Wedding planning app Bridebook has broken down the expected costs of Pippa Middleton’s upcoming nuptials. The websites estimates that the wedding will cost 15 times the average at $319,049 (£246,949).
Using an analysis of 170,000 weddings and a review of 70,000 wedding industry suppliers’ price estimates, Bridebook has calculated the costs of each element of the wedding, from the dress to the cake. Here is a breakdown of what the couple will be spending on what.
Dress – $12,912 (£10,000)
This is because Giles Deacon is rumored to be the designer behind the dress and he made Abbey Clancy’s for £10,000.
Veil – $2,584 (£2,000)
Which is expected to be made by famous milliner Stephen Jones.
Hair and make-up – $21,960 (£1,700)
The expected team is Hannah Martin of Bobbi Brown and Richard Ward (who got Kate ready for her wedding) which won’t be cheap.
Bridesmaid outfits – $2,910 (£2,250)
The average cost of a designer bridesmaid dress is £750 and the average number of bridesmaids in the UK is three.
Flower girl and page boy outfits – $2,194 (£1,698)
“Nicki Macfarlane, who provided the flower girls outfits for the royal wedding, will likely be back on hand for Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s outfits. A page boy outfit will cost £226 and a flower girl’s dress is £340.”
Groomswear – $7,810 (£6,050)
James Matthews is expected to wear a bespoke suit from Saville Row, where a tailcoat will cost around £4,400 alone.
Wedding rings – $25,710 (£19,900)
The wedding rings are said to be from Cartier where a diamond-encrusted ring for Pippa would be £15,500 and a platinum band for James about £1,440.
Venue – $84,000 (£65,000)
The wedding is taking place at the Middleton’s family home, but this does not mean that it will come cheap. “A luxury 350-person marquee will start at £25,000 but can easily go much higher,” Bridebook says, particularly with this unpredictable May weather, which may mean a wet weather solution for the drinks reception will be needed.
Catering – $90,400 (£70,000)
The Admirable Crichton are expected to be the caterers for the wedding and it is expected to be about £200 per head.
Floristry – $20,700 (£16,000)
Marquees require a lot more floristry and decoration than a venue, according to Bridebook, and they will also need flowers for the church and for 35 round tables for guests.
Decoration – $7,750 (£6,000)
From bar hire to amazing dance floors…
Videography – $5,170 (£4,000)
“Luxury videographers have teams of cameramen to capture all angles, plus usually a drone or two.”
Cake – $3,360 (£2,600)
The cakemaker is thought to be Domino Purchas or Rosalind Miller, whose six-tier cakes start at this price.
Music – $8,720 (£6,750)
From bell ringers and the organist and choirs in the church to relaxed music for the reception and a band and DJ for the party, the costs will soon stack up.
Entertainers – $1,940 (£1,500)
A photobooth and children’s entertainers (like Kate and William had at their wedding) are expected to be hired.
Church fees – $589 (£456)
“While this is the most important part of the marriage, it has one of the smallest price tags.”
Stationary – $6,621 (£5,125)
Don’t forget about costs for the invitations, menus, save-the-dates, the Order of Service.
Wedding favors – $900 (£700)
“We expect something low-key and personal, such as a small jar of local honey considering the wild flower meadows that fill the Middletons’ garden.”
Transport – Free
Jame will likely be able to borrow a stunning car to drive him and his new wife away from the church in.
Facilities – $5,170 (£4,000)
Don’t forget the luxury toilets.