New Delhi: Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and currently the third richest person in the world, is preparing to tie the knot with former journalist Lauren Sanchez this Friday in a wedding that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

The lavish event, taking place in Venice, Italy, is estimated to cost around Rs 430 crore, as stated by Luca Zaia, the President of the Veneto region, which encompasses the famous city known for its canals.

Spanning three days from June 26 to June 28, the festivities will culminate in a reception filled with celebrities following the wedding ceremony. The city has been transformed into a secure zone, with increased security measures and limited access to ensure the couple and their distinguished guests can celebrate privately.

While organizers claim the event respects the local community and infrastructure, environmental activists and residents have raised alarms.

Protesters argue that hosting such a high-profile gathering, with an expected 200 to 250 VIPs, exacerbates the challenges of over-tourism in a city that already sees over 30 million visitors each year.

The Venetian canals have been illuminated by the presence of numerous celebrities, politicians, and royals arriving throughout the week.

Notable attendees include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, actor Orlando Bloom, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

They join a star-studded guest list that reportedly features Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and the Hollywood couple Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who were seen enjoying pre-wedding events in the city.

While the impressive guest list has garnered admiration, the wedding invitation has faced significant backlash online.

A leaked image of the invitation, shared by ABC News, was criticized on social media for its design, with many users labeling it as 'tacky,' 'ugly,' and a 'graphic design disaster.'

Bezos, whose net worth stands at $231 billion according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, began his relationship with Sanchez, a former news anchor, and the couple got engaged in 2023.

Although Venice has hosted many celebrity weddings, including those of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin in 2014 and Indian billionaires Vinita Agarwal and Muqit Teja in 2011, none have attracted the same level of global attention or controversy as the upcoming nuptials of Bezos and Sanchez.

As the celebrations unfold, Venice finds itself at the center of glamour, scrutiny, and worldwide interest.