Ivanka Trump, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are among the high-profile guests who flew to Jamnagar for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding show.
The couple, who come from two of India’s richest families, invited 1,000 guests to the groom’s home this weekend for various events to celebrate their July wedding.
Ahead of the celebrations, local media reported that guests were given a nine-page dress code for the weekend, which will include a visit to the groom’s animal sanctuary and a festival of “dazzling desi romance.”
Last night, the bride and groom-to-be hosted a cocktail party themed ‘Evening in Everland’, which featured a live performance by Rihanna, who was paid £5million for a 90-minute set.
For the occasion, Ivanka Trump, 42, dazzled in a gold and silver striped sari and pulled her long blonde hair into an elegant updo.
Pictured: Ivanka Trump with husband Jared Kushner and daughter Arabella at the pre-wedding cocktail party last night.
The mother of three, who was joined by her husband Jared Kushner and daughter Arabella, completed her glamorous look with a pair of gold drop earrings.
Meanwhile, Jared, 43, looked dapper in a traditional black Bandi jacket with gold and silver buttons that matched his wife’s dress.
The couple’s daughter, Arabella, 12, wore a baby blue dress with shiny silver embellishments.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, 39, looked dapper in a black jacket adorned with gold dragonflies in a nod to the “Afternoon in Everland” theme.
His wife Priscilla Chan, 39, looked glamorous in a figure-hugging black dress with gold floral embellishments running down the bodice.
The mother of two completed her evening ensemble with several delicate gold necklaces and a sparkling clutch.
In addition, Bill Gates and his girlfriend Paula Kalupa also attended the luxurious cocktail party.
The former CEO of Microsoft, 68, opted for a navy suit and black shirt, while his partner looked glamorous in a black dress with gold embellishments on the shoulders.
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan gave a nod to the ‘Evening in Everland’ theme with gold embellishments on their outfits.
Bill Gates and his girlfriend Paula Kalupa pose with her future boyfriend Anant Ambani and his father Mukesh
The couple took the stage to welcome their guests to the celebrations. Bride-to-be Radhika wore a bright pink strapless dress.
Pop star Rihanna was reportedly paid £5million for a 90-minute set at the welcome cocktail party.
Anant Ambani, 28, is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man and CEO of Reliance Industries, which has revenues of $110 billion.
Radhika Merchant, 29, daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant, CEO of private healthcare company Encore Healthcare.
Later that night, the couple took the stage to address their guests and officially welcome them to the three-day show.
For the first night of their pre-wedding celebrations, the bride-to-be opted for a bright pink strapless gown with a silk train. Meanwhile, the groom looked dapper in a blue suit with a white shirt.
Other high-profile guests included Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan and former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
During the night, Rihanna took the stage to perform a 90-minute performance; After footage of the concert appeared online, social media users joked: “She just doesn’t give a damn.”
In one of the clips she could be seen singing her 2011 megahit with Calvin Harris titled We Found Love and she could barely be seen dancing.
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani, Shloka Mehta and Prithvi Ambani pose for a photograph during the pre-wedding celebrations of Ambani’s son Anant Ambani.
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Dhoni also attended the welcome cocktail party.
Indian businesswoman Natasha Poonawalla wore a striking silver metal top over her sparkly dress.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Radhika Merchant, Anant Ambani, Nita Ambani, Rihanna, Isha Piramal, Anand Piramal, Shloka Mehta Ambani and Akash Ambani take the stage
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan (right) with his wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan during the celebrations.
Billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani (left) and his wife Nita Ambani, chairperson and founder of Reliance Foundation with their son Anant Ambani.
The pre-wedding celebration of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s union featured 9 pages of dress code stipulations.
For Annant’s sister’s wedding in 2018, the family reportedly paid Beyoncé $6 million to fly in and perform a private concert for guests.
Today guests have been asked to wear “comfortable shoes” for a “walk on the wild side” by visiting the groom’s Reliance animal rescue centre, which spans 650 acres and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
Tonight, the couple will be hosting their ‘Rogue Mela’ and guests have been asked to dress in a ‘dazzling desi romance’ style.
On the third day, guests were asked to pack something “casual chic” for Tusker Trails, where they will presumably explore the local area.
The final event will be a Hashtakshar, which translates to “signing,” and guests are expected to wear traditional clothing such as sherwanis and saris.
Local media reports that guests traveled to the city of Jamnagar on charter flights and ferries, and were told there is a limit of three suitcases per couple.
Indian publication National News reports that the 1,000 guests will have access to laundry services throughout the weekend, including express steam service.
The information booklet also states that hair stylists, makeup artists and saree drapers will also be available to help.
The guide says: “We would like you to enjoy every moment to the fullest and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.”