Taylor Swift, 36, is set to marry American football star Travis Kelce, also 36, this weekend in New York, in what is anticipated to be the celebrity wedding of the century. According to Taylor Swift's biographer, Anna Pointer, the event will coincide with the Fourth of July weekend, Swift's favorite holiday, and she is expected to perform during the celebration.
Wedding Venue and Security
Speculation surrounds the venue, believed to be Madison Square Garden, with reports that 70 NYPD officers will be on hand to ensure privacy. However, some reports suggest the wedding could be an elaborate hoax. The security costs alone are estimated at $160,000, contributing to a total wedding budget of up to $20 million.
Guest List and Bridal Party
A star-studded guest list is expected, with Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Emma Stone as bridesmaids. Travis's NFL friends and teammates, including Patrick Mahomes, Jason Kelce, and George Kittle, are also invited. The bridal party will include 13 bridesmaids, reflecting Swift's lucky number. Anna Pointer confirms: "She'll have 13 bridesmaids to tie in with her lucky number. One will be Lena; Taylor was a bridesmaid at her wedding in 2021, so she's likely to return the favour. Selena Gomez is a shoo-in for bridesmaid. They're inseparable." Other bridesmaids include the HAIM sisters, Emma Stone, Gigi Hadid, and Jason and Kylie Kelce's four daughters. Longtime friends Abigail Anderson and Ashley Avignone round out the group.
Musical Performances
Famous faces like Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, and Tim McGraw are lined up to perform. "It could be a duet - maybe even with Sir Paul. They go back a long way," Pointer says. "People said it was an Easter egg when she turned up at the NBA finals wearing a Stevie Nicks T-shirt. So whether Stevie Nicks will perform alone, or she could team up with Taylor, that could happen." Ed Sheeran and Benson Boone are also expected to perform.
Wedding Dresses
Taylor is expected to change into five or six dresses throughout the event. Elie Saab, who designed some Eras Tour gowns, is a favorite for one dress, while Stella McCartney and Jonathan Anderson of Christian Dior are also involved. Pointer notes: "All the big designers had to submit their designs and sketches to Taylor and her stylist. Jonathan Anderson is in the running to have designed the main dress that she wears for when she says her vows."
Honeymoon Plans
After a low-key hen party at her Rhode Island mansion, the honeymoon will be equally low-key. Pointer reveals: "They'll want to go somewhere as off grid as they can. They've been to the Caribbean before and she and Travis went to Lake Como during the Eras Tour and completely fell in love with it there. It wouldn't surprise me if they rock up in somewhere like Lake Como or Lake Garda or the Caribbean. Travis has got to get back to NFL training quite soon, and they wouldn’t want to be followed around the world so something low-key is more suited to them."
Fan Engagement
Though fans won't attend, Swift will share the event through her music. Pointer says: "The way she chooses to share it with her fans will be through her music. We'll get to hear snippets in whatever she happens to be writing next." She adds that Swift has learned to protect her personal life, and the wedding could be a smokescreen for new music or a headline gig at Madison Square Garden.
