Brunei’s Crown Prince, Al-Muhtadee Billah, gave his parents quite the surprise when he decided to marry an ordinary citizen, but that wasn’t the only thing that was a bit out of the ordinary for the prince. That citizen just happened to be 17-year-old Sarah Salleh, who went from living an average life, to getting married in what has been called one of the most expensive wedding ceremonies to date – coming in at an estimated $6 million.
2,000 guests showed up at the sultan’s palace for the lavish affair, including the Duke of Gloucester and Prince Richard. A fleet of 100 limos chauffeured the political leaders around the area, while the couple sat atop their golden thrones in the palace. The Prince and Princess wore matching blue outfits that were embellished with different types of jewels. At the end of the night, attendees were treated to a 15-minute-long fireworks display.
Justin Timberlake Ties the Knot
Justin Timberlake’s engagement to Jessica Biel was the talk of the town in 2012. Since the two stars were typically so low-key, they kind of shocked everyone when they decided to have an over-the-top wedding. The couple invited friends and family to join them in Puglia, Italy, for a luxurious $6.5 million celebration.
Celebrity friends like Andy Samberg and Timbaland were in attendance, and director Bill Purple officiated the nuptials. Jessica’s “little sister” from 7th heaven, Beverly Mitchell, also came to show her support. Justin serenaded her in a Tom Ford tux as she walked down the aisle in a custom-made Giambattista Valli dress.
Heiress Delphine Arnault’s Wedding
Heiress apparent to the Louis Vuitton fashion house, Delphine Arnault, got married in the wedding of her dreams to Italian wine mogul Alessandro Vallarino Gancia in what has been called one of the most expensive weddings that France has ever seen. Would you expect anything less from the princess of the fashion world? The entire event cost the families over $7 million in 2005.
Delphine made her way down the aisle in a beautiful custom-made Dior gown by John Galliano. The reception took place at a vineyard in Bordeaux, which had been decorated with an impressive 5,000 roses. A Moscow choir provided dreamlike music during the festivities. Guests in attendance include Karl Lagerfeld and members of the Rothschild clan.
Prince Abdul Malik’s Wedding
Sultan of Brunei’s son, Prince Abdul Malik, was married to Dayangku Raabi’atul 'Adawiyyah Pengiran Haji Bolkiah, a 22-year-old data analyst, in the spring of 2015. The wedding was literally decked out with gold everything and took place inside the Sultan’s huge palace. World leaders and other royal families from all over the globe arrived for the celebration.
The 31-year-old prince and his bride-to-be wore matching gold clothes and were covered in jewels. She wore a lovely tiara and matching necklace with rings made from sparkling emeralds. Her shoes had crystals on them. She also opted to carry a bouquet made with jewels, instead of the usual flowers.
Another Trump Production
It shouldn’t really come as a surprise to anyone that Ivanka Trump’s wedding was an over-the-top, ridiculously expensive event. After all, just look at who her father is. Ivanka married media mogul Jared Kushner in an elaborate $1 million ceremony. The couple enlisted the services of Preston Baily, a prominent wedding planner who charges over $100,000.
The 2009 nuptials took place at her family's National Golf Club in the state of New Jersey. Ivanka opted for a classic and elegant, custom Vera Wang gown that cost her nearly $50,000, and plenty of bling that was worth over $200,000. Jared and Ivanka have been on the up-and-up ever since.