The Royal Wedding is FRIDAY!

The world class sweetheart and commoner, Catherine Middleton, will live out every girl's fantasy of marrying a prince Friday, April 29 at the Westminster Abbey. I can't confirm that Miss Middleton will be taking William's name, but I can only assume so. William's last name? Mountbatten-Windsor.

As anticipation has built up for the big day, global fans have been grappling for every detail they could get. Miss Middleton's allure is in her mystery and her likeability reminds us of Diana. In 1997, we watched as William and his brother, Harry, trailed behind their mother's casket toward the Abbey. Now, in 2011, we will watch William walk toward the Abbey in processional once again, only this time, celebrating a new life with his love. Sources say William has been very intentional about including his late mother in the big day. His fiance wears Diana's sapphire ring and Elton John is among the attendees (John sang "Candle in the Wind" at Diana's funeral). We'll likely see more tributes to Princess Diana tomorrow.

Personalization, royal class and celebration have made this wedding more than a moderate affair. In wedding dollars, perhaps it is modest, but to the rest of us, extravagent. You thought your wedding was expensive? The Royal Wedding could cost $40 million, according to the Today Show.
Though expensive, the wedding will stay down to earth through endearing touches. The sweet couple has made a brilliant effort to weave royal tradition and heritage with modernity and personalized touches. For example, Kate has dropped the "to obey" segment of the traditional wedding vows. A special family recipe will be used to create William's favorite chocolate biscuit cake, to be created by McVitie's Cake Company. More on the cake.
The music selected will carry a "largely British theme." The offical website reads, "The Couple have put considerable thought into selecting the music, and their choices blend traditional music with some newly commissioned pieces." For details on the music selection, click here.
Coveted invitations range from royalty and superstars to close friends. The Beckhams and Mr. Bean received an invite, but the last two prime ministers did not, what some are calling a "political snub."
For details on seating arrangements, click here.
For a slideshow of guests who are invited, click here.
http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/