While the bride and her gown typically get all the attention on the big day, grooms are looking to make more of a fashion statement at the altar. Tux rental stores may have limited options for styles and sizes, but getting a bespoke suit can take a big bite out of the budget. So what’s a fashion-forward fellow to do.

Alex Ethans, Andrew Parkes and Maciek Hunek faced a similar conundrum when they graduated business school and searched for stylish, well-fitting, affordable suits to propel them into the workforce—with little success. “We thought back to our experiences getting clothes tailored overseas and thought that there had to be a way to bring that fun, intimate custom experience to the masses.”

They launched EPH Apparel as an online custom menswear store in 2010 and quickly grew to include a brick-and-mortar storefront in Winnipeg. They opened their first Alberta storefront in Calgary last summer at 815-10^th Ave SW, across from MEC. Because they don’t need to carry inventory and have invested heavily into efficient production methods, EPH can offer quality made-to-measure two-piece suits for $300-$650, and three-piece suits for $400-$800.

Customers can visit the store for personalized service or pursue the options online and provide measurements to order. A single suit will take 4-8 weeks to produce, but they require a minimum of three months for wedding party orders. Once the suits arrive, they offer free in-house alterations or a $75 credit for out-of-town customers to get their suit tailored. “We really want everyone to love the fit of their suit, and sometimes that means it needs some tinkering. We don’t want anyone to have to pay extra for that.”

The founders say vibrant shades of blue are still trendy for suits, but many parties are breaking the mould with maroon—especially for fall weddings. Linen is still a staple fabric for beach weddings due to its lightness and breathability, but they are starting to see more orders in grey and blue over classic tan.

Whether your style is traditional, bold or somewhere in-between, be sure to follow Blush Magazine on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win one of three EPH suits!

After blogging about fashion for a few years, stylist Marie Zydek started styling models for magazines and commercial shoots. Those experiences led her into styling everyday people.

We can all attest that putting on a gorgeous gown or getting suited up can do wonders to our confidence. As a fashion stylist, Marie Zydek works with brides, grooms, bridesmaids and even mothers to create perfect head-to-toe looks.

Marie first consults with the bride or couple to get to know the style and overall vision. She then creates a mood board and books bridal appointments tailored specifically for them. Since hair and make up play a big part in the overall look, Marie also discusses options on how to wear your hair and make up. She will even go as far as recommending a nail color!

We asked Marie for her go to shops for accessories. She loves to shop local so her first visits are to So Pretty Cara Cotter for modern jewelry and Swish Vintage in Manulife Place for one-of-a-kind pieces. She will also search online at some of her favourite shops; Etsy, Shopbop and Asos.

Marie put together 7 styled bridal looks for Blush Magazine. You can find them online here.

The runways are just cooling off from Bridal Fashion Week but most of those gowns won’t be available until the New Year. The good news is that there are tons of gorgeous gowns from 2017!

Marie Zydek Styling put together seven looks from boutiques across Edmonton for us!

ROMANTIC ELEGANCE: A capelet is a great alternative to a traditional veil or train that you can take off after the ceremony, creating two distinct looks for your special day.

Gown (Allure Bridal), Earrings and Capelet: – Novelle Bridal Shop

EMBELLISHED PRINCESS: Adding a sparkly tiara as an accessory to a beautiful, beaded ball gown will make any bride feel like royalty!

Gown (Eve of Milady), Earrings, Hair Piece: Novelle Bridal Shop

SWEET AND SULTRY: Layering two delicate necklaces of different lengths will add attention to your décolletage if you opt for a plunging neckline.

Gown: Laudae from Delica Bridal | Necklace and Earrings: So Pretty Cara Cotter

CONTEMPORARY MINIMALIST: This unique rainbow moonstone beaded chain and pendant necklace adds a bohemian touch to this one-of-a-kind gown.

Gown: Truvelle from Delica Bridal | Ring and Necklace: So Pretty Cara Cotter

FLIRTY  AND FEMININE: Chandelier dangle earrings are a perfect option for brides if they’ll be wearing an updo.

Gown: Hayley Paige from Delica Bridal | Veil: Sara Gabriel from Delica Bridal | Earrings: So Pretty Cara Cotter

TIMELESS LACE: If wearing a bold necklace, it’s best to keep the rest of the accessories simple so that the jewelry doesn’t take away from the dress.

Gown (Mikaella), Belt, Choker: The Bridal Boutique | Earrings and Bracelet: So Pretty Cara Cotter

SLEEK AND SEXY: Sometimes less is more and you only need a great pair of drop earrings and a red lip to complete a glamorous, old Hollywood look.

Gown: Katie May from The Bridal Boutique | Earrings: So Pretty Cara Cotter

Well, this is a dream. Marchesa released their Spring Summer 2017 Bridal Collection today and it couldn’t be any more breathtaking.  Inspired by a journey through a regal, enchanted garden with flourishing rosebuds and blossoming florals emerging just as the morning sun rises. We struggled to narrow it down, here are our top 5!

Mermaid detachable peplum gown with plunging v-neck in silver threaded chantilly lace.

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Still can’t decide on a colour or style for your bridesmaid dresses? Blush Magazine is here to help! We’ve put together a fab selection of our favourite bridesmaid dress trends of 2016.  These looks will help you choose the perfect hue and style for your bridesmaids. 

PURPLE LACE & FUR COVER UPS

Create a chic look with these deep purple lace gowns. The front slit shows off those sexy legs and the fur coats keep your gals warm – might we add stylish! Bridesmaid Gowns: Le Chateau | Fur Covers: Dynamite | Photo: Emily Oud Photography

ALL WHITE

Create a classic look for your wedding with an all-white bridal party. Bridesmaid Gowns: White by Vera Wang from Davids Bridal | Photo: Lucier Photography. See more from this wedding here.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Another way to go classic is all-black. Again fur cover ups are added to keep your maids warm and stylish! Bridesmaid Dresses: Allure from Pure Bridal | Floral: faBLOOMosity | Photo: Just Married Photography. See more from this wedding here.

PRETTY IN PINK

Nothing screams my girls more than these soft pink sweetheart bridesmaids gowns. Paired with those gorgeous bouquets and you are ready for a summer wedding! Bridesmaid Gowns; Hayley Paige Occasions from Novelle Bridal | Photo: Katch Studios | Floral: faBLOOMosity

SOMETHING BLUE

Here’s your touch of something blue! Keep them warm with those fur covers, winter has never looked so good! Gowns: Eliza and Ethan from Novelle Bridal | Photo: Erin Walker Photography | Floral: Tickled Floral

ROSE GOLD SEQUINS

If your goal is to add some sparkle, you’re in luck. Sequins bridesmaid gowns are totally in! Bridesmaid Gowns: Modern Vintage Boutique | Photo: Michelle Larmand Photography