This weekend saw the Wedding of the Year (so far). A £20 Million bash in the south of France for British businessman Umar Kamani, and his lovely bride, model Nada Adelle.
I must admit that, apart from some of the guests, it looked a very classy event. Both bride and groom were beautifully dressed in the traditional Indian attire of their family origins, and the location and setting were both perfect.
However, such things come at a price; in this case £20 Million, which does seem an awful lot of money for a wedding.
When I was married myself, in god's own outpost of Gibraltar, it didn't cost even a fraction of that. In fact it cost the price of the 'licence'.
We didn't have a famous singer to perform, or hundreds of B-list tattooed celebs, but we did have the same Mediterranean sunshine and a very nice hotel. I didn't have the resources of Kamani, but even if I had, I wouldn't have spent as much as they did on a wedding.
I must say, they do look like a very nice couple, and I wish them a long and happy marriage.
My invitation must have been lost in the post.
ReplyDeleteI was busy!
DeleteWe've had some expensive weddings here, but nothing in the 20mil range. And they must have an awful lot more from where that came from.
ReplyDeleteBut as you note, you don't need much to have a memorable wedding and live happily ever after. Many happy anniversaries to you and us and all the ordinary people. We just celebrated 45 years together
He's a multi £Millionaire. I think he sells children's clothes; not sure. Personally I would have spent just one £Million on the wedding, and given the other nineteen £Million to a few worthy charities.
DeleteSeeing this sort of thing just makes me feel ill....
ReplyDeleteI do believe in people spending their own money as they wish, but for a wedding it does seem excessive. He could have bought about 5 really fabulous homes with all that dosh. He could even have given one to me!
DeleteWhat a pity they didn't marry in the UK
DeleteYes, it was a beautiful weekend too.
DeleteA young female colleague of mine demanded everything she wanted for her wedding, including a huge professionally done firework display. The fireworks alone cost over £5,000, and the entire wedding ran to a cost of almost £50,000!
ReplyDeleteBoth sets of parents paid towards it, but the groom put £15,000 on a credit card to pay for all of the bride's demands.
Five years and two children later, she filed for divorce!!!
May Umar and Nada have a long and happy marriage, and along the way, learn that their immense wealth can do a lot of good in this world!
X
I hate to say, but if a woman makes crazy demands for a wedding, she is probably BAD NEWS, full stop.
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ReplyDeleteThat fellow and his brother formed and developed the online clothing retailer: PrettyLittleThing.com from where I suspect that you and Lady Magnon have ordered many of your clothes. His parents own and run BooHoo.com which is a similar business.
I knew the name but wasn't sure what it was. Children's clothes I presume. He's done very well out of it anyway.
DeleteCro, perspective is needed. The guy's family business is worth BILLIONS. So what's 20 Million to them? Particularly considering that a wedding is a pretty special day. What a commitment! So bring out the fanfares, the fireworks. THE DRESS. And I say this as someone who has to bite her tongue to bleeding point when being told someone is going to get married. It takes my all not to say "Commiserations." or "Why?" What people in their haze forget that marriage is a legal contract. Sign now, sigh later.
ReplyDeleteAs to the couple you mention: Please do take into account that this event took place over FOUR days. One of them the white wedding, another day the Indian wedding [those are the joys of intercultural nuptials - two sides of family traditions to be satisfied].
The narrative of your own wedding is on the other side of the spectrum. In my eyes you deprived not least your parents and siblings and friends of witnessing one of life's major events. To me, weddings [and christenings] are about joining a community. Of course, when those momentous moments become an Instagram event, choreographed by the photographer, I'd take my hat [or black veil] and shrug one of my shoulders.
U
PS It's fascinating how much interest you take in the inconsequential. Piqued by your post I googled the couple. Never heard of either - not that that is a marker. Other than that: Yes, I join you in wishing them all the best. THE END.
Well done for all that. I didn't expect you to comment, but I knew if you did that it would have to be contrary to normal thinking. Thanks anyway.
DeleteAh money always comes into weddings. I have had two - 1 lasted 39 years until M's death from kidney cancer. The second lasted 23 years until D's death from a glioblastoma. Both were very happy and I count myself very lucky indeed I don't think either cost much more than a month's shopping for food.
ReplyDeleteI see some holiday island is offering naked weddings on the beach (only stipulation is that the bride wears a veil but as far as I know (from Jeremy Clarksin's article in yesterday's Times) it doesn't stipulate wheree the veil is to be worn. Any old bit of net curtain costs little but suspect airfare might be a bit grim especially if all the family wish to be there.
Yes, I noticed he didn't say exactly where these beaches are. Why would anyone wish to get married naked anyway?
DeleteWell, I wish them luck and a long, happy marriage. However, cinic that I am, I wonder how long before he swaps her for someone younger.
ReplyDeleteAt some stage I expect he will. The very rich treat wives like trophies that you buy and then reject.
DeleteSome people like a big splashy wedding. A friend's daughter will marry in May in a New Hampshire converted barn (farm/woodland) resort wedding venue type place and I was surprised how much they are spending. I'll attend and wish them all the best.
ReplyDeleteI could have been married in St Paul's Cathedral but chose somewhere quieter.
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