Pippa Middleton to keep wedding day rain off with giant £100,000 tent

PIPPA Middleton’s secret weapon for wedding day rain was unveiled today — a £100,000 marquee.

The scene for Saturday’s post-ceremony bash is more like a palace than a tent and is still being worked on at the Middleton family’s £5million Grade II listed mansion.

Scattered showers are forecast but Pippa, 33, has spared no expense to ensure nothing can spoil the day as she gets hitched to hedge fund manager James Matthews, 41.

The marquee, covered in what appear to be glass panels, is around 40ft x 120ft and has space for approximately 350 guests.

The reception has been organised by Pippa’s parents Michael, 67, and Carole, 62 — professional party planners who run family business Party Pieces.

Sister Kate, 35, will be at the bash in Bucklebury, Berks with Prince William, 34, and Harry, 32, after the ceremony at nearby St Mark’s Church, Englefield.

Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle is said to be coming to the reception but will miss the ceremony.

A specialist team of gardeners have also been called in for a major overhaul.

One employee told The Sun: “We’ve got the whole team down there now working on it. It has been a busy couple of weeks.”

The team were said to be redoing everything from the grass to the trees and the flowers but staff refused to spoil the surprise.

In a blow for the bride and groom, the Met Office today revealed showers are likely.

But it is a let-off for Pippa and James as they will likely dodge storms expected during the week.

A Met Office spokesman said: “It looks like it will be a day of sunshine and showers.”

Bruce Schofield, owner of Good Intents Marquees, said: “It’s built on a raised deck and if they’ve used glass that would add a huge amount.

“For 350 guests to have room for dining, seating and dancing you’d want something like a 50ft by 140ft marquee. It would easily cost somewhere around £100,000.”