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Wedding bells for Chelsea Clinton

By Christina Wilkie - 07/31/10 05:00 AM ET

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.

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.


Source:
http://thehill.com/capital-living/111975-chelsea-clintons-wedding-to-draw-vips-big-price-tag
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