We asked a selection of leading bridal names what they’d envision for Pippa and James’ big day if they got married in Scotland
The venue: The Balmoral
“When it comes to Scottish wedding venues, The Balmoral is an iconic choice with its panoramic views of the capital,” says the hotel’s wedding planner Katie Balmer. “We have beautiful suites for Pippa and James to enjoy the night of their wedding – waking up to a champagne breakfast and beautiful castle views makes their first day as man and wife all the more special. When it comes to the ceremony and wedding breakfast, our Sir Walter Scott suite is a stand-out choice. With views down Princes Street encapsulating Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, it’s perfect to host a wedding breakfast for up to 280 guests. I also love the Annan Suite because it has dual-aspect vistas of Arthur’s Seat and the castle framed by large bay windows – ideal for a more intimate drinks reception.”
Venue styling: Get Knotted
“If we were the venue stylists for Pippa Middleton’s wedding at The Balmoral, we would take an appropriately classic approach,” comments Get Knotted’s Lindsey Hunter. “We’d use an abundance of beautiful seasonal flowers in an array of ivory and green tones, mixed with a touch of soft blue to represent Scotland. The stairs would have ivory flowers and trailing foliage cascading from the balustrade, highlighted with glassware and masses of candles. Rolling out the theme into the reception room, the tables would be styled with elegant silver candelabra adorned in different ways, such as large balls of flowers suspended from the ceiling, spiral arrangements and floral wreaths. We would include pretty glass votives to complete the look.”
The cake: Liggy’s Cake Company
Liggy’s Cake Company’s creative director Claire Davidson told us: “If we were tasked with creating Pippa and James’ wedding cake, it would blend old-fashioned, understated glamour, with a sophisticated contemporary twist. We have opted for a neutral bridal colour palette with a focus on intricate piping to create a flowing, floral texture across the surface of the tiers. The cake will be finished with the most delicate sugar flowers to tie in with the wedding flowers the couple have chosen for their decorations and bouquets.”
Floristry: Pyrus
“We grow our own flowers and specialise in seasonal British blooms, which we think would work beautifully for the couple,” notes Pyrus’ Natalya Ayres. “Pippa has classic, elegant style with a youthful edge, so we would suggest a soft, warm and romantic palette using the very best May blooms and foraged hedgerow foliage to bring the outdoors in. Plenty of votive and coloured taper candles would add intimacy and sparkle into the evening’s celebrations.”
The dress: Anne Priscilla Bridal and Joyce Young Design Studios
Jen Coulshed at Anne Priscilla Bridal would dress Pippa in one of the boutique’s Scottish exclusive labels: “We can see Pippa wearing something like the Alessandra Rinaudo Bruna gown (left). It’s form-fitting, which would enhance Pippa’s figure and give her a chic silhouette. It has stunningly intricate beadwork throughout the bodice, giving the perfect balance of elegance and opulence.”
Joyce Young reckons one of her designs would be perfect for the bride: “Our Camelia gown (right) is a three-way dress that would give Pippa grandeur during the day, and in the evening she could remove the train and circular skirt to party all night in a slinky bias-cut dress.”
Jewellery: Laings
“Pippa Middleton was dazzled by a stunning asscher-cut engagement ring when James Matthews got down on one knee and we can’t wait to see what glittering jewellery pieces she chooses for the big day!” beams Kirsten Buchanan at Laings. “Pippa could follow in the footsteps of big sister Kate with a pair of stunning diamond earrings. Statement earrings can really make an impact and a dazzling drop style will certainly make her feel glamorous. Pippa’s ring has an Art Deco vibe to it so she may want her bridal jewellery to carry on this theme. A sparkling diamond pendant often adds the finishing touch to a wedding dress, and this chic hexagonal design emulates her engagement ring style.”
Hair styling and makeup artistry: AMM Hair and Make-up Team
“We envisage Pippa’s styling to have an opulent English countryside feel to it and this should follow through from the dress to the hair and makeup,” says makeup artist Carol at AMM Hair and Make-up Team. “Makeup should be soft and flawless, starting with glowing skin. We’d suggest Armani foundation with Marc Jacobs Dew Drops – this product is truly illuminating! Eyeshadow should be soft pastel colours to enhance her eyes, and luminous highlighter will amplify her cheekbones. We’re loving the Christian Louboutin Brow Definer as it allows you to fill in gaps with precision. We’d use blusher to add a glow on the apples of the cheeks, but no hard contour for this minimalist look. To finish, we’d stipple Nars Kiss Me Stupid lipstick on for a softer finish.”
“I’ve never seen her hair fully up so she may go for a updo to make more of a statement,” adds hair stylist Holly. “I could see her doing something softer like a nice twisted low style, as I think she will want to look simple and fresh.”
Groomswear: Slaters
“For the men of the bridal party, we’d recommend taking a fresh twist on the traditional morning suit that most people will be expecting them to wear,” reveals Stuart Graham, formal hire manager at Slaters. “Our navy slim-fit tails have a neater cut body and flat-front trousers, and we’d team that with a wool tweed-finish waistcoat that introduces an alternative to silk-finished waistcoats. Best of all, you don’t need to have a royal-sized budget, as these full outfits are available to hire from £144.”
Dressing the mums: Lady G
Emma Sinclair at Lady G discusses her choices: “We think Carole Middleton would suit this gorgeous design by Ronald Joyce (left), which replicates her classic coat style from Kate’s wedding, but with a modern twist. The beautiful beading on the coat is elegant, and the dress itself is a show-stopper with illusion sleeves and stunning detailing. As for James’ mum Jane, this gorgeous Ronald Joyce mikado design (right) is a contemporary look, and with a fabulous neckline and back detail – it has real stand-out. The soft champagne colour suits her colouring perfectly, and both mothers’ outfits would compliment each other.”