It's marquees at dawn as footballers and WAGS kick off the weekend's wedding preparations

With no less than four national players marrying their long-time girlfriends this weekend, competition is fierce for the title of biggest and most spectacular wedding.

Manchester United star - and David Beckham's best friend - Gary Neville, 32, and his fiancee, Emma Hadfield, may shun the celebrity limelight, but the pair have clearly picked up a few tips from their more famous chum.

As well as hosting the most costly and lavish do - a ceremony at Manchester Cathedral followed by a £1 million, no-holds-barred do in the grounds of their new 18th Century farming hamlet - the couple has invested in by far the biggest reception marquee.

The white, fully-lined tent, complete with chequered dance floor and star-lit effect roof lighting, is by far and away the largest canvas going.

A team of 200 builders have been working day and night, ensuring that the grounds - dubbed Neville-Neville land - are ready for the big day.

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Sadly, while they proudly top the marquee league, the remains of the building site - including JCB trucks and concrete slabs - are something of a scene spoiler.

Although they are expecting the biggest celebrity turn-out, the former England captain cannot be Best Man as hoped because he is on club duty with Real Madrid.

Wayne Rooney and his fiancee, Coleen McLoughlin are expected at the Cathedral, while other footballers going include Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Ryan Giggs.

Runners-up in the marquee championships are current England captain, John Terry, and his girlfriend of nine years, Toni Poole.

Situated beside the striking Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, their hospitality tent is, however, undoubtedly the most spectacular.

With a canopied, catwalk-style runway leading guests from the Palace into the main marquee, the couple's £500,000 Friday night wedding is proving to be the most eagerly sought-after invite in town.

Celebrity party planner Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, who regularly organises Sir Elton John's White Tie and Tiara balls and arranged the Beckham's 2006 World Cup send-off party, has several tightly guarded party secrets up his sleeve.

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Sitting comfortably mid-table, meanwhile, are Liverpudlians Steven Gerrard and Alex Curran. What their canvas structure lack in size and splendour, it more than makes up for in effort.

Indeed, the couple have planned their wedding - which is being held at the exclusive Cliveden House in Berkshire - with military-style precision, meaning that come rain or shine it will be a day to remember.

The mid-size marquee, for instance, has been fitted with removable wall panelling, so that if the weather remains fine, guests can enjoy open air views of the surrounding gardens.

Fish and chips, and bacon sandwiches, will be served to guests after the cutting of the cake and the footballer has even booked out the manor house spa on Sunday for guests to recover from their hangovers.

Finally, in relegation, are England and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and his fiancee, Lisa Roughead.

Marrying at a small church in Wymondham, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, the couple are tentless.

Instead they are hosting their £250,000 reception at nearby stately home, Stapleford Hall.