Most royal-adjacent weddings are a spectacle—but Pippa Middleton’s 2017 wedding to James Matthews was on a whole different level.

Think glass marquees, luxury loos, and even a Spitfire flyover.

But behind the fairy-tale setting was some drama that added unexpected tension—especially for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Let’s rewind to that day in May when the charming English countryside turned into the backdrop for one of the most lavish weddings in recent memory… and one that came with more rules than a royal garden party.

The Dress, the Setting, and a Star-Studded Aisle

Eight years ago, Pippa—then 33—married hedge fund boss James Matthews at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, West Berkshire.

She wore a stunning custom lace gown with a heart-shaped cutout back by designer Giles Deacon.

Her bouquet was a dreamy mix of peonies, freesias, astilbe, sweet peas, and more.

The royal children nearly stole the spotlight. Prince George, just three, wore a sweet button-up and beige trousers, while Princess Charlotte, then two, looked like a little angel in an ivory dress with a soft pink bow and floral crown.

(Pippa reportedly prefers “bridesmaid” over “flower girl,” by the way.)

Meghan’s Vanishing Act

But not everyone got to bask in the glow of the church ceremony.

Meghan Markle, who was dating Prince Harry at the time, was noticeably absent from the vows.

The reason? Pippa and her mother, Carole Middleton, were apparently nervous that Meghan’s presence might upstage the bride—especially with the media frenzy surrounding her and Harry’s budding romance.

To avoid unwanted attention, Meghan stayed back at an Airbnb while Harry attended the service with his brother, Prince William.

Once the formalities were over, Harry picked Meghan up and the two joined guests for the reception at the Middleton family estate in Bucklebury.

A Party with a Price Tag—and Some Unusual Rules

Now, if you thought Pippa would go for a simple garden party, think again.

The reception was held in a custom-built glass orangery shipped all the way from Belgium.

It reportedly cost a jaw-dropping £100,000—and that was just the basic structure.

With fancy lighting, decorations, heating, and separate service marquees, the final bill likely soared well above £200,000.

The wedding spared no expense, but it also came with some quirky restrictions—like a rule that no couples were allowed to sit together at dinner. Yep, even Harry and Meghan had to dine apart.

Harry was seated next to news anchor Tom Bradby, while Meghan found herself with Mirka Federer.

The couple only reunited after the meal—near the dance floor, of course.

The Glamour… and the Grumbles

While most guests were probably dazzled by the setting and champagne, Harry and Meghan were feeling more excluded than enchanted.

According to Finding Freedom, the reception—which should have been a fun evening for the couple—felt more like a royal shuffle of social distancing.

Instead of partying with his pals like he might have done in the past, Harry spent most of the night catching up with Meghan, who was still finding her footing in royal circles.

The Luxury Loo Saga

Even the bathrooms at Pippa’s wedding were next-level.

Forget portable toilets—these were full-on luxury “throne rooms”, complete with oak fittings, porcelain sinks, full-length mirrors, and eco-friendly vacuum flushes. Cost? Around £6,000.

But even those couldn’t offer relief to Harry and Meghan, who reportedly found the event’s lavish excess and strict rules rather isolating.

Breaking Down the Wedding Budget

Wondering what it costs to throw a royal-adjacent bash like Pippa’s?

Here’s a snapshot of the big-ticket items that made her wedding one of the most extravagant in Britain that year:

Glass Marquee: £100,000
Giles Deacon Wedding Dress: £10,000
Hair by Amanda Cook Tucker: £300
Catering (per guest): £200, totaling about £70,000
Drinks & Champagne: £17,720
Floristry: £16,000
Photography: £3,500
Videography: £4,000
Wedding Cake: £2,600
Stationery: £5,125
Facials and Spa Prep: £100 a session
Gym Membership (Lifetime at Grace Belgravia): £55,000
Music & Entertainment: £6,750
Wedding Rings (from Cartier): £19,900
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: £2,250
Outfits for George and Charlotte: £1,698
Church Fees: £456 (the only budget-friendly item!)
Decor & Production: £6,000
Groom’s Bespoke Suit: £6,050
Makeup Team: up to £1,400
Wedding Favours: £700
Luxury Loos: £4,000

More Than Just a Pricey Party

In the end, Pippa Middleton’s wedding was nothing short of a high-society spectacle.

But beneath the polished perfection and floral centerpieces was a day that left some guests—especially Meghan and Harry—feeling more like outsiders than VIPs.

Whether it was the seating chart, the media avoidance strategy, or just the sheer level of extravagance, it’s clear that this wedding wasn’t just about saying “I do.”

It was a masterclass in control, luxury, and protecting the spotlight—at any cost.