Pippa Middleton confirmed her engagement to her longtime boyfriend, financier James Matthews, last July. In a joint statement, the couple said they were "delighted" and revealed they would tie the knot this year. With the date and location set, here's what we know about James and Pippa's big day.

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The engagement

The Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister and the 40-year-old millionaire announced the good news last year on July 19, after just a year of dating. James is thought to have proposed during a trip to the Lake District, England, and according to The Daily Mail, the groom-to-be asked Pippa's father Michael for his daughter's hand in marriage before the proposal. "James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly," a friend of the couple's revealed. "That meant getting the consent of his future father-in-law." Kensington Palace said that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were "absolutely delighted" by the news, and Pippa's parents, Carole and Michael, told the press they were "thrilled."

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When news of the engagement broke, all eyes were on Pippa's finger. A day after the announcement was made, she was spotted wearing her art deco-style ring, which features an Asscher cut diamond at the center. It is rumored to be worth over $200,000.

The bachelorette party

While Prince William was pictured partying with friends in the Alps, Pippa and her sister Kate were reportedly on their own ski trip, which also served as a low-key "hen" party, the British equivalent of a bachelorette party.

According to The Sun, Kate, William and their group of friends shared the same private jet to take them on their separate skiing holidays. The Duke headed to Verbier in Switzerland, while Pippa and her friends flew 100 miles away to enjoy a "small, private party" in Meribel, France. And as you might expect, it was a fairly glamorous affair. "They stayed in a really exclusive catered chalet with maids and chef, who ensured that they were totally spoiled," a source told the newspaper.

The date and venue

Pippa will be a spring bride! According to The Telegraph, the couple will tie the knot on May 20, 2017 at St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, which is located a few miles away from the Middleton family home. Following the church service, the congregation is expected to celebrate with a reception on the grounds of Carole and Michael Middleton's Georgian property in nearby village of Bucklebury.

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Marrying in her hometown is said to be important to Pippa. "Pippa is a traditional girl and wanted to marry close to home," a source told Hello! "There is no particular significance with May 20—it is just the date that they have decided on."

In comparison to her sister Kate's Westminster Abbey nuptials, the younger Middleton's wedding is likely to be a low-key affair, but with 150 guests reportedly attending, it will definitely be a party.

The guest list

While many hoped the Duchess of Cambridge might be bridesmaid at her sister's wedding, it's highly unlikely this will happen. "Kate would upstage her sister," says People's royals editor Judy Wade. "It's a tricky situation for Pippa. She would want her sister by her side, as who else would she trust to make things go well? But if your sister is a future queen, she is going to draw attention."

It's thought that the Duchess will do a reading at the church service and the royal children are expected to have a key role in the ceremony. "Princess Charlotte is going to be one of the flower girls," a source told Us Weekly. "They're planning for Prince George to be a page boy."

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Whatever their roles, onlookers will be keen to get a glimpse of the young Prince and Princess on the day, but they aren't the only royals to look out for.

According to the Daily Mail, Pippa has implemented a "no ring, no bring" policy, which means guests can only bring their partners if they are either married or engaged.

However, it's just been reported the bride-to-be has made Markle an exception to the rule, and has invited her to her forthcoming nuptials.

Sources have reportedly told The Daily Telegraph that Miss Markle will attend the wedding, days after the Suits actress was spotted kissing Prince Harry at Coworth Park Polo ClubPrince Harry at Coworth Park Polo Club, near Ascot, Berkshire.

Speculation surrounding the guest list has also spread to the Matthews side of the congregation. James's younger brother Spencer is known in the UK for starring in a reality television series, Made in Chelsea. According to multiple reports in the British tabloids, party boy Spencer has been asked to keep a low-profile until the wedding.

The dress

Pippa captured the world's attention when she wore a white Alexander McQueen dress as her sister's bridesmaid. Now it's her time to be the center of attention, there's no doubt Pippa will impress again. So, what can we expect to see Pippa wear on her special day? According to Say Yes to the Dress star and Princess Diana's wedding dress designer David Emanuel, she would do well to choose an "English and romantic" style.

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"In total contrast to her sister, I would style Pippa in a completely different silhouette," he told Town & Country. "An Empire-line gown, a low scooped- neck bodice and long slim sleeves in ivory lace, with soft layer upon layer of silk georgette skimming the body, and flowing into a soft train. A tiny diamond tiara and full cathedral veil would soften and finish the look. Not a royal look, but English and romantic."

As for who will land the all-important job of designing her bridal gown? Leading British designers Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen are tipped to be in the running, along with Giles Deacon, who was photographed leaving Pippa's London home with a large black dress bag in his arm last November. However, according to the Central Saint Martins graduate, the potential partnership is no more than gossip. "I can never really comment on rumors," he told Hello! Fashion in February. "Until things are confirmed it's just rumors."

A new name

Pippa will be given a title once she is married. According to the Daily Mail, Pippa's future father-in-law, David Matthews, is currently the Laird of Glen Affric and when he passes away, his son James will take on the title, which will make Pippa the Lady of Glen Affric. Until they inherit their new titles, Pippa can take on the title of Mrs. Matthews of Glen Affric the younger, which she can use anywhere in the Commonwealth, according to The Express. Lady Pippa? It's definitely got a ring to it.

From: Town & Country US