With only hours to go until the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, excitement is mounting from all four corners of the globe – including the InStyle offices!

Details of everything from Kate's wedding dress to the honeymoon plans for the newlyweds have been guarded more closely than MI5's national secrets. But despite things being kept under lock and key, exciting tidbits are now starting to emerge about what's shaping up to be the most-talked about wedding of all time.

Make-up
With the world's very best make-up artists at her disposal, it's a surprise to some that Kate has opted to do her own make-up for the day. UK wedding planner Mark Niemierko confirmed to People magazine that the down-to-earth Middleton has undergone a series of lessons with top London make-up artist Arabella Preston, and now feels confident to debut her own signature look at the wedding. Bridezilla? Not a chance.

The Dress
The question on everyone's lips is which British designer will Kate choose? Many names have been thrown about, including Jasper Conran, Issa, Temperley, Bruce Oldfield and Elizabeth Emanuel (who, with her husband David, designed Princess Diana's very own fairytale creation). But while the designer of Kate's gown remains a mystery, recent reports are hinting at Alexander McQueen.

Images have surfaced of a shrouded Sarah Burton, McQueen's right-hand and now creative director of the label, entering the Goring Hotel, where Middleton is preparing. A McQueen look would no doubt be a fitting tribute to the late designer, but would also be a bold choice taking the bride's style status to even higher echelons. Regardless, mark our words, it's arguably going to be one of the most copied designs in the world!

Wedding Band
Prince William has chosen to carry family tradition of not wearing a wedding ring, but Kate will opt for a wedding band of Welsh gold – created by Wartski – an expected choice given the family jewellery business also created the wedding bands from the most recent royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. And there's no doubting that it will complement her stunning sapphire engagement ring perfectly.

Australian television coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton begins at 4pm (AEST) on Seven Network with other stations to follow.

– Chris Urankar