Shoppers are gearing up to spend a whopping £480m celebrating the Royal Wedding on Friday April 29.

According to Moneysupermarket.com almost 16 million people definitely plan to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in some way.

Brits are stocking up on party fare, estimated to spend an average of £29 per person on Royal Wedding related purchases.

Almost two million Brits plan to buy in extra food and snacks while more than one in ten plan to purchase extra celebratory drinks.

Almost half a million Brit plan to purchase decorations and nearly a million claim they will purchase souvenirs.

The most favoured place to watch the happy couple say their vows is at home with family and friends, followed by a party with friends, then a street party.

Simon James, shopping expert at Moneysupermarket.com said: “There is no doubt the Royal Wedding is a once-in-a-generation event for both Brits and people around the world. With an extra day off work for most, it makes sense that people want to mark the occasion with a celebration of their own and indeed, buy a keepsake.

“We have seen an influx of wedding related memorabilia in shops and online with everything from the usual mugs and plates to t-shirts and teddies selling well.”

Most popular Royal Wedding themed gifts include windmills, a Royal Crown Derby heart tray, a Caverswall China mug, bunting, flags and a Caverswall China plate.

British Retail Consortium economist, Richard Lim said: “With customers under pressure and retail sales falling dramatically, the wedding and the extra day off will give a useful boost to the national mood and to retail sales.

“Given the rising demands on household budgets, this survey shows a surprisingly strong willingness to spend on food, drink and memorabilia. And the extra shopping opportunity provided by the additional Bank Holiday will even help sales of things like DIY and garden goods, unrelated to the event.  

“But, while the feel-good effects are welcome, they will be temporary. The wedding won’t fundamentally alter customers’ longer-lasting concerns.”