weddings

In case you were wondering, this is what an $8.4 million wedding looks like.

As we all know, it’s not hard for wedding budgets to spiral out of control.

It starts with a longer-than-anticipated guest list. Then there’s accommodation for out-of-town relatives. The perfect but over budget wedding dress, an exorbitantly priced cake, wanting flowers that are out of season… the list goes on.

But a wedding that comes in at AU$8.4 million as Folarin Alakija and Nazanin Jafarian Ghaissarifar’s did last weekend? Now that’s one hell of a commitment ceremony.

A post shared by SHANINA SHAIK (@shaninamshaik) on

Held at Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Winston Churchill, no less), the reception reportedly included approximately $1 million in flower arrangements created by celebrity stylist Jeff Leatham, a 3.56-metre wedding cake, a five-course sit-down menu, a performance by Robin Thicke, and naturally, a fireworks display to round out the evening.

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Oh, and did we mention guests included Australian model Shanina Shaik and her partner DJ Ruckus?

Listen: Mamamia Out Loud discuss the crazy extreme cost of weddings. Post continues… 

Discussing the wedding with Harper’s Bazaar earlier this week, Bridebook.co.uk founder, Hamish Shephard, said, “Venue hire would likely be up to $190,000 with the bespoke marquee with marble floor and production around $250,000 on top. The spectacular endless flowers by Jeff Leatham are likely to have cost at least $256,000. With food and drink, Robin Thicke (at $190,000) and all the other items for the big day, including the dress, on top, the wedding will have no doubt cost more than $1.3 million and potentially several million more.”

But it seems Shephard’s estimation was incredibly conservative, with the final cost now being estimated at a much, much higher price tag.

According to the Daily MailAlakija, who is a UK-based entrepreneur and the son of a Nigerian oil tycoon, and Ghaissarifar, an Iranian-born model and bioengineer, became engaged last year.

In addition to their incredible weekend festivities, the pair also celebrated their love with a traditional Nigerian ceremony in November.

Ho, hum, back to my basic b**ch Pinterest board I go.

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