Wedding bells for Chelsea Clinton

After months of speculation over every last detail, Chelsea
Clinton’s wedding day is finally here.

The daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to wed investment banker Marc
Mezvinsky, the son of former Reps. Marjorie Mezvinsky (D-Pa.) and Edward
Mezvinsky (D-Iowa), before about 400 guests Saturday evening in
Rhinebeck, N.Y.

{mosads}Speculation about the upstate New York location was put to
rest Friday when Bill Clinton was spotted strolling along Rhinebeck’s main
street, but beyond that, those involved in the wedding have largely refused to
speak about it to the press.

Despite the Clintons’ best efforts (and scores of
non-disclosure agreements signed by vendors), lots of details about the big day
have leaked.

The ceremony is expected to take place at the historic Astor
Courts, a century-old estate overlooking the Hudson River. According to
residents of Rhinebeck, crews have been working on the property for weeks,
preparing it for the guests, security and caterers who will swarm the estate
for the sunset ceremony and reception.

Nearby hotels have been booked solid since April, although
many of the guests will reportedly be arriving from New York City, two hours
south of the picturesque country town, and returning the same night.

A rare Federal Aviation Administration no-fly zone has been
issued for the area around Rhinebeck on Saturday and Sunday. In a statement on
its website, the FAA cited “temporary flight restrictions for VIP
movement” as the reason for the no-fly order.

Among the VIPs expected are Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand,
Ted Turner, Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, former British Prime
Minister John Major, Democratic adviser Terry McAuliffe, former Clinton White
House Deputy Chief of Staff Harold Ickes, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and
longtime family friend Denise Rich.

Also expected are newly married Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.)
and Huma Abedin, Secretary Clinton’s longtime personal aide.

As for who’s not on the guest list? President Obama and
first lady Michelle Obama, along with former Vice President Al Gore and Tipper
Gore, have confirmed that they were not invited.

Now for the ceremony itself: As for what the bride will wear
to walk down the aisle, designer Vera Wang is the presumed choice, despite
early rumors that it would be Clinton family favorite Oscar de la Renta.
Chelsea Clinton and her mother have both been spotted visiting Wang’s Madison
Avenue boutique a half-dozen times in the past three months, which aligns with
the traditional fittings required for a top-of-the-line bridal gown. Wang has
also reportedly designed dresses for the bridesmaids and flower girls.

In a typically tight-lipped fashion, there is no word on
whether a photo will be released. 

The vows will likely be said within an interfaith service:
Bill Clinton is a Southern Baptist, Hillary Clinton is Methodist, and Mezvinsky
is Jewish.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the catering job will
be split between three operations: Blue Ribbon Restaurants, St. Regis Hotels
and Resorts, and Olivier Cheng Catering and Events. Chelsea Clinton is a vegan,
so guests can expect a dairy-free wedding cake, as well as other non-vegan
choices.

Rumored to be accompanying the cake? One of three dessert
wines from Clinton Vineyards, located in nearby Clinton Corners, N.Y. The names
of the wines are fitting: Embrace, Romance and Desire.

Two different florists are handling the blooms, Winston
Flowers and noted Four Seasons Hotels’ floral designer Jeff Leatham, according
to sources.

If all of this sounds pricey, that’s because it is.
Estimates vary as to the potential price-tag of the nuptials, but it’s safe to
assume it will be in the $3 million to $5 million range.  According to CNN, security alone could run more than
$200,000, and flowers could go as high as $500,000.

No word on where the couple plans to honeymoon, but after a
party this big, they’ll likely need some time to unwind. A luxury tropical
island could be just the thing.