Venice ‘in a tizzy’ ahead of Clooney and Alamuddin wedding

Nothing is being left to chance as a wedding beckons in Venice for the man soon to rescind his title as the world’s most eligible bachelor.

George Clooney and his British fiancée have told their 150 wedding guests that mobile phones and tablets are strictly banned for the three-day event — in case photos are leaked to the media (and spoil a little deal made with American Vogue magazine).

Why, even rehearsals have taken place for Amal Alamuddin to avoid any hazards.

Employing a body double, a woman dressed in a wedding gown practised disembarking at the jetty in front of the hotel, in order to identify potential problems for Ms Alamuddin.

A clutch of photographers was on hand to record the couple’s arrival yesterday at the Tronchetto terminal, where they were picked up by Clooney’s regular water-taxi driver and taken to the luxury Cipriani hotel.

They were accompanied by Cindy Crawford and her husband, among the many celebrities arriving for the festivities.

Among the other arrivals in Venice were actors Matt Damon and Miguel Ferrer.

Clooney, 53, and Alamuddin, 36, have not publicly divulged details of the celebrations, although Venice city officials will close the area along the famed Grand Canal on Monday.

Media have speculated that the couple will have two ceremonies — one today followed by a civil ceremony on Monday.

“Clooney’s on everyone’s lips here in Venice, the girls in particular are all in a tizzy, they’ll be lining the banks of the canal to see him,” said water-taxi driver Bruno Bartolini, who said it would be “a fantastic party”.

“The city’s ground to a halt because they’re using the grand canal, but what does that matter: There’s nothing better than getting married in Venice,” Bartolini said.

The couple had separate dinners for their respective friends and families last night in two different locations — Clooney at the Hotel Cipriani, on the island of Giudecca, just to the south of St Mark’s Square, and his bride-to-be at the seven-star Hotel Aman on the Grand Canal.

Guests including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, and Matt Damon were expected to dine with Clooney last night.

The reception will take place today at the luxurious water-front Aman, where guests will be escorted by police boats keen to keep over-excited Clooney admirers and hundreds of photographers at a distance.

The singer Lana Del Rey is reported to be preparing to serenade Clooney and Ms Alamuddin.

Grande affair

Clooney is a huge fan of Italy and owns a home in Lake Como. It was previously thought the couple would tie the knot in Florence.

The party is expected to take place at the seven-star Aman Canal Grande in Palazzo Papadopoli which was built in 1550. The grand building features historic frescoes, soaring ceilings, and stunning views of the city. Rooms can cost over €2,500 a night.