Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ £250k Scots-themed wedding will feature £40k of caviar, whisky on tap and recipes from the bride’s own cookbook – but what will it look like?
WITH 24 hours still to go, it promises to be the wedding of the year.
Pippa Middleton has left nothing to chance as she prepares to marry hedge fund millionaire James Matthews, 41, tomorrow.
Pippa’s parents Michael and Carole are likely to face an estimated £250,000 bill as 350 guests — including Pippa’s sister Kate, Prince William and Prince Harry — enjoy a tartan-tinged affair celebrating the groom’s Scottish heritage.
Expect haggis canapes, bagpipes and whisky galore.
Matthews’ family own a 10,000-acre highland estate near Loch Ness, complete with a castle.
They hold the grand titles of the Lairds of Glen Affric.
Pippa, 33, has selected the menu, which includes lamb plus recipes from her own cookery book.
A wealthy Russian pal is understood to have donated eight kilos of beluga caviar worth £40,000.
Pippa even hand-picked the waiting staff from photos so they look the part at the £100,000 glass marquee recently installed on her parents’ £5million Berkshire estate.
Who is Pippa's hubby-to-be James Matthews?
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They will each sign confidentiality agreements and hand over their phones before reaching the site.
A source said: “Pippa has masterminded every detail of the big day. Nothing has been left to chance. She’s employed an events company she used to work for to handle the logistics, which means she completely trusts the team and has been able to micro-manage the schedule even more carefully.
“It’s huge for Pippa and she’s conscious of the hype around it.
“She wants to ensure it doesn’t disappoint and many of the guests will be used to the very best.
“But looking at everything they have done, it will live up to every expectation. It really is going to be the wedding of the year.”
One hundred guests will join the couple for a ceremony itself at the 12th Century St Mark’s church in Englefield, Berks.
Land Rovers will then ferry revellers to the Middletons’ home in nearby Bucklebury, where 250 more guests will join them.
Reports say the bride will arrive by horse and carriage. And Kate is expected to be maid of honour, returning the favour after Pippa famously followed her sister up the aisle for the 2011 royal wedding.
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Royal tots George and Charlotte will act as page boy and flower girl, while James’ brother Spencer, of TV’s Made In Chelsea fame, is thought to be best man.
Pippa is understood to have made some exceptions to her initial “no ring, no bring” guest policy.
Her brother James will be able to bring on-off girlfriend Donna Air, who is well liked by the family.
Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle, 35, is another exception.
But Spencer’s reality TV star girlfriend Vogue Williams will NOT be in attendance.
A source said: “James and Donna’s relationship hasn’t been plain sailing but things are good at the moment and Pippa wouldn’t want to upset her brother.
“But that makes it even more awkward Vogue has been banned.
“It feels like she’s being singled out because she’s a reality TV star rather than a wealthy socialite.”
Spencer, 27, was reportedly read the riot act by the couple and warned not to over-do the partying.
A source said: “He’s known to play tricks on James and has been planning some pranks, which Pippa is keen to quash. She doesn't want Spencer acting up during the day.
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“He will be a loose cannon, especially with no one on his arm.
“He is known for acting single on nights out. Apparently his speech includes lads’ holiday stories that will leave Pippa mortified.
“If Spencer has a drink, there will be a lot of truths coming out.”
The entertainment features a fly-past of World War Two planes, including a Spitfire, and Carole has reportedly apologised to locals in advance for the likely disruption.
Security will be tight, with Scotland Yard’s royal protection squad leading the operation. Local police will also be on hand.
A spokesman for Vogue last night confirmed she would not attend but insisted: “Vogue has a prior engagement but wishes Pippa and James all the best on their special day.”
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