The wedding countdown is well and truly on. Pippa Middleton and her fiancé James Matthews will say "I do" on Saturday, and with just five days to go, the bride-to-be will have her hands full making last-minute preparations. These final days will be a juggling act for Pippa, who will want to oversee the details and make sure everything goes to plan. But the former party planner will also want to have as little stress on her shoulders as possible, and find time to relax and get some beauty sleep.
Pippa's wedding: everything you need to know
Pippa will have her final hair and make-up trials this week
Pippa has been fortunate enough to have a range of make-up artists and stylists who want to create her wedding day look. She has reportedly shortlisted a few pamper gurus, some of whom are members of her sister Kate's tried-and-tested team, including make-up artist Hannah Martin and celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward. Pippa will no doubt spend this week having her final make-up and hair trials and decide which beauty experts she'll pick for her big day. The fitness fanatic, who has taken part in marathons and triathlons, will also be maintaining her rigorous exercise regime.
Pippa will also have one final dress fitting to make sure every inch of her gown is perfect. The author is rumoured to have chosen Giles Deacon to design her dress, so we could expect another home visit from the British fashionista. She will likely have a change of outfit for the reception, which means extra pressure to get both outfits right.
The bride-to-be will also make sure her dress is the perfect fit
But thankfully for Pippa, she has reportedly employed Fait Accompli to help organise her big day. The former party planner will be aware of all the preparations, but she can leave the logistics and finer details, such as flower delivery times and putting up the marquee, to the trusted Chelsea-based wedding planners. Not to mention her parents Michael and Carole Middleton will also be on hand to help; the Middletons have their own party planning business and have been heavily involved with their daughter's big day.
With just a few days to go, it's likely that London-based Pippa is already at her family home in Bucklebury, which will serve as the reception venue. She'll be waiting for guests to gradually arrive over the next few days, including her closest friends who are part of her bridal party. Her sister Kate, and Kate's children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will be making their way to Berkshire soon, where the royal youngsters will be practising for their roles as pageboy and bridesmaid. The Duchess of Cambridge doesn't have any public engagements scheduled for this week, meaning she can spend the last few days supporting her sister, just as Pippa did when Kate married Prince William in 2011.
A rehearsal is expected to take place the day before the wedding
A rehearsal at the church is expected to take place the day before the wedding, and perhaps a dinner the night before for Pippa and James's closest family and friends. The couple will also likely meet with Rev. Nick Wynne-Jones one final time, the resident priest at St. Mark's and a hugely respected figure in the community, who is officiating the ceremony. Security has also been upped for the intimate wedding; men resembling security staff have been seen checking the interior and exterior of the church.
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