodwill, Bezos and Sánchez increased their donation to a local project supporting the lagoon ecosystem from €1 million to €2 million, a response to critics accusing the couple of disregarding local concerns.

They are set to exchange vows on Friday on San Giorgio Maggiore, an island known for its stunning basilica housing Tintoretto’s "The Last Supper." The celebration will include music from Matteo Bocelli, son of famous tenor Andrea Bocelli.

The main reception will unfold in the historically rich Arsenale, with festivities continuing over the weekend, including themed parties. This glamorous event captures the tension between luxury and local heritage, as Venice balances its cultural identity with the influx of elitism.

In this context, it’s worth noting that Venice attracts over 25 million tourists yearly, with many locals fearing that their city may become a mere backdrop for the wealthy. As this wedding unfolds against such a backdrop of protests, it raises questions about the impact of wealth on historical sites.

For a deeper understanding of Venice’s ongoing struggle with tourism, you can explore this report on overtourism.

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