After nearly a decade together, singer Perrie Edwards and footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have officially said “I do”.
The former Little Mix star married her long-time partner in an intimate ceremony in Portugal on 13 June 2026, four years after the couple announced their engagement. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of the Algarve, the wedding was reportedly attended by close family and friends, making it a celebration that felt personal despite the couple’s high-profile status.
For fans who have followed their love story over the years, the wedding marks the latest chapter in one of entertainment and football’s most enduring relationships.
A love story nearly a decade in the making
Perrie and Alex were first linked in 2016 and quickly became one of Britain’s favourite celebrity couples. While both enjoyed successful careers in vastly different industries, their relationship has largely remained grounded and family-focused.
Over the years, fans watched their relationship evolve from sweet social media posts and red-carpet appearances to major life milestones. In August 2021, they welcomed their son, Axel, before becoming engaged the following year. Earlier in 2026, the couple expanded their family again with the arrival of their daughter, Alanis.
Inside the Portugal wedding
According to reports, the couple exchanged vows at the picturesque Igreja Matriz de Estoi church in the village of Estoi, near Faro. Portugal holds special significance for the pair, who frequently holiday in the Algarve and own property in the region.
The ceremony was intentionally intimate, with around 70 guests witnessing the couple exchange vows. Reports suggest the celebrations continued with a reception overlooking one of the Algarve’s most scenic locations.
A new chapter for Perrie
While Perrie first rose to international fame as a member of Little Mix, recent years have seen her embrace new roles as a solo artist, fiancée, mother and now wife.
Fans have long admired the way she and Alex have navigated fame while keeping family at the centre of their lives.
ALSO SEE: Dua Lipa marries Callum Turner in intimate London ceremony
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For years, wedding colour palettes played it safe – endless beige, muted blush and “timeless neutrals” that started blending into one another. But this season? Couples are bringing…
When planning a wedding, it’s often the little details that bring the entire celebration together – and your table décor plays a huge role in creating the atmosphere. But with rising wedding costs, couples are becoming more intentional about where they spend their budget, proving that you don’t need extravagant floral arrangements to create a stunning reception.
The latest wedding décor trends are moving towards thoughtful, personal and sustainable choices. Instead of oversized centrepieces that compete for attention, couples are choosing designs that feel romantic, effortless and meaningful.
Whether you’re planning a garden wedding, an elegant ballroom celebration or an intimate dinner, these affordable wedding centrepiece ideas will help you create beautiful tables without compromising on style.
Let candles do the talking
There’s a reason candlelit receptions continue to be a wedding favourite – they instantly create warmth, romance and a luxury feel.
A collection of taper candles, tea lights or glass candle holders can transform a table without the price tag of elaborate floral installations. Mix different heights and styles for a layered look that feels intentional.
For a modern aesthetic, pair candles with simple greenery or neutral-toned flowers. For a more romantic look, add soft linen textures and warm lighting.
Budget tip: Buy candles in bulk and use reusable holders that can double as décor throughout your home after the wedding.
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Choose greenery over expensive blooms
Florals are often one of the biggest décor expenses, but greenery can create just as much impact.
Popular wedding styles are embracing organic, nature-inspired designs with foliage such as eucalyptus, olive branches, ferns and seasonal greenery. These arrangements feel fresh, elegant and timeless.
A simple greenery runner down the centre of a table paired with candles can create a beautiful tablescape without needing dozens of flowers.
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Use seasonal flowers
Working with seasonal flowers is one of the easiest ways to keep floral costs manageable.
Flowers that are naturally available during your wedding season are usually more affordable and easier for florists to source. They also tend to complement the overall feeling of the season – think soft blooms for spring, rich textures for winter and bright arrangements for summer celebrations.
Ask your florist which locally grown flowers are available around your wedding date. A talented florist can create something stunning within your budget.
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Repurpose your ceremony flowers
One of the smartest ways to maximise your décor budget is making your flowers work harder.
Ceremony arrangements, welcome signage flowers and aisle décor can often be moved into your reception space after the ceremony. This gives your guests the feeling of a fully styled venue while allowing you to get more value from the same pieces.
Speak to your planner or venue beforehand so there is a clear plan for moving arrangements safely.
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Add personal touches instead of expensive extras
Some of the most memorable centrepieces are not the most expensive – they are the ones that tell your story.
Consider adding:
- Polaroid photos of your relationship
- Handwritten table notes
- Mini menu cards
- Family heirloom pieces
- Personalised name cards
- Small favours incorporated into the table setting
These details create a more intimate experience for guests and make the décor feel uniquely yours.
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Embrace minimalist centrepieces
Minimalist wedding décor has become increasingly popular, with couples choosing clean tablescapes that feel modern and sophisticated.
A single statement vase, a few carefully chosen flowers, and beautiful table linen can often create more impact than a crowded table.
The key is focusing on quality over quantity – one intentional detail can stand out more than many competing elements.
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Think beyond traditional flowers
Centrepieces don’t have to be floral arrangements.
Creative alternatives include:
- Fruit-filled bowls for Mediterranean-inspired weddings
- Books and candles for romantic vintage themes
- Glassware with floating candles
- Potted herbs or plants
- Dried flowers and pampas-inspired textures
- Seasonal décor elements
These options can add personality while keeping costs realistic.
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Hire, borrow or DIY where it makes sense
Not every décor item needs to be purchased.
Many couples are choosing décor hire services for items like:
- Candle holders
- Vases
- Chargers
- Table numbers
- Decorative stands
This reduces waste and avoids spending money on items you may never use again.
For crafty couples, simple DIY touches like painted table numbers or personalised signage can add charm without a large budget.
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Final thoughts
A beautiful wedding table doesn’t come down to how much you spend – it comes down to how thoughtfully each element is chosen.
The most memorable centrepieces are the ones that reflect your wedding style, your story and the atmosphere you want your guests to experience. With the right combination of candles, greenery, seasonal details and personal touches, you can create a reception space that feels elegant, romantic and completely you –
without overspending.
ALSO SEE: Budget-friendly wedding favours you can DIY
Featured image: Jonathan Borba / Pexels
Finding the one is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning – but for many brides, the search for the perfect wedding dress can also feel…
There’s something undeniably romantic about winter. The crisp air, golden sunsets, cozy evenings and slower pace create the perfect atmosphere for one of life’s biggest questions: Will you marry me?
While summer proposals often steal the spotlight, winter offers something equally special – intimacy. Think candlelit dinners, mountain views, fireplace moments, misty landscapes and unforgettable getaways made for two.
Modern proposals are becoming less about grand gestures for the sake of spectacle and more about creating a moment that feels personal, intentional and true to the couple’s story.
Whether you’re planning a private proposal or a once-in-a-lifetime destination moment, these winter proposal ideas are guaranteed to inspire.
A romantic mountain escape
Few settings feel as magical as the mountains during winter. Imagine waking up somewhere quiet, surrounded by dramatic landscapes, spending the day exploring together and ending it with a proposal as the sun sets behind the peaks.
For South African couples, winter mountain escapes offer the perfect balance of adventure and romance.
Think:
- A cozy cabin with a fireplace
- A private picnic overlooking the mountains
- A sunrise proposal after a weekend away
- A surprise photographer capturing the moment
Destinations like the Drakensberg or a winter escape in the Cederberg create naturally breathtaking backdrops.
A wine estate proposal in the Cape Winelands
There’s a reason the Cape Winelands remain one of South Africa’s most romantic destinations. Winter brings a different kind of charm – quieter vineyards, misty mornings, roaring fireplaces and intimate dinners.
A winter proposal idea: Book a weekend away, arrange a private wine tasting, and pop the question among the vines or after a candlelit dinner.
The beauty of a wine estate proposal is that the experience doesn’t end with the “yes” – it becomes an entire engagement celebration.
Popular areas include:
- Franschhoek
- Stellenbosch
- Constantia
The cozy fireplace proposal
Not every unforgettable proposal needs a dramatic location. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen somewhere private.
A winter-inspired at-home proposal can be just as beautiful:
- Transform your home with candles and flowers
- Recreate your first date
- Cook your partner’s favourite meal
- Create a timeline of your relationship through photos
- End the evening with the ring and a heartfelt speech
The focus is not the production – it’s the story behind it.
A beach proposal (with a winter twist)
Winter beaches have a quiet beauty that summer crowds often take away.
A windswept coastline, dramatic skies and an empty beach can create a cinematic proposal moment.
Consider:
- A sunrise walk
- A blanket picnic overlooking the ocean
- A hidden beach location
- A surprise photographer waiting nearby
For Cape Town couples, locations along the coastline can offer unforgettable winter scenery without needing an international trip.
A destination proposal abroad
For couples who love travelling, a winter proposal abroad turns the engagement into an entire adventure.
Some romantic winter proposal destinations include:
- Paris, France: Classic, timeless and effortlessly romantic. Winter brings fewer crowds and a magical city atmosphere.
- Iceland: For couples wanting something extraordinary, Iceland’s landscapes and northern lights create a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop.
- Venice, Italy: Quiet canals, candlelit dinners and old-world charm make winter in Venice feel like stepping into a love story.
- A European Christmas market escape: Cities like Vienna or Prague offer fairytale streets, festive lights and romantic winter experiences.
The “just us” proposal
One of the biggest shifts in modern proposals is choosing authenticity over performance. Couples are increasingly planning moments that reflect who they are – whether that means a private dinner, an adventurous getaway or a sentimental location that holds meaning.
Ask yourself:
- Are they someone who loves attention or privacy?
- Would they prefer a crowd or a quiet moment?
- Is there a place that already tells your story?
The best proposal location is not always the most famous one – it’s the one that feels like yours.
Final Thoughts
A winter proposal has a special kind of magic. It’s slower, more intimate and filled with opportunities to create a moment that feels completely personal.
Whether it happens beside a fireplace, overlooking a mountain range or during a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, the most memorable proposals are the ones that tell your love story.
Because the perfect proposal isn’t about creating a picture-perfect moment – it’s about creating the moment you’ll both remember forever.
ALSO SEE: 8 Romantic engagement ideas to help you pop the question!
Featured image: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels
One of the first questions many brides ask after setting a wedding date is surprisingly simple: When should I start shopping for my wedding dress? The answer? Probably…
Dramatic draping is having a major moment in the wedding world. While fabric has long been used to soften venues and conceal less-than-pretty features, today’s couples are using draping as a statement design element in its own right.
What is dramatic draping?
Dramatic draping involves using fabric in creative ways throughout a wedding venue to add texture, movement and visual impact. Think billowing fabric suspended from ceilings, elegant swags framing a ceremony altar, flowing backdrops behind sweetheart tables, or even fabric-wrapped bars and lounge areas.
Unlike traditional wedding decor, which often relies heavily on flowers, draping uses textiles to create atmosphere. It can make a grand ballroom feel softer and more romantic, turn a plain venue into something extraordinary, or help define different areas within a larger space.
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Why couples are loving the trend
Modern weddings are increasingly focused on creating an immersive guest experience, and draping offers an effective way to transform a venue without extensive renovations or structural changes.
One of its biggest appeals is versatility. Draping can suit almost any wedding style, from minimalist and contemporary celebrations to lavish, romantic affairs. Soft chiffon creates an ethereal feel, while velvet, silk and linen can add richness and sophistication.
Beyond walls and ceilings
While ceiling draping remains one of the most popular applications, couples are finding creative new ways to incorporate the trend.
Some are replacing large floral ceremony installations with flowing fabric backdrops, while others are using draping to frame entrances, define lounge spaces or create dramatic focal points behind dining tables.
Fabric is even making its way onto bars, DJ booths and seating areas, proving that the trend extends far beyond traditional venue decor.
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A budget-friendly alternative to florals
One reason dramatic draping has gained popularity is that it can offer a more affordable alternative to large-scale floral installations.
Covering a ceiling entirely in fresh flowers can quickly consume a wedding budget. Draping, on the other hand, creates a similarly dramatic visual effect at a fraction of the cost. Because fabrics can be reused, many suppliers are also able to offer more cost-effective rental options.
How to achieve the look on a budget
You don’t need an unlimited wedding budget to embrace this trend. A few strategic choices can help create maximum impact without overspending.
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Focus on one statement area
Rather than draping an entire venue, choose a single focal point such as the ceremony backdrop, dance floor ceiling or head table. Concentrating your budget in one area often creates a stronger visual impact than spreading it throughout the space.
Choose lightweight fabrics
Materials such as chiffon, voile and organza can create a beautiful flowing effect while generally costing less than heavier fabrics like velvet or silk.
Use existing venue features
Work with your venue rather than against it. Highlight beautiful beams, arches or high ceilings with draping instead of trying to cover every surface.
Pair fabric with lighting
Simple uplighting or warm fairy lights can dramatically enhance draping and make it appear more luxurious. Good lighting often delivers more impact than adding additional fabric.
Rent rather than customise
Custom-made draping can become expensive. Opting for fabrics already available through a décor supplier can significantly reduce costs.
ALSO SEE: From passion to petals: Inside the romantic world of The Duke and Duchess florist
From passion to petals: Inside the romantic world of The Duke and Duchess florist
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