This is everything that happened at Pippa Middleton’s wedding reception

The wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews on Saturday morning at St. Mark’s Church in Englefield was followed by a few hours of downtime for guests before the lavish reception commenced. During this interim period, guests were spotted in the town of Bucklebury, where the Middleton family resides, donning their black-tie attire as they awaited the evening festivities.

Attendees were instructed to bring a second outfit specifically for the reception and utilize this break to change. Those attending the reception were directed to arrive at the Bucklebury village hall, known as The Victory Room, between 7 pm and 8 pm. Here, they had the opportunity to change into their reception-appropriate attire. Subsequently, a fleet of Range Rover Discoveries transported guests to the Middleton’s Georgian Grade II-listed manor home, where the reception was held.

The lavish glass marquee, which resembled a grand glass palace, hosted 350 guests for the high-profile event. Stringent security measures were in place, with each guest required to present photo identification and confirm a special password before gaining entry. Additionally, guests had to provide their passport photos in advance for recognition at the door.

Once inside, attendees were treated to an impressive acrobatic aerial performance by a Supermarine Spitfire plane, adding to the event’s grandeur. A live band entertained guests throughout the evening, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Notable attendees included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie, television personality Donna Air, the groom’s famous reality TV star brother Spencer Matthews, and tennis legend Roger Federer and his wife Mirka. The event showcased a blend of opulence, entertainment, and high-profile guests, creating a memorable experience for all in attendance.

The Daily Mail reports that guests at the wedding reception indulged in Russian caviar and champagne, while also paying homage to the groom’s Scottish heritage with haggis, Scottish lamb, and whiskey on the menu. The décor continued the pale green and pink color scheme from the ceremony, featuring floral arrangements in those hues throughout.

Guests had the option of seating at banquet tables or at the bar, both adorned with pale green cushions. The glass marquee was illuminated by a colorful light display, with a large projector showcasing footage of the couple on the windows of the family manor home throughout the evening.

The speeches at the wedding reception commenced at 9.30 pm. Spencer Matthews, the brother of the groom, reportedly delivered an engaging speech that transitioned into a Beatles sing-along, as reported by E! News. The groom’s speech is said to have playfully referenced Pippa’s competitive nature while also paying tribute to his late brother Michael.

The first dance did not take place until after 10 pm, with a source informing E! News that the entire event was running behind schedule. According to The Daily Mail, guests danced until 4 am. The Mirror reports that a strict security protocol, including private security personnel, royal protection officers, a no-fly zone over the area, and comprehensive CCTV coverage, ensured the reception remained private and secure from public scrutiny.

The couple’s wedding reception implemented a strict no-phone policy, as reported by The Mirror. They employed designated “phone police” to monitor guests and enforce the rules.

Cameras were prohibited, and while guests could keep their phones, they were not permitted to take pictures during the ceremony or reception. Consequently, no photographs from the reception will be available due to the stringent no-phone policy. However, this approach suggests that the event was an exclusive and highly anticipated celebration.