The Trump family, known for their opulent lifestyle, unsurprisingly throws some of the most extravagant weddings, reflecting their affluent status on a grand scale.
For example, Tiffany Trump's union with Michael Boulos, hosted at the renowned Mar-A-Lago estate, reportedly incurred an astonishing cost of $1.5 million. Ivanka Trump's marriage to Jared Kushner followed suit, featuring a custom Vera Wang gown and jewelry worth over $250,000.
Even Donald Trump Jr., who has been linked to frugality, presented his ex-wife Vanessa Haydon with a $100,000 engagement ring. Interestingly, however, it was apparently procured for free in exchange for promotional support for the brand, according to the New York Post. Eric Trump's wedding to Lara Yunaska shared the opulence, taking place at the Mar-A-Lago estate, although specific figures remain undisclosed. (Lara dazzled in a stunning Vera Wang dress.)
The extravagance extends to the Donald too. While his initial wedding to Ivana Trump remained private, his union with Marla Maples showcased utmost glamour. The reception, held at the Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom, reportedly incurred costs exceeding $1 million, as per The Washington Post. Melania Trump's wedding to Donald Trump surpassed these expenses.
A $2.5 Million Wedding
The marriage of Melania and Donald Trump took place in January 2005 at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida, with a guest list including celebrities, politicians, and notable figures. The celebrations unfolded at the Mar-A-Lago estate, racking up a staggering sum of $2.5 million, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
Breaking down the costs, Melania's custom Dior couture gown, crafted over 1,000 hours, was estimated between $100,000 to $200,000. The couple's 200-pound, seven-tier Grand Marnier-infused cake came at a price of $50,000. The lavish reception took place in the renovated Mar-a-Lago ballroom, offering Cristal champagne and gourmet cuisine by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The menu featured truffle cakes and beef tenderloin, as detailed by The New York Times.
"It's a royal wedding," remarked boxing promoter Don King to the outlet, likening the event to historical monarchic ceremonies. The magnitude of luxury, reminiscent of regal affairs such as those of King Henry or King Edward, was evident in every facet.
The Wedding Ring Controversy
The intrigue surrounding Melania and Donald Trump's wedding extended to their choice of wedding bands, capturing public attention. According to the New York Post, Donald gifted Melania a lavish 13-carat wedding band adorned with emeralds. This piece was intended to complement the engagement ring he had previously presented to her, an item he boasted about acquiring at a significant bargain.
In 2005, the former U.S. President revealed to The New York Times that Graff Diamonds, the manufacturer of Melania's 15-carat engagement ring valued at $1.5 million, had sold it to him at half the price. He emphasized that only a lack of judgment would lead someone to forgo such a discounted deal. In fact, Donald suggested that suppliers were eager to offer their services without charge to capitalize on the promotional value.
However, subsequent developments indicated a potential falsehood in Donald's claims. Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds, clarified the matter to Forbes, confirming that while Donald was a cordial business associate, the engagement ring was indeed sold at its full price.
"We don't sell items for publicity value," emphasized Graff CFO Nicholas Paine. Despite Donald's preference for discounts, he seemingly outdid himself by presenting Melania with a remarkable 25-carat diamond ring for their 10th anniversary — a remarkable piece valued at $3 million. Just another day in the Trump family's world of opulence.
