The highly anticipated wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, set to take place in Venice later this month, has undergone a surprising transformation. Originally envisioned as a lavish spectacle befitting the Amazon founder’s immense wealth, the event has been dialed down to a more subdued affair following a public relations storm triggered by Sanchez’s recent all-female space flight. Despite the toned-down approach, the ceremony is still expected to cost nearly £10 million, a figure that underscores the couple’s enduring penchant for extravagance even amid efforts to avoid scrutiny.

The decision to scale back comes in the wake of widespread backlash over the Blue Origin space mission in April, where Sanchez led an all-female crew, including pop star Katy Perry, into the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. The flight, organized by Bezos’ aerospace company, drew criticism for its perceived excess and sparked debates about inequality and environmental impact. The negative attention appears to have prompted the couple to rethink their wedding plans, shifting from an extravagant display to a more private celebration. Sources close to the couple suggest they aim to avoid turning the event into a lightning rod for societal discontent, opting instead for a gathering that reflects modesty relative to their status.

The wedding, scheduled for late June, will now host fewer than 200 guests—a significant reduction from earlier expectations of a larger, star-studded affair. This intimate guest list includes close friends and family, with some high-profile names like Eva Longoria and Oprah Winfrey still anticipated to attend. The choice of Venice, with its picturesque canals and historic charm, remains unchanged, though the couple has adjusted their plans to minimize disruption. Rather than dominating the city with an over-the-top production, they have selected the Fondazione Cini monastery on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore as a potential venue, a location that offers privacy and security while aligning with the event’s new, understated tone.

The £10 million price tag, while modest for a man worth over $220 billion, still reflects the couple’s luxurious lifestyle. The cost covers accommodations at exclusive hotels like the Hotel Cipriani, where all 79 rooms are reportedly reserved, as well as transportation and décor. Bezos’ $500 million yacht, Koru, will play a role, though it will be anchored offshore due to regulations protecting Venice’s Grand Canal. The yacht’s presence adds a layer of opulence, but the couple has avoided using it as the primary venue, a decision that acknowledges local sensitivities about overt displays of wealth. Additional expenses include custom floral arrangements and a tailored menu, ensuring the event retains an air of elegance despite the scaled-back vision.

The controversy surrounding the space flight seems to have been a turning point. The all-female mission, while a milestone for Blue Origin, faced accusations of being a publicity stunt that highlighted the gap between the ultra-wealthy and the rest of society. Critics pointed to the environmental footprint of the launch and the exclusivity of the experience, which only reinforced perceptions of Bezos and Sanchez as out-of-touch elites. This backlash appears to have influenced their wedding strategy, with the couple now emphasizing a low-key celebration that prioritizes personal connection over public spectacle. Insiders describe them as good-hearted individuals who wish to focus on their union rather than fuel further criticism.

Planning for the event has been meticulous, with the couple working closely with local authorities to ensure minimal impact on Venice’s residents and visitors. The timing, coinciding with a quieter period for the city, allows for a smoother integration of the wedding into daily life. Security will be discreet, with bodyguards present but unobtrusive, and the couple has avoided monopolizing resources like gondolas or water taxis, opting instead for private arrangements. This approach contrasts with initial rumors of a citywide takeover, which had fueled local discontent.

As the wedding nears, the narrative around Bezos and Sanchez continues to evolve. Once celebrated for their bold ventures—Bezos with Amazon and space exploration, Sanchez with her media career and philanthropy—the pair now face the challenge of balancing their public image with personal milestones. The scaled-back Venice wedding, while still a multimillion-pound affair, represents an attempt to reclaim some privacy and goodwill. Whether this strategy will silence critics or simply shift the conversation remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on a celebration that blends love, luxury, and a touch of humility in one of the world’s most romantic cities.