Pippa Middleton’s rise to fame occurred during sister Kate and Prince William’s wedding in 2011, where she was basically regarded as THE bridesmaid of our generation. But now, it’s time for Pippa’s turn down the aisle. The bride-to-be is set to be married this weekend, on May 20, to financier James Matthews. We know, you have a million questions about the big day, but not to worry because we have you covered. From the venue to the rumored dress designer, here’s everything you need to know about Pippa’s big day.
The Ring
Back in July, Matthews got down on one knee and popped the question with an art deco–inspired engagement ring. The sparkler was reportedly designed by London-based jeweler Robinson Pelham, and features an Asscher-cut center stone surrounded by diamonds in a white gold or platinum setting.
The Ceremony and Reception Location
According to an E! News report, Middleton and Matthews will marry on Saturday at the St. Mark’s Englefield in Berkshire. As for the reception, guests will travel seven miles away to the home of the bride's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in Buckleberry. The celebration will take place in a marquee in the garden. Talk about a royal bash.
The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp, according to The Telegraph. There were rumors going around that Middleton will arrive at the church in a horse-drawn carriage, much like sister Kate. Unfortunately, the reports were deemed as false.
As of Thursday, preparations for the ceremony have already begun. Catering equipment and and furniture have arrived at St Marks Church ahead the nuptials. The day is almost here!
More specifically, the reception is to be held in an expansive glass greenhouse. The gorgeous structure was reportedly shipped from Belgium, and is said to resemble London's famous Crystal Palace. At least 350 can fit comfortably inside the greenhouse.
During the reception, guests will be treated to nothing but the best—and that includes where they go when they have to tend to some personal business. According to a new report, guests will have their own "throne room" (basically a fancier version of a bathroom), which will contain signature toilets from AndyLoos. The facility, which will be located outside of the greenhouse, will contain individual cubicles, spot lighting, large mirrors, and vanity units. Talk about a royal flush.
The Theme
We finally know the theme for the wedding — and it's pretty surprising. The couple seem to be huge fans of Scotland, as their wedding is reportedly themed "Scottish." It's the real deal, too. According to the Daily Mail, guests will enjoy haggis canapés and lamb from the Glen Affric region of Scotland (where Matthews' father happens to own an estate), and the whiskey will be flowing.
To make things even more fun (and authentic), a bagpiper will be present, and an anonymous Russian donor is reported to have sent 17 pounds of caviar to the venue. Although Matthews currently has ties to Scotland, it's unclear whether he'll don a kilt for the big day.
The Cake
Of course, no wedding is complete without an amazing cake. A source recently confirmed to E! News that the couple has ordered a wedding cake from London's luxe bakery, Domino Purchas Contemporary Cakes. The tiered dessert will feed over 300 guests, and it's believed the order was billed at about $3,000.
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Who’s Involved
In the weeks before the wedding, there have been tons of speculation over whether or not big sister Kate will be part of Pippa’s bridal party. Although Pippa served as a bridesmaid during Kate’s nuptials, it’s unlikely we’ll see Kate walking down the aisle for the second time. It's not due to any bad blood, but a technicality.
The bridesmaid and maid of honor are traditionally reserved for single ladies, although Kate will most likely not serve as matron of honor. The reason why? A report revealed Kate’s role would likely upstage her sister’s big bridal moment. But Princess Charlotte is set to serve as flower girl and Prince George will take on the duty of page boy. Cute!
The Dress
Pippa, a former tom boy, once told her family she’d love to wed in “tennis whites—shorts with no pleats or frills,” but, of course, we won’t see her walking down the aisle in that. And don’t expect the bride-to-be to follow in Kate’s footsteps and don an Alexander McQueen gown.
According to the International Business Times, designer Giles Deacon was spotted with a large garment bag entering Pippa’s London home, sparking major interest in what her dress will look like. To add fuel to the fire, Pippa’s mom was also present when the bag was delivered, because you always need a second opinion. Deacon previously designed Abbey Clancy's wedding dress in 2011, when she tied the knot with Peter Crouch.
See More: Kate Middleton and Prince William Thank Anniversary Well-Wishers in the Classiest Way Ever
Pre-Wedding Prep
Pippa is already known for living a very healthy lifestyle, but she’s been taking a little more care of herself in the weeks before the wedding. In late April, the bride-to-be was seen leaving fitness center and private club KX Gym, and reportedly had attended a Pilates class.
According to E! News, the 33-year-old had also customized a three-month bridal membership at the Grace Belgravia health club in London. The package includes a personal trainer, skincare regimen, leg toning treatments, plus yoga and meditation.
Of course, there's still enough time to get a last-minute workout in! Early Thursday Middleton and her fiancé were spotted enjoying a morning jog just a day away from their walk down the aisle.
The Budget
Fans should expect a royal-worthy extravaganza after we reveal Pippa and James’ wedding bill. A wedding planning website called Bridebook recently broke down the 33-year-old’s possible wedding-day budget, and it’s not entirely surprising. Are you ready? It’s been estimated that the bride and groom are dropping as much as $320,113 on the nuptials.
Who’s Invited
Chances are the wedding has a very lengthy guest list, but there has been one invitee who's caused quite the stir. It had been widely suspected that Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan Markle, would not be invited to the wedding (Pippa’s reported attendance policy had originally prohibited the actress from attending, but we’ll get to that in a bit), but news recently broke that the brunette beauty will indeed be at the wedding, likely hand-in-hand with her royal beau.
In fact, Markle is reportedly preparing for the big day as you read this. A source told E! News that the actress had two separate fittings in Toronto for her wedding-day attire. Little is known about the look, but it's been said that the actress will be donning a hat.
Less than three days before the big event, she has already landed in the U.K.! According to reports, Markle arrived at Kensington Palace Wednesday night to further prepare for the wedding ceremony. She previously requested a week off from filming her USA legal drama Suits in order to attend the festivities with beau Prince Harry. The day is almost here!
Unorthodox Rules
According to a Daily Mail report, Pippa has enforced a “no ring, no bring” attendance policy for the wedding. This policy essentially means guests can only bring their partners to the ceremony if they are engaged or married. The bride-to-be had at first decided not to extend an invite to Markle, in fear that her attendance would cause a bit of chaos (but she’s decided to forego the policy in regards to the brunette beauty).
Even stranger, it’s alleged the bride-to-be has asked guests to bring a second outfit for the evening reception. Daily Mail editor Richard Eden revealed the news via Twitter, and response to Pippa’s alleged request was swift—and a bit harsh.
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