Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' Wedding Is Not Ruining Venice: Here's How They Are Actually Helping

As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez host their multi-day wedding celebration in Venice, activists and critics have accused the billionaire couple of contributing to the city's overtourism problem.

Since last week, reports of protests and campaigns against the wedding have taken to the streets of Venice, holding the couple accountable for turning the city into a stage for the ultra-wealthy.

But beyond the glitz, few reports have claimed that the couple has been quietly trying to give something back to the city. From early donations to local charities to sourcing nearly all wedding vendors from Venetian businesses, Bezos and Sánchez appear to be taking steps to ensure their wedding leaves a positive mark, not just a footprint.

Giving Back, Quietly and Intentionally

According to reports from Page Six, Bezos and Sánchez made discreet donations to several Venice-based charities back in April, way before the guests arrived or any wedding festivities started. Details of the recipients have not been disclosed, but sources close to the couple describe the gesture as part of their commitment to giving back during their celebration.

Reports also claim that the couple have also asked their nearly 200 wedding guests, including Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates to skip the gift-giving tradition. Instead, attendees were invited to make donations in the couple's name, with the aim of preserving Venice for future generations.

A message sent out in May made their intention clear: they wanted to ensure 'Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come.'

The Couple's Efforts to Support Local Businesses

Far from relying on global luxury suppliers, Bezos and Sánchez are reportedly sourcing around 80% of their wedding goods and services from within Venice.

Pastries for the events are being prepared by Rosa Salva, the city's oldest and most respected bakery. Glassware has been commissioned from Laguna B, a Murano glassmaker known for its vibrant goti de fornasa tumblers, a nod to the city's long glassblowing tradition.

Guests are expected to receive keepsakes from Laguna B, providing both a memento of the occasion and support for a local artisan.

Protesters Say the Problem Is Bigger Than One Wedding

Despite these efforts, tensions continue to build in Venice. The protest group No Space for Bezos has staged demonstrations across the city, accusing the couple of representing a larger problem which is the ongoing transformation of Venice into what they describe as a playground for the ultra-rich.

'Venice is being treated like a showcase, a stage,' Federica Toninelli, one of the protest organisers told BBC. 'This wedding is the symbol of the exploitation of the city by outsiders.'

Activists have vowed peaceful disruption during the celebrations, including plans to block narrow streets and canals to highlight the impact of luxury tourism on local life.

City Officials and Businesses Welcome the Celebration

Meanwhile, not everyone shares the protesters' view. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has openly defended the wedding, praising the economic benefits and calling the backlash embarrassing.

'I hope [Bezos] doesn't have second thoughts,' he told the media. 'What other city would organise a committee against the wedding of such an important person?'

Setrak Tokatzian, head of the association of shopkeepers in St Mark's Square, stated something similar. 'This kind of event brings in work and wealth,' he said. 'Otherwise all we have left is increasingly low-cost tourism.'

Bezos and Sánchez's wedding comes at a time when Venice is grappling with issues like shrinking population, housing converted into short-term rentals, and a heavy dependence on tourism.

While some residents and activists see that their wedding an ex exploitation of their city, on the flip side officials and business owners are grateful for their quiet contributions, local sourcing and a potential boost of local economy.

Meanwhile, according to latest reports guests have started arriving at Venice, including Ivanka Trump, Diane von Furstenberg, and Jared Kushner.