The recent wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy, ignited widespread discussion, not only for its reported $50 million cost and star-studded guest list but also for the strong reactions it provoked. The lavish three-day celebration, spanning from June 27 to June 29, drew protests from Venice residents, necessitating a last-minute venue change. The event’s opulence quickly became a subject of both public fascination and celebrity criticism.

Among the most vocal critics was comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who expressed her profound disgust at what she branded a “gross display of excessive wealth.” O’Donnell took to her Substack newsletter, publishing a lengthy poem titled “Jeff’s Wedding” with the subtitle “God help us.” In her scathing verses, she condemned Bezos for a perceived lack of morality, stating, “It turned my stomach / Seeing all these billionaires / Gathering in the gross excess of it all / the show of it.” She questioned Oprah Winfrey’s friendship with Bezos, citing his alleged disdain for employees. O’Donnell’s poem extended beyond the wedding, touching on broader social issues like the New York City Pride march and expressing fears about the future of LGBTQ+ celebrations, criticizing President Donald Trump, and lamenting a sense of pervasive sadness and disappointment.

In stark contrast to the wedding’s extravagance, actress Salma Hayek opted for a more down-to-earth experience, choosing to attend the Glastonbury Music Festival in the UK with her 17-year-old daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, instead of the Bezos nuptials. Hayek, joined by comedian Chelsea Handler, immersed herself in the festival's vibrant atmosphere, prioritizing quality mother-daughter time. This decision followed another significant family event, her stepson Augustin James Evangelista’s high school graduation. Sources confirmed no animosity between Hayek and Lauren Sánchez, highlighting a mutual history of public support between the two women, underscoring Hayek’s commitment to balancing high-profile social events with family-centered activities.

The guest list for the Bezos-Sánchez wedding was indeed extensive, featuring A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Usher, Jewel, Ellie Goulding, and Australian actress Deborra-lee Furness. One unexpected attendee was Sydney Sweeney, whose presence initially puzzled observers. It was later revealed that Sweeney’s invitation stemmed from her recent casting in ‘Split Fiction,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film, with sources suggesting she attended to “pay respect to the ‘boss.’” The Kardashian-Jenner family, with Kris Jenner having a long-standing friendship with Lauren Sánchez, reportedly “stole the show” with their refined outfits throughout the three-day affair. Other high-profile non-celebrity guests included tech billionaire Bill Gates and his girlfriend Paula Hurd, and media magnate Lachlan Murdoch and his wife Sarah Murdoch.

Following their grand Venetian ceremony, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez embarked on a luxurious honeymoon, beginning with a tranquil stay in Torcello before boarding Bezos’s $500 million superyacht, Koru, bound for Taormina, Sicily. Taormina holds special significance for the couple, having captured their hearts during a previous sailing trip, and they were expected to stay at the famed Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, known for its appearance in ‘The White Lotus.’ Before the wedding, Bezos presented Sánchez with a dazzling diamond necklace, valued between $3 million and $5 million, a gift described as “almost as massive as Jeff’s superyacht.” Sánchez swiftly embraced her new marital status, updating her Instagram profile to “Lauren Sanchez Bezos,” reflecting her earlier stated eagerness to become “Mrs. Bezos.”

Despite the criticisms, the wedding generated substantial economic benefits for Venice. Reports indicated the city was projected to earn over $1 billion from hosting the event, accounting for approximately 68% of Venice’s annual tourism income. This revenue surge resulted from extensive logistical arrangements, including the booking of numerous water taxis and luxury hotels such as the Aman Hotel, St. Regis, Gritti Palace, Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli. Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, lauded the event as a “concrete driving force for the entire sector,” urging focus on its economic opportunities.

Initial speculation regarding the wedding’s entertainment circulated widely, with rumors suggesting performances by musical superstars Lady Gaga and Elton John. However, the actual guest list did not include these artists, dispelling the initial buzz. This highlights that while the event was undeniably star-studded and extravagant, the entertainment choices ultimately reflected the couple’s specific vision, or perhaps were influenced by scheduling conflicts, underscoring that in high-profile events, the absence of expected figures can be as notable as their presence. The Bezos-Sánchez wedding stands as a testament to unparalleled luxury, significant economic impact, and polarized public reception.