Key Points:
- Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez asked their planners to avoid any disruption to Venice during their wedding.
- Locals fear over-tourism, but the couple is supporting the city through donations and local sourcing.
- Planners and Venice’s mayor confirm that no water transport takeover will happen.
Wedding Planners Say No to Disruption
The team planning Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding has defended the couple. They say the pair gave clear instructions to respect Venice and its people.
The organisers, Lanza & Baucina Limited, have planned big weddings in the city before. They worked on George and Amal Clooney’s wedding in 2014 and Salma Hayek’s in 2009.
In a statement, they said, “From the beginning, our client told us to make sure we don’t disturb the city. We were told to respect the locals and hire people from Venice.”
The wedding is planned to last three days. Top guests include Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates.
Locals Worry, but Help Is on the Way
Some people in Venice are upset. Protesters are putting up signs that say, “No space for Bezos” and calling the city “Veniceland.”
They say Venice is becoming a place only for the rich. They also plan to block streets and canals during the wedding.
But others, including the city’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, say the event will help Venice. They believe it will bring millions of euros into the local economy.
The wedding team said they started planning months ago to avoid any harm. They also said the couple is proud to support the city and its famous lagoon.
Local Touches and Truths About Boats
Bezos and Sánchez donated to local charities in April. They are also giving gifts to guests by donating in their names.
Most of the wedding items are coming from Venice. They include treats from Rosa Salva and glass items from Murano’s Laguna B.
Some people claimed the couple booked all the city’s gondolas and water taxis. But the organisers say that is false.
“No huge number of taxis or gondolas were booked,” said Lanza & Baucina. “We only reserved what we need for the guests.”
The mayor agrees. “We are working with the organisers,” he said. “Anyone who respects Venice is always welcome.”
