Follow Vogue Arabia

The 101 on Pippa Middleton’s Wedding

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty

Unless you’ve been on a news detox, Pippa Middleton’s wedding to James Matthews this Saturday will be on your radar. The 33-year-old had her star turn in 2011 at the wedding of her big sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, to Prince William, where she wore a figure-hugging Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton maid-of-honor dress. Though this isn’t quite a royal wedding, we’ve been anticipating the nuptials since the couple announced their engagement a year ago. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the big day, from the chichi venue to the dress.

The groom

Middleton is tying the knot with Matthews, a hedge fund manager and former chief executive of Eden Rock Capital Management Group in London, which he named after his parents’ lavish Caribbean resort, Eden Rock, in St. Barts. The couple, who have been dating since 2015, met more than a decade ago during a vacation at the resort. Matthews proposed to Middleton with a large Asscher-cut diamond ring surrounded by an octagonal halo of set diamonds during a trip to the Lake District in June 2016.

Location of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews wedding, Englefield, UK - 22 Apr 2017

Photo: Rex

The venue

The couple are having their wedding service at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, which is a Grade I-listed historical residence. The 12th century church is just 10km from Bucklebury, the village where the Middleton children were raised. After the service, the newlyweds and expected 150+ guests will make their way to the bride’s parents’ home for the reception. According to American Vogue, guests will mingle and dance in a large, glass greenhouse imported from Belgium that was recently constructed on the venue.

The wedding dress

Though the wedding dress has yet to be revealed, speculations surrounding the designer of the gown favor British designer Giles Deacon, who was spotted visiting the bride and her mother, Carole Middleton, at their home last year carrying an armful of dress bags. Other contenders include Jenny Packham and Amanda Wakeley.

PPippa Middleton

Photo: Rex

The guest list

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be there, of course, along with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who will be page boy and bridesmaid respectively. Middleton’s brother, James, will be there with his girlfriend, as well as Prince Harry and his other half, American actor Meghan Markle. The groom’s brother, Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, will be the best man. Queen Elizabeth II is not expected to attend.

The dress code

Middleton has reportedly asked guests to bring two outfits for the ceremony: one for the wedding and one for the reception.

The pre-wedding prep

The bride-to-be signed up for a three-month bridal bootcamp at London’s Grace Belgravia club to prepare for the big day. The comprehensive program includes a personal trainer, specialized workouts like yoga and pilates, access to healthy food delivery, meditation guides, and a selection of skincare treatments.

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty

All eyes on the big day this weekend.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s hairdresser opens a Middle East salon

Suggestions
Articles
View All
Vogue Collection
Topics