DIY make-up tips from Shoppers Laurelwood's beautyBOUTIQUE

Photos by D&G Photography

In April, the beautyBOUTIQUE at the Laurelwood Shoppers Drug Mart in Waterloo hosted a do-it-yourself seminar for brides who are interested in doing their own make-up on their wedding day and who may not have the same knowledge as a make-up expert.

From pre-wedding, every day skin care to photo ready beauty and the trick to false lashes, Kim Evans, beautyBOUTIQUE Manager, let brides-to-be in on some trade secrets for wedding worthy looks and recommendations for both budget and splurge products that allow you to have it. Here's what she told us...

Gorgeous bridal gowns aren't hard to find if you're a Kitchener-Waterloo or Cambridge bride

It's no secret that the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge area has some of Southwestern Ontario's finest and highest-reviewed bridal gown shops.

Brides from all over come to K-W specifically for the high-end designer lines, realistic prices, tons of sizing (so that every bride can not just browse but actually try on - imagine that...) the gowns they see. So if you're a bride on the hunt for a fabulous bridal gown or bridesmaids gown, thank your lucky stars you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo/Cambridge area.

How to create a couture-style wedding day look

After many bridal shows, interviews with wedding vendors and meeting thousands of brides over the years, we've come to the conclusion (not surprisingly) that it is the goal of almost every bride to create a unique wedding that reflects her and her fiancé's personalities. But how does one do that with popular trends that others use before you have a chance to, and styles that come and go faster than you can say 'I Do'?

Choosing gowns your bridesmaids will love

Ileana Poessy at Noccé Bridal Designs, a Kitchener-based custom gown design shop, says that bridal party attire has definitely evolved. “The brides we see at Noccé are looking for something that’s customized just for them, something that matches what they’re already envisioning in their head…” Ileana creates gowns from scratch according to the mental notes and actual sketches created between herself, the brides and their bridesmaids, and of course, Ileana. And while anything couture usually costs more than something produced in big quantities, Ileana says “Bridal parties are often surprised to find that custom gowns can be as affordable as off-the-rack choices.”

Wedding Trends: Outdoor Ceremonies

A Day in the Life of an Outdoor Ceremony

Trends Report: Dining in Style

Centrepiece & décor trends

For a reception space that takes your guests breath away, it's all about making a fabulous first impression. And nothing can do that better than a room filled with tables that are dressed to impress.

Trends Report: Dining in Style

Centrepiece & décor trends

For a reception space that takes your guests breath away, it's all about making a fabulous first impression. And nothing can do that better than a room filled with tables that are dressed to impress.

Cake design trends in style & taste

TheWeddingRing.ca sat down with Chrissie Boon, cake designer and owner of Too Nice to Slice for the inside scoop (or slice) on what's hot in wedding cakes right now.

Whether it's your sense of humour or your Christmas theme, Chrissie Boon says there can be a lot more to your cake then ribbon and roses. 

Wedding Trends: The Off-Day Wedding

Having an ‘off day’ can be a good thing: Sundays & Fridays

Choosing to have a wedding on an ‘off day’, can also be a great pick for brides who don’t have a lot of time to plan. You’re much more likely to get the vendors you want (and possibly a special rate) for a Friday or Sunday wedding, as opposed to the traditional Saturday

Wedding Trends: Off-Season Weddings

Brides are saying 'I Do' to off-season weddings, velvet gowns & twinkle lights

Traditionally, from about May to October each year, the K-W area’s wedding vendors, churches, and banquet halls are hoppin’ with weddings. This is a given. For brides, this means that if you're starting to plan less than twelve months before the big day, you're going to have a tough time finding vendors and locations for your wedding, that aren't already booked.