The Venice wedding of Jeff Bezos and broadcaster Lauren Sánchez served as a case study in complex event planning and high-level security coordination.
“The mechanics behind the event are what I first think about. More so than the glitz and glamour,” said corporate meeting planner Paul Tramonte. “The planning and logistics that go into pulling off an event like this are intense. Plus, they lay the foundation for all other elements.”
About 200 guests gathered in Venice, including business leaders, media figures, and celebrities. The city was also met by local protests, part of a long-standing resistance to overtourism. Activists say such gatherings put added strain on the city’s infrastructure.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that only 200 guests would be attending. “It will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event, without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors,” he said.
Planning for Security at Events Begins Early
Secrecy was part of the security plan. According to celebrity wedding planners, staff and guests are often asked to sign non-disclosure agreements. Security has been tight with officers stationed at key venues with additional private teams patrolling and setting up checkpoints. Many of the celebrity guests came with security teams of their own.
“Security at this level needs to be involved at the onset of planning. They need to understand and help you proactively devise a plan around what you are trying to accomplish,” said Tramonte.
While few official details have been released, London-based agency Lanza & Baucina is the lead planner. The firm, founded by Italian partners with experience organizing private events in Venice, has no social media presence or examples of previous work. “Discretion is paramount to us,” its website states.
Moving People, Planning for Contingencies
Koru, Bezos’s 417-foot yacht, anchored in the Venetian lagoon, hosted some of the festivities. Transporting guests between the yacht, city venues, and hotels has required extensive coordination. Local reports say 30 of Venice’s 280 water taxis were reserved for the event.
A celebration was initially set for the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 14th-century landmark. After activists threatened to disrupt the event, it was moved to the Arsenale, a historic naval complex in the eastern part of the city that is more secluded.
“Every Plan B must have a Plan B, as this exemplifies,” said Karen Shackman, president of The Shackman Group, who has planned many high-profile events. “It’s important to have relationships on the ground so if a pivot is needed, it is seamless.”
Local Vendors, Local Impact
Five luxury hotels have been booked for the weddings, including Aman Venice, Gritti Palace, Belmond Cipriani, the St. Regis, and Hotel Danieli, according to Reuters.
Many local vendors and artisans are contributing to the wedding. Rosa Salva, Venice’s oldest patisserie, said it’s preparing pastries and goody bags for guests. Laguna B, famous for its hand-blown Murano glass, said it’s producing custom glassware for the wedding.
Tramonte said using local vendors not only infuses the flavor of the destination into an event, but also provides essential local support. “If something doesn’t go as planned or you need something last minute, your local partners will have the connections to help make it right,” he said. Instead of accepting gifts, the couple directed funds toward charitable causes, including a $1.17 million donation to Corila, an organization supporting environmental research in the Venetian lagoon.
