How To Not Be a Basic Bride

Thanks to websites like Pinterest and Instagram, there are a lot of bride who are clued into the "do's" and "don'ts" of wedding planning. When it comes to fashion trends, there are certainly looks that are done over and over again by brides across the country. We find, however, that the coolest brides are the ones who are defying conventional & cliche expectations, and dressing in ways that set them apart! 

If you want to be a bride-to-be who is setting trends instead of following them, take a look below at how you can look anything but basic during your engagement events.  

The Bridal Shower

Basic Bride

When their Bridal Shower comes along, brides across the country reach into their closets and pull out a little white dress, often accessorized with statement jewelry or heels to provide a "pop" of color. 

The Trend Setter

We're always a fan of LWD's, but who says you have to wear white to your bridal shower? The most fashion forward brides at our boutique are opting instead for soft floral prints to set them apart from every other bride. 

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The Bachelorette Party

The Basic Bride

Bachelorette parties are easily spotted. Typically, the bridesmaids or invitees have matchy-matchy tees while the bride stands out in a LWD or little white tee. 

The Trend Setter

Super fabulous bachelorette's leave the alcohol references for another Saturday night. What's even better? Mix-and-Match metallics let everyone feel like a rockstar! Or, if your girls prefer brunch over break-of-dawn partying, telling your girls to wear different prints will make for Instagram-worthy photos. 

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The Rehearsal Dinner

The Basic Bride

Once again, here comes the LWD! A trend we loved for a long time was doing a short, lace rehearsal dinner dress, which gives a bridal feel but looks a little more fun. 

The Trend Setter

Since Rehearsal Dinners are typically very elegant evening affairs, we suggest wearing a long dress with a little more sophistication. Still want to get everyone thinking "wedding"? Wear one of your wedding colors as a nod to the next day. 

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All of our picks are available in store - Shop our Special Occasion gowns now!

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Photo Credits - Bridal Shower - extrapetite.com / pinterest UK / glamradar.com - Bachelorette - Brit.co / itgirlweddings.com - Rehearsal - WeddingDiscuss / Wilkie Blog / Impressions Boutique / Lulu's / LoveToLook / Morning Lavender

How to Choose a Veil Length

A veil is a must-have on your wedding day. The decision to buy one veil over another comes down to how much you want to jazz up or soften the look of your wedding dress. No matter your dress, style, or venue, there is sure to be a veil that will complement your bridal look.

 Take a look below to find which veil length will create the look you'll love. 

Birdcage Veil 

Birdcage veils are the shortest length, and are a beautiful choice for brides who want a veil without much fuss. The birdcage veil often uses one layer of French netting or silk tulle with an option of decorations such as crystals, pearls and diamonds. It is often attached to the hair with pins, combs or clips. Flowers or feathers can also be added as an extra adornment. 

This type of look is small but statement making! It works best for brides who want a glamorous vintage look, as these veils are reminiscent of brides in the early 20th century. 

Elbow Length

Elbow length veils are elegant and easy to handle and are very romantic without the hassle of carrying a full length veil behind you. These are perfect if you’re wearing a full dress or ball gown as they end just about at the point where the skirt of your gown starts, which is super flattering. 

Elbow length veils are elegant without being too traditional. They are perfect for brides who are having a more relaxed or whimsical style wedding. 

Fingertip Length

This length veil is easily our most popular at Miss Ruby Boutique. It's not surprising that it's also the most flattering length for brides. This veil looks beautiful on any body type and coordinates perfectly with most gown styles. It is a great choice because it allows a bride to wear a veil that won’t block the  beautiful details on the back of her gown.

We recommend this length to almost everyone who wants a traditional bridal look. Choose a beautiful edging and you're good to go!

Cathedral Length Veil

These are the longest types of veils that you can buy. They are considered very formal and are better suited for a more traditional wedding (as opposed to a destination or beach wedding.) The veil should extend past the bride’s train, and when spread out still allow the gown to be seen. This veil is also the most difficult to manage, but they are beautiful to photograph and make a lasting impression. 

Cathedral length veils work best in a more traditional setting & look best paired with gowns that have a somewhat substantial train. These veils are incredibly statement making, meaning that modern and fashion-forward brides consider this veil a must have. 

Miss Ruby Boutique has every length and style listed here!

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Photo Credits: Birdcage - Florentes / Jaxie Bridal - Elbow Length - Blue Sky Horizons / Sarah Gabriel / Richard Designs UK - Fingertip - Southern Charm / Style Me Pretty / Blue Sky Horizons - Cathedral - Trendybride.net / Richard Designs UK / weddingpartyapp.com

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Bridesmaids Fabrics 101

Which fabric should I choose for my bridesmaids? And what exactly is the difference? 

Miss Ruby Stylists are experts on fabrics. But don't worry, we don't expect our customers to be! Take a look below to learn the difference between the 4 major types of fabrics & you will be able to decide which look will be perfect for your beautiful bridal party! 

- Chiffon - 

Chiffon is easily our most popular bridesmaid dress fabric. It's lightweight & flows beautifully. Because it is perfect for draping or pleating, chiffon dresses tend to be universally flattering for most body types. 

Chiffon gives a traditional bridal party look. It's is perfect for spring, summer, or early fall weddings, as it is lightweight and will keep your girls cool. 

Click Here to Shop Chiffon Styles from Bari Jay

- Satin -

Satin is a sleek, smooth fabric with a luxurious sheen. Because it is a thicker fabric, it hugs the body beautifully and is better for more form-fitting styles. Of all the fabrics, this is the heaviest, so it easily hides imperfections.

Satin is ideal for fall or winter weddings, and when you want a lux & formal look. 

Click Here to shop Satin Styles from Hayley Paige Occasions

- Dupioni -

Dupioni is a medium-weight fabric that tends to be more structured structured, making it perfect for a dramatic, cocktail length dress. It does have a satiny sheen that makes the color of the dress pop, however unlike satin, dupioni has a more textured look and natural imperfection in the fabric. 

This fabric is a great choice for fall or winter weddings.

Click Here to Shop Dupioni Styles from Alfred Sung

- Tulle - 

Tulle is the "tu-tu fabric" that has a net-like, sheer look. Tulle is lightweight and comfortable, and creates a voluminous and soft look that brides love. There is definitely a romantic, bohemian look that is conveyed by this fabric, so make sure it matches your style and venue. 

Because it is so lightweight and versatile, it's perfect for a spring or summer outdoor weddings.

Click Here to Shop Tulle Styles from THEIA Couture

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An Introduction to Bustles

First of all, what is a bustle? 

A bustle gathers up the fabric of your train with buttons or ties to keep the hem of your gown from dragging on the floor. The train of your gown would usually be bustled after the ceremony & photos so you may easily walk, dance, and have fun at your reception. 

Take a look below to see the 3 most common types of bustles and which type you should use for your wedding day. 

- The Over Bustle -

The over bustle is the easiest and simplest bustle. There is usually one point, placed in the center back, where the train naturally begins. There could also be two to four supporting points beside it depending on how heavy and long your train is. The bustle will be strategically lifted to where the hem barely touches the floor.

This bustle would be ideal for lightweight dresses and/or dresses with a scalloped lace hem, because you wouldn’t want to hide that beautiful hem! 

- Under Bustle or French Bustle - 

Unlike the Over Bustle, the Under Bustle (or as it is more commonly called, the French Bustle) has points throughout the inside of the train. This means that your bridesmaids will have to get under your train and tie the points together! The finished look has a very elegant look, and mimics the look of layers or "pickups" through the back of your skirt. 

A French Bustle is ideal for fit and flare dresses or dresses with a longer train. 

- The Ballgown Bustle - 

This bustle is the most difficult bustle, but it gives the right dress a beautiful finish. This bustle will have multiple points throughout the back of the dress. The points will be lifted from under the dress, kind of like the under bustle but these points are only lifted from the hem. The result is a "bubble hem" type of look that gives ballgown dresses a clean edge throughout the hem.

As the name suggests, this is best for ballgown dresses with no lace scalloping on the hem. 

When done correctly, bustles can look just as beautiful as trains. 

Consult your tailor or seamstress for even more information on the perfect bustle for you!

Photo Credits: Weddingbee.com / Essence of Australia