New Bridesmaid Trends for 2018

There are definitely trends that take the wedding world by storm - especially when it comes to wedding colors. There are no "right" or "wrong" colors when it comes to your wedding. However, if you are looking to have a bridal party that is totally fresh in design, check out these twists on popular palettes. 

These new takes on popular colors will give your wedding a fashionable and very 2018 feel. 

Instead of Blush, Try 

Mauve

Why It Works: 

Blush is a gorgeous pick, but it can read very whimsical. Pick the wrong shade of blush and you end up with your bridesmaids all in bubblegum pink. Mauve is a rich shade that combines elegantly with rich greens and natural greenery, which is perfectly on trend for 2018. 

Pairs Well With: 

- Navy Suits

- Marsala & Emerald Accents

- Greenery

Our Pick: 

Morganite 

a matte mauve from Watters

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Instead of Navy, Try

Dusty Blue

Why It Works: 

Navy is a classic wedding color, but too much navy can be too dark and heavy-handed. Plus, it can give off a nautical-vibe if not done correctly. A Dusty Blue is a modern twist on this color. It's easy to wear and perfect for a lux Fall wedding. 

Pairs Well With: 

- Charcoal Suits

- Gold & Ivory Accents

- Vintage Glassware

Our Pick: 

Larkspur 

A soft, dusty blue from Dessy Bridesmaids

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Instead of Champagne, Try

Taupe

Why It Works: 

Champagne is one of the hardest colors for bridesmaids to wear. If the bride picks an unflattering undertone, at least one of her bridesmaids is going to look washed out. Taupe is a deeper take on a neutral tone that flatters more skin-tones and looks perfectly on trend. 

Pairs Well With: 

- Tweed Suits

- Shimmering Gold Accents

- Fall Decor & Autumn Tablescapes

Our Pick: 

Mocha 

a rich, breezy taupe from Wtoo

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Instead of Pastel Prints, Try

Dark Florals

Why It Works: 

Mix & Match bridesmaids are still on trend, but picking different shades of the same color is the easy way out. The newest trend is combining rich floral prints with a few solids to create a Mix & Match look that no one has seen before!

Pairs Well With: 

- Black Suits 

- Bright Florals

- An Overcast Sky

Our Pick: 

Mixed Textures 

from Watters

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Links: Stylish Wedding Blog / Elegant Wedding Invites / Ameliste.fr / Green Wedding Shoes

Bridesmaid Dress Do's & Don'ts...

As a bride, choosing a dress for yourself to wear to your wedding is one thing. Choosing a dress for several of your closest friends to wear is another. Sometimes, it can be even more difficult than choosing your bridal gown.

We talk to a lot of brides and bridesmaids, and believe me when I say that some brides make the process way easier on their bridesmaids (and themselves) than others. Read below for tips for best bridesmaids dress shopping experience & how find the perfect dress for your besties.

DON'T: Expect Everyone To Look The Same

Having all of your bridesmaids in the same dress is actually easier than doing mix & match styles. However, we sometimes have brides who are insistent upon everyone looking the same at all costs. Keep in mind that the beautiful ladies you picked are all wonderful and unique, which is something that should be celebrated.

Picking the Same Dress for Everyone?
Don't pick strapless style if you have busty or plus-size bridesmaids.
Don't pick a cocktail-length style if you have bridesmaids who are very different heights.
Don't pick a dress that is fitted through the hip if you have a bridesmaid who is expecting.

FYI - Strapless Dresses Sometimes Make People Look Naked!!

DO: Take Body Types Into Consideration

If you do pick the same dress for everyone in your bridal party, choose a style that will work for every body type. Floor-length dresses with straps, a more conservative neckline, and that are bra-friendly are the safest bet.

Click Here to Shop Styles with Straps

DON'T Pretend You Don't Care What They Wear

We have a lot of brides who tell their bridesmaids "I don't care what you wear!!" We have VERY FEW brides who actually mean it.

If you have a certain vision you are hoping for your bridesmaids, don't be afraid to speak up! Even though brides think they are being helpful by acting laid-back, often times they are making it harder - in these situations bridesmaids pick dresses they think the bride will like, but they can't read her mind. This leads to lots of indecision and frustration on both sides.

Your wedding vision should not (and will not) make anyone unhappy. 

DO: Express Your Opinions

A lot of brides think this will make them a Bridezilla. But this comes as such a relief for most bridesmaids. Bridesmaids often don't really care what dress they wear, they just want the bride to be happy. A good compromise is to pick a color for each girl and let them pick the style.

Mix & Match Styles to Make Everyone Happy!

Click Here to Shop

DON'T: Make them Match your Bridal Gown

"I'm wearing a strapless satin gown, so that means all my bridesmaids have to have a strapless satin dress too, right?"

Trying to find a bridesmaids dress that perfectly "matches" your bridal gown is something that lots of brides think they need to do to create a cohesive wedding day look. Honestly, the opposite is true. If you find gowns for your girls that are a copy of your bridal gown it can end up looking awkward and matchy-matchy. 

File this under NOPE

DO: Pick Dresses With Similar Style Elements

Instead of trying to find bridesmaids dresses that look like your gown, find ones that compliment your gown. Many brides don't know what this means, but that is what your Miss Ruby Stylist is for!

Style Element Cheat Sheet

If you're wearing a Satin gown, 
pick bridesmaids dresses in crepe, a fabric with a matte texture but the same luxurious look.

If you're wearing a Crepe gown, 
pick bridesmaids dresses in a non-pleated chiffon to match your gowns sophisticated style.

If you're wearing a Lace gown, 
don't be afraid to let your bridesmaids wear touches of lace. Don't worry, you'll still stand out!

If you're wearing a Tulle gown, 
romantic chiffon dress with ruffles, drapes, and pleating with compliment your easy, elegant style.

If you're wearing a Beaded gown, 
let your bridesmaids sparkle in a sequin or lux shimmer chiffon style. They have the perfect amount of sparkle and shine.

DON'T: Let A Bridesmaid Dress Ruin Your Relationship

Weddings are emotionally charged. Shopping in general can be frustrating for some people, and when you pair that with several different opinions on colors and styles, it can push people to the breaking point. We have had brides end up in tears because their friends are being difficult and it breaks our heart.

Whether you are bride or bridesmaid, put everything in perspective. This is a time to celebrate your friendships, not test them. 

Bridal Boutiques are NOT the place for a bridesmaid showdown

DO: Pick A Supportive Group

The number one way to have a pleasant bridesmaids dress shopping experience? Pick a super supportive group. Girls who get along and have the bride's best interests at heart have the best time in our store, and we have the best time working with them! Pick your besties as your bridesmaids and leave your Frenimies for the guest list. 

Click Here to Shop Miss Ruby Bridesmaids

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Our Newest Bridesmaids Dresses

Looking for something fresh for your bridesmaids? Below are our favorite New Arrivals! Available in many different color options, we have a feeling that these dresses are going to be a hit with 2018 bridesmaids!

Bari Jay 1730

An on-trend neckline that bridesmaids will want to wear. 

Our Color Choice: 

Order this dress in Blush Gold for a dimensional, shimmery look.

Studio Design 4518

Sheer details will compliment any bridal gown with an illusion neckline

Our Color Choice: 

Burgundy is a classic color choice for fall & winter weddings. 

Studio Design 4516

A unique neckline is perfect for busty bridesmaids who don't want to feel matronly

Our Color Choice: 

Order this dress in Heather, a dusty purple that works in any season and venue. 

Try these on in person!

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

The Risk of Renting Bridesmaids Dresses

Websites have been popping up lately that provide bridesmaids with what seems like a quick and easy solution to their wedding day woes. These sites offer bridesmaid dress rentals. Not unlike how grooms rent tuxes, the logic behind it is that cash-strapped bridesmaids can save money by borrowing their dress and sending it back after the "I Do." 

While it sounds like a great idea, we know a lot about bridesmaids dresses. After some simple investigating, there are definitely risks that these websites are trying to downplay. Read below to find out the very real risks you take by renting a bridesmaids dress instead of buying. 

1. Sparse Inventory

When you choose to rent a bridesmaid dress, know that you are going to get slim pickings in regards to colors and styles. While these websites do have styles from popular brands, they don't have as many styles as a store. The reason is simple - it takes a lot of space to store even just one of every size, color, and style dress. 

Even if you find a dress you are loving online, you are getting limited color options. A Watters bridesmaids dress we found on a rental website was available in 6 colors. You can order the same dress at Miss Ruby Boutique in 31 colors. 

2. Zero Plus Size Options

This was perhaps the most surprising thing we found on bridesmaid rental websites. Most bridesmaids designers offer sizes that range from 0 - 26, including the designers that these websites carry. The Watters dress we found is available for order at Miss Ruby up to a size 24. 

The rental? An 18 was the largest size offered, making this process challenging and unfair for curvier bridesmaids. 

3. No Alterations Allowed

Alterations are typically necessary when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Most of the time, dresses need to be altered for a perfect fit. Very few girls get away without any alterations, and even girls measuring exactly into a certain size still may need the straps taken up or a few tweaks for a perfect fit. 

Absolutely no alterations are allowed on rental dresses. The rental sites say that 90% of customers have a "perfect fit." Even when sized accurately by professionals, 90% of bridesmaids need some alterations to fit perfect in their dress. 

4. Tall Bridesmaids Only

The biggest concern is undoubtedly the length. These websites claim that their "regular length" is perfect for someone 5'1" - 5'5". The regular length dresses are actually made to fit girls up to 5'8" in height so they typically are too long on people who aren't 5'7" or above.

A hem is the most common bridesmaid alteration. Think about it - if a girl who is 5'5" orders the same dress as a girl 5"1", its going to be at least 4" long on the shorter girl. Unless you want your bridesmaids tripping all over themselves down the aisle, purchasing is a better bet than renting. 

5. Additional Costs Everywhere

Bridesmaids will come in to our store with a long list of styles they are liking online, only to try them on and hate how they look in real life. These websites offer a "try on" option so that you can test styles out before committing to rent them. However this service costs up to $20 per dress! 

From a purely economical standpoint, if you try on 5 styles, decide on one, and then pay the rental fee, you're not saving any money by renting. Plus, what if you don't like any of the styles you try on? 

6. Walking on Eggshells at the Wedding

Weddings are the time when the bride, groom, and all their friends can let loose and enjoy the dance floor and (hopefully open) bar. Sure, the rental websites state that normal wear is expected.  But because your dress will need to be returned, it will be your job the whole night to keep your dress pristine. 

Bridesmaids that buy can have a "who cares?" attitude after pictures are taken. Girls who rent don't have that luxury - They'll be the ones sitting on the sidelines so that they don't tear the hem on the dance floor. 

Buying Vs. Renting

Buying a gown from a boutique is an experience best shared with friends. While online shopping is great for Saturday nights on the couch, we think weddings are more special. Buying a dress ensures that you will be the most presentable and most fun version of yourself at your friend's wedding. 

Want a bridesmaids dress for a bargain? Visit check out our National Bridal Sale Day Facebook Group for a look at our bridesmaids dresses that are now only $20!

Don't worry, we won't make you pay to try them on!