Bridesmaid Dress Remix

Bari Jay Style 555
We just had a bride in to our boutique who chose Bari Jay #555 in navy for her bridesmaids. This breezy maxi-dress is gorgeous enough for a wedding, but also casual enough to wear again in the late spring or summer. Here, we paired this dress with contrasting coral accents and a neutral leather handbag. Black sunglasses and a black boho hat give this dress a little bit of an edge. We also added a Burberry umbrella for the girl who is always prepared to look stylish no matter what the weather.

The Do's and Dont's of Destination Weddings

Having a wedding in an exotic location is definitely a growing trend. It may not be for everyone, but if you are looking to have an unforgettable wedding/vacation experience, here are some tips for successfully planning a destination wedding.

DO: Take advantage of deals.
     We recently had a bride in our boutique who was planning a destination wedding in Nicaragua by using Groupon Getaways. Coupon sites such as Groupon Getaways or LivingSocial Escapes usually have excellent deals on exotic locations, and it can save you and your guests a lot of money. Just be sure you read the fine print, as these sites sometimes have limited travel dates.

DON'T: Have unrealistic expectations.
     This may seem obvious, but being in another country is not like being in the United States. People abroad will speak different languages, have different traditions, or different ideas about what a wedding should look like. Lines of communication might get crossed, but don't let that ruin your big day! Remember, you picked a destination wedding because you wanted something different, so remember to embrace the differences.

DO: Pick the right dress!
   We know all about this. If you are having your wedding on a beach, fabrics like chiffon and light silks will be much more comfortable than a heavy satin ball gown. More traditional locations, like European cathedrals, may have a dress code that requires sleeves. Remember to consider the climate and location when dress shopping.

DON'T: Try to control everything.
     A bride who was planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas said that the venue was perfect for her because all she had to do was "show up and everything would be taken care of." Planning a wedding hundreds of miles away means that you will not be able to control every detail. Try to think of this as just less work for you to do!

Here are some gorgeous pictures from destination weddings across the globe! Have any other tips about destination weddings? Be sure to post them in our Comments!

Vendors we LOVE - Diamond Nexus

Diamond Nexus offers a gorgeous collection of diamond simulants and synthetic rubies, sapphires & emeralds. They rival, and dazzle just as much as, the finest mined diamond/gemstones at a fraction of the cost. Even jewelers have a difficult time determining that Diamond Nexus jewels aren't "real" diamonds.

Starting December 1 all brides purchasing a gown at Miss Ruby will receive a coupon for bridal & bridesmaid jewelry purchases at Diamond Nexus as well as a special gift. The affordable prices on their jewelry are now even a better deal!

Check out these gorgeous styles or visit their website to browse and learn more about Diamond Nexus!

Inspiration: A Winter Wedding in Wisconsin

Like it or not, winter is on its way! Instead of ditching the cold weather for a destination wedding, why not embrace the season that Wisconsin does best by having a cozy-chic winter wedding.

Details like vintage lace and rich silks fit the theme perfectly, and the cold weather gives you an excuse to incorporate gorgeous outerwear like shrugs, hats, and fur stoles. Keep your wedding sophisticated by using holiday decorations tasteful (think simple white Christmas lights), but still have fun with the theme by having adorable accents like a hot-chocolate bar or seasonal wedding favors. Add a reception location with a roaring fireplace and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable holiday wedding.

 We love the vintage look of this bridal gown (James Clifford 1820)

 

And this bridesmaid gown screams vintage glam (Jim Hjelm 5174)

Stay cozy on your wedding day with a faux fur cape or shrug (available at Miss Ruby)

Real Wedding

Amanda and Kenn had a gorgeous wedding day at Blue Harbor Resort. The stylish bride looked absolutely stunning (check out the accessories from Jaxie!), while her bridesmaids were right on trend with various styles of Wtoo & Watters dresses in a gorgeous Luminescent Taffeta in the color Olive.

Bridesmaids wearing Wtoo & Watters dresses in Olive Luminescent Taffeta.

Bridesmaid cuffs & Bridal accessories by Jaxie.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Martin Photography

Bridal Inspiration: The 1950s

We have just styled one of our mannequins in an adorable tea-length wedding gown and a fur shrug. And just last weekend, we lent out a few of our dresses for a "Mad Men" style photo shoot. It's no coincidence - the 50s are back in style!

Check out the pictures below for inspiration on how to incorporate this fabulous decade into your dresses and decor, and throw an ultra-stylish, retro wedding.

Jim Hjelm Bridesmaid dress

Jaxie Birdcage veil & hairpiece

Audrey Gown by Steven Birnbaum Collection

A little Something Blue

We've all heard the phrase, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." But what if your wedding colors don't include blue?

There are many fresh and exciting ways to incorporate this important pop of color into your bridal styling. Whether it is obvious (like a blue bouquet) or something more subdued (like blue embroidery on the inner lining of a gown), a hint of blue somewhere unexpected is a sure way to give new life to an old tradition. Check out the ways "something blue" can become something memorable for your big day.

Talk to our Miss Ruby Boutique consultants at our next Bridal Styling Night about how to make your something blue something special.

Can't seem to find a non-strapless gown? We've got you covered!

We have so many brides visiting us looking for an alternative to the strapless gown. They either want something different or just don't want to worry about the fit of a strapless dress. If you are a bride trying to break away from the strapless trend and opt for a gown with straps we have some fabulous options for you. The timing is perfect, as designers are currently introducing gowns featuring embellished straps, elegant, keyhole backs & cap sleeves. Below are just a few of the non-strapless bridal gowns that we feature at Miss Ruby.

If you do in the end fall in love with a strapless gown at our store, but still want the coverage or comfort that straps provide, don't worry! Straps can be added to almost all strapless gowns. Or we offer lace boleros & jackets too!