Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and extravagance, and the Ambani wedding is no exception.

The wedding of the son of Asia's richest man and his fiancée is happening this weekend, and the extravagant events leading up to and during the ceremony have captivated the world.

Reliance Industries' billionaire chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son Anant Ambani is marrying Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Viren Merchant, owner of Encore Healthcare.

The extravagant spending on pre-wedding festivities by the couple has enchanted onlookers. The three-day event held in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in March, had 1,200 guests in attendance, including elites like Mark Zuckerberg and Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan.

The family's animal sanctuary, a performance by singer Rihanna, and 2,000 dishes were enjoyed by the guests, as reported by the BBC.

The couple has gone on a luxury cruise with their guests across the Mediterranean and held a pre-wedding bash in Mumbai featuring a performance by singer Justin Bieber.

Mukesh Ambani, with a fortune of $120 billion, spent millions on his wedding, showcasing the grandeur of Indian weddings to the world.

Priya Suglani, founder of Pristine Events, stated in an interview with CNBC Make It that Indian heritage and culture are founded on family values and the importance of bringing people together.

"Family-oriented culture is inclusive and values everyone, resulting in large weddings."

According to Karishma Manwani, a London-based luxury wedding planner for Indian weddings, Indian weddings are known for their grandeur due to the large families, diverse religious and cultural celebrations, and vibrant clothing and accessories.

"Those things, when combined, make weddings look glamorous. Even an empty room with guests walking in would have a lot of color. The saris, shimmer, glitter, and jewelry would liven up the space," Manwani said in an interview with CNBC Make It.

She remarked that even the tiniest wedding would appear glamorous and colorful.

Manwani caters to affluent clients who typically spend between £200,000 and £1 million on their weddings, while Suglani's clients spend between £40,000 and £130,000.

Manwani and Suglani explained the culture and tradition underpinning big Indian weddings.

'It's the start of the couple's new life'

According to Manwani, attending weddings and funerals are two significant events in Indian culture that nobody will ever decline.

Manwani explained that it marks the beginning of the couple's new life.

"From the bride's perspective, in Hindu culture, it is believed that one has two lives: the first when born and the second when married. On the day of the wedding, a new life begins, and the parents are giving away their child. This act symbolizes their love."

Parents often save for their children's weddings for many years, some from birth, and it's the one occasion they typically spend a lot of money on.

"Indians tend to be modest in their daily spending habits," she stated. "They are simple people who enjoy a holiday annually, but usually return to their family homes."

"The wedding is the only occasion when the parents can express gratitude or display their social standing."

'Guest is god'

In Hindu society, the saying "guest is god" serves as a code of conduct, as noted by Manwani.

"Indian couples and parents treat every guest with reverence, as if they were divine," she stated. "My clients consistently request that their guests have the best possible experience, with attentive care and no concerns about anything else."

To ensure that all guests are satisfied, regardless of their dietary preferences, the hotel offers a variety of foods, including vegetarian and vegan options. Additionally, welcome hampers are provided in hotel rooms, and other conveniences such as safety pins, sari drapes, and hair and makeup services are available.

Indians prioritize hospitality due to their tendency to establish communities when they relocate, whether domestically or abroad.

"The community is built around the neighbors, shop neighbors, and people who work in stores. If you have a garage, those who work there are treated like family," she said.

"You would give back to everyone during the wedding because you have been invited to so many weddings and have been welcomed into so many homes."

Status symbol

Hosting a wedding in Indian culture brings a sense of pride for some families who want to showcase their achievements and success.

Suglani stated that some families hold big events to display their status, wealth, and position.

"If it's the first wedding in their family or the first grandchild, people want to go all out because it's a special, momentous moment."

According to Manwani, weddings are the one time Indians can display their status and showcase their family and traditions. He stated that it is a way of proving their identity.