Ivanka Trump, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are among the high-profile guests who have flown to Jamnagar for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s thee-day pre-wedding extravaganza.
The couple, who come from two of India’s richest families, have invited 1,000 guests to the groom’s home this weekend for a handful of events to celebrate their wedding in July.
Ahead of the celebrations, local media reported that guests have been issued a nine-page dress code for the weekend, which will include a visit to the groom’s animal sanctuary and a ‘dazzling desi romance’ festival.
Last night, the bride and groom-to-be hosted an ‘Evening in Everland’-themed cocktail party – which featured a live performance by Rihanna, who was paid £5m for a 90-minute set.
For the occasion, Ivanka Trump, 42, dazzled in a gold-and-silver striped sari and swept her long blonde hair into an elegant updo.
Pictured: Ivanka Trump with husband Jared Kushner and their daughter Arabella at the pre-wedding cocktail party last night
The mother-of-three – who was joined by husband Jared Kushner and their daughter Arabella – completed her glamorous look with a pair of gold dangly earrings.
Meanwhile, Jared, 43, was dapper in a black traditional Bandi jacket with gold and silver buttons which matched his wife’s dress.
The couple’s daughter Arabella, 12, wore a baby blue dress with silver sparkling embellishment.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, 39, looked smart in a black blazer embellished with gold dragonflies in a nod to the ‘Evening in Everland’ theme.
His wife Priscilla Chan, 39, looked glamorous in a black figure-hugging dress with gold floral embellishment running up the bodice.
The mother-of-two completed her evening ensemble with several dainty gold necklaces and a sparkly clutch bag.
What’s more, Bill Gates and his girlfriend Paula Kalupa were also in attendance at the lavish cocktail party.
The former managing director of Microsoft, 68, opted for a navy suit and black shirt while his partner was glamorous in a black dress with gold embellishment 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 groom-to-be Anant Ambani and his father Mukesh
The couple took to the stage to welcome their guests to the celebrations. Bride-to-be Radhika wore a glittering pink strapless dress
Pop star Rihanna is reported to have been paid £5m 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 the managing director of Reliance Industries, which has a revenue of $110bn.
Radhika Merchant, 29, the daughter of billionaire Shri Viren Merchant, who is the CEO of private health firm Encore Healthcare.
Later in the evening, the couple took to the stage to address their guests and officially welcome them to the three-day extravaganza.
For the first night of her pre-wedding celebrations, the bride-to-be opted for a pink strapless sparkly dress with a silk train. Meanwhile, the groom looked smart in a blue suit with a white shirt.
Other high-profile guests included Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan and India’s former cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
During the evening, Rihanna took to the stage to perform a 90-minute set – after footage from the concert emerged online, social media users joked: ‘She just don’t give a f**k.’
In one of the clips she could be seen singing her 2011 megahit collaboration with Calvin Harris titled We Found Love and she could be seen barely dancing.
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani, Shloka Mehta and Prithvi Ambani pose for a picture during the pre-wedding celebrations of Ambani’s son Anant Ambani
India’s former cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Dhoni also attended the welcome cocktail party
Indian businesswoman Natasha Poonawalla wore a statement silver metal top over her glittering dress
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, Radhika Merchant, Anant Ambani, Nita Ambani, Rihanna, Isha Piramal, Anand Piramal, Shloka Mehta Ambani and Akash Ambani seen taking to 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 the Reliance Foundation with their son Anant Ambani
The pre-wedding celebration for the union of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant laid out 9 pages of stipulations for the dress code
For Annant’s sister’s wedding in 2018, the family is said to have paid Beyonce $6m to fly in and perform a private concert for guests.
Today guests have been told to wear ‘comfortable shoes’ to take a ‘walk on the wild side’ by visiting the groom’s Reliance animal rescue centre, which spans 650 acres and homes more than 2,000 animals.
This evening, the couple will host their ‘Mela Rogue’ and guests have been told to dress in a ‘dazzling desi romance’ style.
On the third day, guests have been told to pack something ‘casual chic’ for the Tusker Trails, where they will presumably explore the local area.
The final event will be a Hashtakshar, which translates as ‘signature’, and guests will be expected to wear traditional clothing, such as sherwanis and sarees.
Local media reports that guests travelled to the city of Jamnagar on chartered flights and ferries – and have been told that there is a limit of three suitcases per couple.
Indian publication National News reports that all 1000 guests will have access to laundry services throughout the weekend, which includes express steaming.
The information booklet also states that hairstylists, make-up artists and sari drapers will also be on hand to help.
The guide reads: ‘We would like you to enjoy each moment to the fullest and make beautiful memories that last a lifetime.’
