Weddings that broke the bank

For the elite, weddings are a lavish and grand event. Let's look at some of the most expensive weddings.

A royal affair

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding was a grand affair that cost nearly $34 million. Kate walked down the aisle in an Alexander McQueen design and a Cartier tiara featuring 739 perfectly cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds. Reports say the dress cost a whopping $434 000 and the tiara was lent to her by the Queen. The royal union occurred in 2011 at Westminster Abbey, and 1 900 guests graced the event. These included family members, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities.

Go big or go home!

According to the Guinness World Records, one of the most expensive (non-royal) weddings was in 2004. Amit Bhatia and Vanisha Mittal, the daughter of the wealthiest man in the world (Lakshmi Mitta), tied the knot in a celebration that cost $55 million. The ceremony took place at the 17^th century Chateau Vaux le Vicomte in France. Guests enjoyed a fancy dinner prepared by chefs flown in from India. There was also a private performance by singer Kylie Minogue and a massive firework display. Worth noting, the Mittals are owners of ArcelorMittal, the largest steel and mining company in the world. That explains a lot.

A fairy tale wedding

Charles and Diana exchanged their wedding vows in 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral in London. Diana was transported in a glass coach fit for a princess. She wore an extravagant gown designed by husband-and-wife team David and Elizabeth Emanuel, consisting of 10 000 pearls and mother-of-pearl sequins. Her ring featured a 12-carat sapphire stone surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in a white gold band estimated at $40 000. This fairy tale wedding cost $110 million, and $115 000 went towards the dress.

With a Dadzilla for a father (Andy Garcia) and the bride (Adria Arjona) and groom (Diego Boneta) insisting on paying for their wedding, will the big day even take place? Find out in your Sunday night movie, Father of the Bride.

Catch Father of the Bride this Sunday at 20:05 CAT on M-Net 101 or catch up on DStv after the movie airs. Join the conversation on social media @mnetmovies on Twitter, @MNet on Facebook, @mnettv on Instagram, and @mnet on TikTok.