India is renowned for its extravagant wedding festivities worldwide. But in 2016, a Russian billionaire family surpassed all records and became the first to plan a wedding for their son for USD 1 billion. The wedding continues to hold the record for being the most expensive wedding. Russia’s billionaire oligarch, Mikhail Gutseriev’s son, Said Gutseriev, married Khadija Uzhakhovs, who was then twenty, in a grand ceremony, and their wedding still gives goals, as they hope to have a lavish affair.
The bride wore an 11.5 kg Elie Saab gown for her wedding
For the wedding day, the bride chose to wear something that would stand out and would be remembered for years. She picked a heavily embellished gown from the world-famous designer, Elie Saab. Her outfit was imported from Paris and weighed around 11.5 kg. It had a long train with a big flare and an equally long veil. According to a report by the Telegraph, the gown was worth USD 25,925. The gown was so heavily embellished that the bride required help to move around and enjoy her own wedding.
The bride’s real diamond jewellery added to her luxe look
The bride accentuated her look with regal jewellery that added the needed radiance to her overall look. Talking about her bridal jewellery, she wore a diamond-studded tiara, huge diamond-drop earrings and a matching necklace. She also wore bracelets on both her hands that made her look like a royal princess. Talking about her makeup, she made sure to look radiant with the right amount of blush and highlighter. Soft pink lips with iced eyeshadow with kohl completed her look.
The couple got married at a luxurious restaurant in Moscow
The billionaire family chose a luxurious restaurant right in the heart of Moscow with tight security, as several A-listers were present. The venue was decked up with real pink flowers, which added to the place to make it look like a part of a fairytale. Using real flowers in pink and white, they made a ceiling where the couple took their wedding vows. The outside of the restaurant was also decorated with real flowers.
The couple had a nine-tier wedding cake
Over the years, we have seen chandelier-style wedding cakes and whatnot, but Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhov’s wedding cake was never replicated. The couple’s wedding had a spectacular nine-tiered iced wedding cake. We have no idea how the cake was assembled or baked, but it looked incredible. The cake was a nine-tiered architectural creation with it being twice as tall as the newlyweds. It was made in white cream with pink frosting over it.
The family distributed gold boxes as wedding favours
The Gutserievs left the guests surprised with regal gold boxes, which they distributed as wedding favours. They commemorated the couple’s union by presenting friends, family, and those who attended the ceremony with real gold boxes, inscribed with the couple’s name and the date of marriage, as a token to remember the grand event.
Top celebrities performed at the wedding
The wedding celebration also had special performances from Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias. As per a report by the Daily Mail, Jennifer Lopez received an exceptionally generous pay cheque. The report also claimed that the singer treated herself to some fancy accessories at the Moscow store, Aizel, which was temporarily closed for two hours to let the singer shop in peace.
More about the couple and the family
According to a report by Forbes, Mihkhail Gutseriev is a Russian billionaire and the founder of the Safmar Group, which has interests in oil, coal, real estate and retail. The family has a net worth of USD 3.6 billion as of 2024. Talking about the bride, Khadija Uzhakhavos was 20 years old when she got married into a billionaire family. She married Said Gutseriev, who was 29 and the heir of the family’s oil fortune. At the time of the wedding, Khadija was aspiring to become a dentist.
What do you think about the Russian couple’s billion-dollar wedding?
Next Read: The Sabyasachi Bride Aced Her Wedding Look With Uncut Diamonds And Russian Emeralds Jewellery