From private Beyonce concerts, to a million-dollar security team, we list out some of the most expensive weddings of all time
It’s no secret that weddings can get expensive. For a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, many people are willing to spend as much it takes to create a wedding of their dreams. While few people can actually afford to throw a lavish wedding straight out of Crazy Rich Asians, the sky’s the limit for the world's ultra-rich to create a wedding filled with extravagant details, couture gowns and Michelin-worthy meals.
According to a 2021 study, the average couple budgeted around US$22,500 for their big day—but how much are the rich and famous willing to spend to make their special day unforgettable? Here, we list out some of the most expensive weddings of all time.
1. Prince Charles and Lady Diana
Rumoured Cost: US$48 million (approximately US$137 million today when adjusted for inflation)
Date: July 29, 1981
Frequently named “the wedding of the century”, Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s wedding took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981. The iconic wedding was attended by 3,500 guests and watched on television by 750 million people.
In true royal fashion, the princess’s dress was a sight to behold—designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel for Alexander McQueen, it featured a 25-foot train, a 153-yard veil and 10,000 pearls. To complete the dress, the wedding shoes were made of silk and accessorised with 542 sequins and 132 pearls.
It’s not cheap to have a royal wedding. On top of the usual wedding costs, an extra US$600,000 was spent on heightened security measures due to a potential threat by the Irish Republican guerrillas.
