Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have officially begun their lavish Sicilian wedding celebrations — and if the opening night is anything to go by, this is already shaping up to be one of the most glamorous celebrity events of the year.
The newlyweds, who held their legal ceremony in London earlier this week, welcomed their star-studded guest list to Palermo for a spectacular pre-wedding cocktail party at the historic Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi on Friday evening. With music, candlelit tables, flowing drinks and A-list arrivals, the celebration looked every inch the Mediterranean fairytale.
Dua, 30, made a breathtaking entrance in a bridal white Bottega Veneta gown, choosing a dramatic backless design with delicate fringe detailing that shimmered as she moved. The singer looked radiant, relaxed and completely in her element as she arrived hand-in-hand with her husband.
Callum, 36, looked equally polished in a sharp Jacques Marie Mage suit — but it was his expression that stole hearts. The actor was seen gazing adoringly at Dua before leaning in for a kiss, unable to hide his affection as the celebrations began. ❤️
The couple were later spotted sharing a sweet smooch on the dance floor, with Dua smiling brightly as she mingled with guests and topped up her lip gloss between conversations. At one point, the pair were even seen cheekily grabbing each other as they arrived, giving the glamorous evening a playful newlywed energy.
The welcome party was attended by major names including Charli XCX, her husband George Daniel, and producer Mark Ronson, who arrived looking dapper in a navy suit with wife Grace Gummer. Donatella Versace was also seen at the event, fuelling rumours that she may have designed one of Dua’s wedding looks for the final night of celebrations.
Charli looked striking in a black minidress, though her arrival sparked its own awkward side story when she was reportedly seen close to Taylor Swift’s ex Joe Alwyn — an encounter bound to set gossip circles buzzing given the long-running fan speculation around Charli and Taylor’s relationship. 👀
Inside the party, the atmosphere was pure Italian glamour. Guests sat at tables lit with candles placed in wine bottles, Aperols flowed through the evening, and waiters later carried Margherita pizzas on silver trays. As the sun set over Palermo, Dua danced to Chic’s Le Freak and Kylie Minogue’s Spinning Around, soaking up every moment of her wedding weekend.
No detail appeared to be accidental. The piazza was decorated with classic cars including a Mercedes, an Alfa Romeo Giulietta and a Fiat 128, with rustic Sicilian touches such as courgettes, tomatoes, cherries and fava beans displayed nearby. An outdoor cocktail bar featured antique mirrors, traditional prints and bookshelves, creating a dreamy old-world setting.
But outside the glamour, not everyone in Palermo was celebrating.
The wedding has reportedly caused major disruption in the city, with a tight “ring of steel” thrown around parts of Palermo to protect the couple and their guests. Streets were blocked, black screens were erected to stop photographers, and some businesses were asked to close early on one of the busiest nights of the week.
Some locals were furious. Graffiti reportedly appeared near the affected square reading “Palermo is not for rent,” while another protest message declared: “Our square is not your living room.” ⚠️
Others, however, welcomed the attention, arguing that a global star choosing Palermo for such a high-profile celebration could bring enormous international visibility to the city. Palermo’s mayor Roberto Lagalla praised the couple’s decision, saying their wedding confirmed the city’s growing appeal on the world stage.
The celebrations are expected to continue across three days, with another reception planned at Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria. Elton John and Olivia Dean are among the names rumoured to be attending, while more than 50 bodyguards are said to have been drafted in from Rome and London to protect the event.
Dua and Callum are staying at the luxurious Villa Igiea Hotel, where rooms can cost thousands per night and where the couple reportedly booked an entire floor of suites overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
From the London registry office to the palaces of Sicily, their wedding has already become a dazzling blend of romance, celebrity power and controversy.
A bridal white gown.
A stolen kiss.
A city divided.
And a guest list glittering with music royalty.
For Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, married life has begun not quietly — but in full superstar style. 💍✨
