Elton John has told guests invited to his wedding reception not to give him presents. Make a donation to the EJAF via this website instead!

Instead he has asked for donations to his Aids Foundation, which could boost the charity by millions of pounds.

Meanwhile, a huge marquee neared completion on December 7, 2005 outside his home near Windsor, in preparation for the party after his wedding to long-term partner David Furnish on December 21, 2005.

The tent for the 700 guests, including Elizabeth Hurley, Rod Stewart and Victoria Beckham, towers over the manicured Italian-style garden at the house, the venue for Sir Elton's annual White Tie and Tiara fund-raising ball.

One insider described the scene as looking like "something from Billy Smart's Circus".

A source close to the star told the Evening Standard: "Sir Elton and David Furnish are not expecting presents from any of their guests but they do appreciate some of them would like to mark the occasion with a gift so have nominated the foundation.

"Obviously a donation can be as large or small as the person giving wishes to make it. The scale of the donations will not be made public, although Sir Elton and David will know and will write personal letters of thanks. If guests want to donate anonymously that is also fine by Sir Elton. There really is no pressure at all.

"He knows some guests will want to buy him something anyway but it is fair to say there really is no need for anybody to turn up with a toaster."

Their wedding day will start with a civil partnership ceremony conducted by Superintendent Registrar Clair Williams, who presided over the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005. It is believed Sir Elton's mother and stepfather, Sheila and Fred Farebrother, and Mr Furnish's parents-will be the only guests. The pair could also have special vows, poetry, readings, messages of congratulation and music.

Ms Williams said: "We are delighted that Sir Elton and Mr Furnish have chosen to have their civil partnership ceremony in the royal borough.

"I and my colleague Peter will do our utmost to ensure that the ceremony is a very special and private occasion for them and their guests."

Elton fans and visitors of eltonfan.net can make a dontation to the Elton John Aids Foundation either directly via their website or through eltonfan.net. We will compile all individual donations in a list and will forward this together with the money to Elton & David and the EJAF in time for the wedding.

Simply use Paypal to send your donation to paypal@eltonfan.net. Make sure to put "Elton & David wedding - EJAF donation" in the 'payment for' field.

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