Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s much-hyped 'wedding of the century' in Venice was always destined to grab headlines with its blend of luxury, star power, and over-the-top scale. But instead of the high-profile guest list or the couple’s opulent plans, it’s the wedding invitation itself that has unexpectedly become the talk of the internet and not for the reasons they hoped.
The invitation everyone’s talking about
This week, ABC News shared an image of the now-infamous invitation card, and social media erupted almost instantly. The design features an eclectic mix of cartoon-like doves, butterflies, shooting stars, feathers, and illustrations of gondolas and Venetian bridges. They also has a request embedded on the invite which requested the guests to get 'no gifts'.
Meant to convey romance and whimsy, the invitation instead triggered a flood of ridicule online, with users calling it outdated, cheap-looking, and even amateurish.
One critic joked, “All that money and they couldn’t hire a designer?” Another comment read, “This looks like a 15-year-old put it together on Canva.” Someone else chimed in with, “Straight out of Microsoft Paint.”
A billion-dollar yacht, but a budget invitation?
The irony isn’t lost on many observers. In the past year, Bezos has spent considerable time showing off his $500 million superyacht “Koru,” and orchestrating wedding plans that rival royal ceremonies. Yet, despite all the spectacle, it’s the humble invitation card-rather than the luxurious details-that has captured public attention and sparked widespread amusement.
How Jeff Bezos Proposed Lauren Sanchez? All About The Romantic Gesture & Engagement RingWhile the couple prepares to tie the knot amid Venice’s canals and historic palazzos, it remains to be seen whether they will respond to the wave of online criticism. But if the viral reaction is any indication, one thing is certain: the internet has already RSVP’d with a collective eye-roll.
A celebration clouded by controversy
Scheduled as a multi-day affair reportedly hosting around 200 elite guests from Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and the world of politics, the festivities have already faced criticism for adding to Venice’s over tourism problem. Many locals and activists argue that billionaire events like this turn historic cities into playgrounds for the ultra-wealthy while residents grapple with skyrocketing prices and displacement.
