Italian ARMY called in to provide extra security for Kim and Kanye's wedding as guest list grows to 3,000

By Lizzie Edmonds In Florence and Peter Allen In Paris and Rebecca Davison

It's said to be the wedding of the year and Kim Kardashian, 33, and Kanye West, 36, are leaving nothing to chance.

The big day: The Italian army have been drafted in to surround Florence's 16th century Belvedere fort ahead of Kim and Kanye's wedding on Saturday - they are expecting 3000 guests

Sources claim non-uniformed Italian militia have been drafted in to assist the pair's personal security team and will surround Florence's 16th century Belvedere fort ahead of the big day on Saturday.

It's little wonder that extra resources have been called upon, as despite claiming the wedding will be an 'intimate' affair, the couple have reportedly invited
3000 guests to celebrate with them.
The big day: The Italian army have been drafted in to surround Florence's 16th century Belvedere fort ahead of Kim and Kanye's wedding on Saturday - they are expecting 3000 guests


Arrivals are expected to be from 2pm, with an A-list guest-list. Rapper Jay Z predicted to be Kanye's best man and will attend with wife Beyoncé.

Video Games hitmaker Lana Del Rey is thought to be performing.

Meanwhile, last minute preparations are currently underway at the historical venue- aerial shots show sound systems have been erected in the run up to the wedding.

The party are then thought to be getting out of the romantic city of Florence on Sunday and heading to a villa six miles out of town, called Corsini Villa of Costello.

On Friday, a magnificent French home where King Louis XIV used to keep a mistress will play host to a wedding brunch for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

The American celebrities and their friends and family will descend on the Chateau de Wideville, the 17th century residence to the west of Paris.

It's all go: Preparations are currently underway at the 16th century fort

It is now the home of celebrated fashion designer Valentino Garavani who is ‘absolutely thrilled’ to be welcoming the wedding party.

Police and other security officials could this morning be seen securing its main gate and perimeter walls as fans of reality TV star Kim and rapper Kanye began to turn up.

Fresh flowers were also being delivered for what promises to be as lavish as the kind enjoyed by Louis, the legendary ‘Sun King’.

Finishing touches: Meanwhile, last minute preparations are currently underway at wedding venue Fort Belvedere - sound systems have been erected

It's show time: A huge stage area has been put up at the back of the venue

All underway: An aerial shot shows just how much work is taking place

Kim and Kanye originally wanted to get married at the nearby Palace of Versailles, where Louis lived but permission was refused - although they will take guests on a guided tour at the venue instead.

‘Both of them think the French chateaus are awesome,’ said one of the US organisers of Thursday’s festivities at Wideville. ‘They love all that old fashioned style – they think it’s really classy.

'They will be having an American-style brunch at the chateau – plenty of steaks and burgers and ice cream.’

A grand affair: The stunning 17th century residence is situated to the west of Paris

Valentino, who is a great friend of Kim’s, bought the eight bedroom chateau in 1995 and added a Chinese touch to it.

The party will mainly take place in the chateau’s Winter Garden, a large chamber now covered in Asian ceramics and Chinese statues.

‘We just hope that there is plenty of sunshine – it would make all the difference,’ said the party organiser.

Location, location: The venue is now the home of celebrated fashion designer Valentino Garavani who is 'absolutely thrilled' to be welcoming the wedding party

On Thursday night, Kim celebrated her bachelorette do with her friends at the Eiffel tower in Paris and was said to have been sent 15 bottle of champagne for the occasion.

With the iconic landmark lit up behind her and her pals, Kim posted a photo with the message: 'Night out in Paireeeeee.'

Meanwhile, Kim and Kanye will not sell their wedding pictures, despite receiving offers of up to $1million, preferring to keep the big day private.

Ou la la: Kim celebrated her bachelorette party at the Eiffel tower in Paris with a group of friends
A source told the New York Daily News Confidential column: 'Kim wants to handle the wedding with Kanye [West] in a more private manner.

'There is huge interest in the wedding and in her dresses, and she's the most famous girl in the world. She understands publicity.

'But selling the pictures after everything that happened with the last wedding [to Kris Humphries] isn't the way to go and she knows that.

The plan: After the wedding, the party are thought to be getting out of the romantic city of Florence and heading to a villa six miles out of town, called Corsini Villa of Costello