10 Bridal Shopping Tips

1. Bring the Right Group

Who you bring with you to an appointment truly makes or breaks the experience. Many brides feel the need to bring everyone in their bridal party, but it can be hard to coordinate that many schedules, and even if you do, too many opinions can get overwhelming. Bring a couple of most important people in your life and let the gown be a surprise for everyone else!

2. Bring in Photos

We know a lot about wedding dresses, but we don't expect our brides to. If you are seeing styles online that you like, bring photos so that your stylist can get on the same page. Sometimes, we notice similarities about what you are liking that you may never have realized. It makes is so much easier for your stylist to help you find the perfect dress.

3. Always Be Open-Minded

Even if you have a very specific style in mind, be open to the idea that once you try on some gowns, your vision may change. Seeing models in long-sleeves is one thing, wearing long sleeves at your outdoor wedding in August is another. Try on different silhouettes (your stylist will help with this) before totally committing to an idea. 

4. Bring Proper Undergarments

Different dresses will require different undergarments, so bringing things like shape wear, strapless bra, and nude underwear can help you get a better idea of what a dress would really look like on your big day. We recently had a bride show up in a backless bra because she was looking for a gown with a low back and it made for the easiest appointment! 

5. Try On One “Wild Card”

Even if you think you have a good idea of what you want, being open to trying something different could open you up to an option you didn’t know you liked! While it's good to have a specific direction for your gown, let your stylist surprise you with something they think may work for you. You would be surprised how many times the "Wild Card" becomes "The One!"

6. Don't Forget to Eat

Bridal shopping can be tough work, mentally and physically! Whether you go out to celebrate saying “YES “ to your dress or just to unwind, you and your group will be glad to have a little break from bridal gowns. 

7. Don't Be Afraid of Finding Your Gown

This may sound silly, but over-shopping is a very real (and very stressful) thing. If you find a dress that checks all of your boxes and makes you feel amazing, don’t hesitate to commit. This will save you and your group from wasting their time...plus you can spend the rest of the day drinking mimosas and celebrating, rather than dragging the experience out. 

8. Be Honest About Your Budget

We have had brides who tell us their budget is $4000 but cringe at paying $1000 for a gown. We have had brides who tell us their budget is $1000 but end up buying a $4000 gown without batting an eyelash. Their is no "right answer" when it comes to your budget, but being honest with your stylist - and yourself - streamlines the process.

9. Take Cute Photos

Shopping for your dress is a big part of planning your wedding, so don’t forget to get some cute shots with your group. Miss Ruby has great photo worthy spots to take pics, and our stylists are happy to take them for you…don’t forget to use #lovemissruby

10. Have Fun!

This is the most important tip, and the easiest one to forget. 

Keep it light and fun and your dream dress might just find you!

Be a Wedding Show Rockstar

As a bride or groom planning a wedding, attending a wedding show should definitely be on your to-do list. It's a great way to meet with lots of talented wedding experts and to get a feel for what vendors you need (or don't need) at your big day. We admit, wedding shows can be overwhelming - but here are a few tips from the experts so that you get the most out of your Wisconsin wedding show experience. 

Have an Open Mind

Nothing is worse that 100's of people trying to sell you something. While that is essentially what happens at wedding shows, we can assure you, not all vendors look at you as a dollar sign. Wedding vendors attend these shows to begin (and build upon) great relationships with couples. While they would probably love for you to commit to purchasing that day, no one expects you to lay down money at the show. Gather information and resources, but don't get stressed about vendors trying to sell, sell, sell. 

Be Kind & Courteous...

Vendors at wedding shows are looking to build great relationships with brides and grooms. Keep in mind, those relationships go both ways. If you act rude, rushed, or have a generally poor attitude during your interaction, vendors will remember. This doesn't mean you need to be overly enthusiastic! Just remember that vendors are there to connect with you, not scam you or give you free things. 

...And Expect the Same in Return

We consider our booth at wedding shows to be an extension of our store, and should provide visitors with an excellent idea of the service and atmosphere that our store provides. Lots of great vendors that we love do exactly the same thing. If you aren't loving the style of a booth or the attitudes of the people in it, use that as a huge hint that they aren't the vendor for you.

Bring Address Labels

Many booths will have a place for you to provide your contact information so that they can keep in touch with you. A lot will also have amazing give-aways that you can only enter to win at the show! To streamline this process, we definitely recommend bringing address labels with your name, contact information, & wedding date. 

Forget to bring labels? Remember to write legibly. You'd be shocked to see how many amazing brides don't win our prizes because we genuinely can't decipher their name or phone number.  

Provide an Email Address

The most effective form of communication between vendors and clients is undoubtably email. It allows everyone to have a written record of your interaction, which helps both parties in the future. We're always a fan of face-to-face interactions, but email is our second favorite form of communication. 

Don't want to receive spam in your personal or work inbox? We don't blame you. Creating an email address for your wedding (ex. andersonwedding2017@emailprovider.com) is a great way to keep in touch with vendors, receive special offers, and keep your inbox clutter-free. 

Ready to Wedding Show?

Here is a list of some amazing upcoming events

The Grain Exchange Show by Bartolotta Catering

Saturday, January 21st

Open House at The Atrium - Shorewood

Tuesday, January 24th

Click Here to Learn More

Open House at The Pritzlaff Building

Thursday, February 22nd

Click Here to Learn More

Wedding Talk & Sip Workshop at the Milwaukee Yacht Club

Sunday, February 26th

Click Here to Learn More

Before Walking Down the Aisle, Read This Book!

We know that finding a dress can be a challenge to some, but finding a perfect man to be waiting for you at the end of the aisle is even harder!

We found "My Little Book of Whether or Not He's Worth It" by Brittany Bailey on an adorable blog entitled Lace & Lollipops, and wanted to share it with all our brides. Inspired by the famous book "He's Just Not That Into You," Miss Bailey compiled a pocket-sized guide of qualities that are a must in the man worth marrying. If you are single, they are great things to look for. If you are married (or about to be), they are a great reminder of all the wonderful things that made you fall for your groom in the first place. And the best part? There is a link on her blog so that you can print out the booklet and share it with your girlfriends!

We love the ribbon binding!
Get your own copy here.

Check out "My Little Book of Whether or Not He's Worth It," and let us know in the comments what you think should be added to the list. 

10 Items you will want with you on your wedding day

After months of planning, you want your wedding day to go as smoothly as possible! But while worrying about all of the big details, don't forget that sometimes the little things are the things you wish you had the most! We have compiled a list of the ten items that you will absolutely want on your wedding day, but will probably forget about! Check them out below, and then compile a "Bridal Emergency Kit" while you still have time.

10.

When they say "Kiss the Bride," you want to be prepared!
Breath mints like Altoids are a better choice than gum.

9.

Don't forget the Band-Aids!
Because blood + a white dress is a huge no.

8.

You are going to be nervous! And if it's a summer wedding, it's going to be HOT!
Don't sweat it, just bring some deodorant with you just in case. 

7.

Stress will about on the big day, so don't let a head ache ruin the best day of your life!
Pack some Asprin for you (and anyone else who might need some)

6.

Brides can be so worried about everyone else, they forget about themselves.
Don't forget to pack a snack, it's going to be a long day.
(just make sure it's not messy!) 

5.

Bring a sewing kit. Because you never know what you will need it for,
but when you need it you will be glad you have it!

4.

Keep you lipstick looking picture perfect, while still staying hydrated!
It might sound silly, but straws are a must for brides (and bridesmaids).

3.

A compact mirror is a great thing to have on hand (especially at outdoor weddings).
Keep your self looking flawless at all times!

2.

At Miss Ruby, we know all about how white dresses attract lint!
Keep that gown sparkling white (or ivory!) with a compact lint roller.
Trust us.

1.

The #1 thing you don't want to be caught without? Kleenex!
No bride wants their makeup running when they see their groom, so
let those happy tears flow!

pictures found here

Why to get your bridesmaid dress from a boutique and not an online retailer

There are plenty of online retailers who are ready and willing to sell bridesmaids dresses, usually to the lowest bidder. Although it seems like shopping online for dresses is the most affordable and convenient options for a wedding party, we always cringe when we hear girls who are planning to order online.

Here are a few reasons that shopping at any local boutique is a much safer option than shopping online. Some are obvious, but some are secrets that only industry insiders know.

Reason 1: What you see ISN'T always what you get.
Shopping online can seem so convenient - you just point, click, and you're done! But what most people don't realize is how risky buying bridesmaids dresses online can be. Many websites that promise designer dresses (like Bari Jay, Alfred Sung, and Wtoo) are not authorized retailers of these dresses. That means you run a very high risk of receiving dresses that are poor quality knock-offs. And the colors might not even match because they aren't all from the same dye lot! Even our designers agree - most designers websites have a disclaimer like here. Is it really worth saving a few dollars to run the risk of looking shabby in wedding pictures?

Reason 2: No One Sees The Tags
Many places hide behind popular brand names in order to sell cheaper quality dresses for high prices. We can guarantee that the dresses you get are worth the money you are spending, and buying a cotton or jersey dress for a high price just because it is from a popular brand is not a smart purchase.

Reason 3: You deal with the problems.
If your dress comes to the boutique in the wrong color, with a snag, or anything else awry, Miss Ruby consultants take care of the problems by dealing directly with the designers. We have been working with these companies for years, and they do all they can to make sure we are satisfied, which means we are able to do all we can to make sure you are satisfied. If your dress comes from an unauthorized online retailer, you are responsible for the phone calls, the negotiating, the shipping, and all of the time and money it takes to return it. You have enough wedding planning to worry about, why add this to the list?

Reason 4: It's all about the details.
When you pick up your dress from Miss Ruby Boutique, along with a friendly smile, you also get a high-quality, reusable garment bag, free steaming services, and (most importantly) an endless resource of advice about care, storage, alterations, and any other questions you have about your dress. When you order online, most likely it will come squished in the smallest bag possible for shipping purposes, leaving you on your own to find someone to steam, alter, and take care of your dress.

Reason 5: Shopping local supports your community.
Shopping at small, local businesses has a huge impact on the place you live in. Buying local creates jobs, stimulates your city's economy, reduces environmental impact, and the money you spend literally goes back into your community. If you love Milwaukee as much as we do, support the businesses that keep Milwaukee unique!

Even if you don't find your dream dress at our store, we encourage you to stay local at the wonderful local bridal shops that the Milwaukee area offers! Purchasing dresses for your wedding online is very risky, and shopping local is always a good idea.

photos from dessy.com and wtoo.com

Get Money Back on Your Wedding with Credit Card Rewards

Lets face it, from the time you get engaged to the time you finally say "I Do," you are going to be spending a lot of money. Between caterers, honeymoon plans, and the perfect dress (of course!) there are necessary expenses around every corner. Believe it or not, there is a way for you to make some of that money back - by getting a credit card specifically for your wedding!

There are a lot of credit card companies who give you rewards for every dollar you spend - and when you are spending a lot over a short period of time, those rewards can really start adding up. According to Business Insider, the best card to get your money back is the Chase Freedom card. It gives you $100 back if you spend $500 in the first three months of signing up for the card, and can earn a percentage of your money back by using your card at restaurants (think rehearsal dinners and caterers), hotels, and airlines.

Photo courtesy of www.bridalguide.com

Getting money back on your wedding gown deposit sounds like a win-win to us! Did any brides out there take advantage of these cash back offers? Let us know the perks (and drawbacks) of getting a card specifically for wedding expenses!

Just In: Siri Bridesmaids

We are pleased to announce three chic new styles to add to our Siri Bridesmaids collection. Roxy, Cece, and Kiki are all sleek, metallic taffeta dresses that are perfect on their own or worn together in a bridal party. They come in dozens of different colors and fabrics to suit your taste, and are sure to be something any bridesmaid would love to wear.

Winter is on it's way - let us help you stay warm on your wedding day

Ellie from Wed in Milwaukee visited us recently to learn about bridal winter wedding fashion & accessories. We had a great time sharing with her the gowns & accessories we have that will keep you warm on your wedding day!  Check out the article here to find out how to stay warm on your wedding day...

Bride on the go - tips for travelling with a wedding dress

Tips for Traveling with a Wedding Dress (or any special dress for that matter)

Destination weddings have been the biggest growing trend this year and we love it! What could be better than enjoying the biggest day of your life in front of the Eiffel Tower or on the sandy beaches of some exclusive tropical island! But there is one more thing to handle…how in the world do you get your dress there?? Here are some great tips for helping your dress survive the travel.

*  Ship it! Avoid the troubles of airlines altogether and use UPS, Fed Ex or USPS to ship your dress there for you. This has become such a popular method for brides that most front desks at hotels will sign for your dress when it arrives if you are unable to do so. 

*  Travel Light! Skip the poofy ball gown and go for something simple, light and elegant. This way your dress can easily be packed up and you will be able to move along the sandy beaches much easier. Siri offers a selection of amazingly light-weight, elegant gowns. This Siri Castella gown features a gorgeous rouched sweetheart bodice and is made of pure silk shantung, making it a lightweight and natural breathable fabric!

Siri Castella Gown

*  Keep it with you! Unless you really have to, do not check your dress in with your regular luggage. This way if the airline loses your luggage at least you have the outfit that is most important! Larger planes which are often used for longer destination flights will usually have limited closet space available in the first class section.

*  If you have no choice but to check your dress with your regular luggage make sure your dress is packed in a garment bag or folded with an ample amount of tissue paper. This website shows a an easy way of folding your dress up without causing a lot of creasing - http://www.beachbridetobe.com/packingyourdress.html.

*  Buy your dress a seat! Celebrities do it all the time, so why can’t you! You did invest a good amount of change in this item and it is sort of imperative it arrives in one piece, so guard it with you life in the seat next to yours.

*  If you are going to travel with your wedding dress, please contact your airline prior to the day of your flight to make the proper accommodations. Most airlines will be happy to help if they are given notice in advance.

*  Let your dress breathe! Keeping your dress in the car in long periods of sunshine can discolor or wrinkle your dress. Keep it in a breathable garment bag, and maybe turn on the air for those really hot days.

*  Once you arrive at your destination make sure to hang up your gown. That will help release some of the wrinkles from traveling.

*  And one of the best ways to avoid stress and a wrinkled dress is to make an appointment ahead of time to have the gown pressed upon arrival. That way it will be picture perfect for the big day and you'll have no worries!

Who really should pick the bridesmaid dress?

The bride should!!! After all it is the bride's wedding, she has the vision for the day and it is all about her and the groom, so why wouldn't she also choose the bridesmaid dresses? Many brides feel that if they pick the dress themselves the bridesmaids may not like it.  Well, who really cares!! I hate to be harsh...but your wedding day isn't about making the bridesmaids happy. The day is about you and your beautiful husband and exactly what you want for this one special day.

Unfortunately we have experienced many unthoughtful bridesmaids at the boutique.  So many times the bride has picked out her favorite dress and someone just shoots it down with a negative comment like "you expect me to wear that?" or "there is no way I am going to wear that?" Seriously? Step up bridesmaids and be supportive! If the girls you choose are decent bridesmaids and care about your best interests they will be happy with whatever you choose and never say anything otherwise! If bridesmaids are giving you grief maybe think about ditching the bridesmaid and not the dress!

We love happy bridesmaids!

10 Things to Know Before Buying your Bridal Gown - #6

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#6 Keep An Open Mind When Trying On Dresses 

As a bridal consultant, I can contest to the fact that most brides pick a dress that is completely different than what they came in wanting.

While I think it is helpful to peruse through bridal magazines and websites to see what styles you may like, you never know what you are actually going to like when you actually start trying them on. I mean really, how many times before your wedding have you worn an actual gown? Because of this, it can be difficult to know what you are going to like. So even though it may not be the dress you planned on wearing, you may be surprised by your reaction.

Many brides think that they should wear a dress that fits into their everyday personality of dress because that is what is expected from them. For example, if you are more of a simple dresser, you should wear a simple-style gown. But nothing could be further from the truth! This is your one day to be able to be something different, so if you want to be a glamorous bride; do it!  Putting on a gown, is not just about what it looks like, it is about how it makes you feel, so focus on your feelings.

So take the leap; step out of your comfort zone, and be open to a variety of styles. You never know what you may end up liking!

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown - #7

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#7 Be Open to Alterations
So you have found your perfect gown…now we just have to make it fit you like a glove! No matter what size the bride, most brides will need some sort of alteration done to their dress. In fact, on average, a bride will have 3-4 fittings.

When to go…
Timing is everything. Go too early and the dress may not fit on the day of the wedding; go too close to the wedding and you may not have enough time to get all your alterations finished. We suggest that you have your first appointment approximately two months before your wedding date, and your last should be around two weeks before your wedding. If you require a major overhaul on your dress, please allow a generous amount of time for your seamstress.

What to Bring…
To get the most out of your first fitting, it is recommended to bring the shoes and undergarments you will be wearing on the your day, especially foundation garments like SPANX as those can dramatically change the fit of your gown.

Who to Bring…
Try to keep your party to one or two at the most. Sometimes it is nice to have an extra set of eyes when you have to make a lot of changes to your dress, and you will definitely want someone there to learn how to tie the bustle on the day of your wedding.

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown - #8

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#8 Know Your Silhouette
On your wedding day, all eyes will be on you and you will be photographed more than any other day of your life. For this reason, we want you to be confident that the dress you are wearing is the perfect match for your figure. Here is a quick guide to popular wedding silhouettes.
                                                
The Ball Gown:  One of the most classic bridal shapes is recognized by its tightly fitted bodice and waistline which then flows into a full, voluminous skirt.  Perfect for:  While the ball gown works well on most body types, it is ideal for thin, full-figured, short-waisted, or pear-shaped brides.   The tight bodice will show off your tiny waist and help to conceal your bottom half. Shorter brides should pay attention to the fullness of the skirt as it may overpower a shorter stature.

The Empire Waist: An empire waist sits right below the bust line which than falls into a slimmer skirt. Perfect for:  Thick-waisted and pear-shaped brides as it will hug the smallest part of your waist and will create a long, lean line.  It is also ideal for smaller-chested brides as it will create definition and draw attention up towards the neckline. Smaller chested brides should opt for a top that features ruching or detail, which will give the bust a fuller look.

The A-line: A silhouette that can do wonders for all brides! This style features a skirt that flows close to the hip and gradually flares out further at the bottom hem. An easy way to spot this silhouette: It creates the letter ‘A’. Perfect for:  Absolutely Everyone! Really…when in doubt, try an A-line! 

The Column: Also referred to as a sheath, this sleek and straightforward look will gently skim along your body hugging all your curves. Created in light chiffon, the column will look effortless for a casual outdoor or destination wedding or add a touch of modern sophistication with a silk taffeta to create a bit more structure.  Perfect for:  lean and petite ladies who want to elongate their body lines, or tall and athletic ladies who want to show off their days at the gym. 

The Mermaid: This stunning showstopper snuggly contours the body from the chest to the knees and then dramatically flares out from the knees to the floor. Perfect for: A confident bride! If you are tall, curvy or long-waisted, this dress will elegantly show off all your best assets.

 

The Trumpet: More understated than the Mermaid, the Trumpet skims along the waistline and then gradually flares out at mid-thigh. Perfect for: Proportional hourglass girls, to show off those glorious curves as well as thin or petite girls to give you those curves you may be lacking.

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#9 It's Okay to Love the First Dress!
Not only is it okay, but 85% of brides end up buying the very first dress they try on!  Finding your perfect dress is a lot like falling in love, once you know it is right, you just know, so trust your instinct.
 
Many brides feel as though a bridal shopping experience means they must shop far and wide for that perfect dress, but as a bridal consultant I can personally tell you how many brides we get that come back to that first dress they try on .So to save yourself the waiting and the hassle, get the dress right away!! After all, you have many more decisions to make for your wedding day. Finding your dress right away makes all those other details so much easier.

So trust your instincts and say yes to the dress right away. If your order on your first appointment at Miss Ruby Boutique you can save $50-100 your bridal order!

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#10 Know Your Budget

I can guarantee that you will be asked about your budget at every bridal shop you enter, so it will be most beneficial for you that you have a ballpark number to work with.

The worst thing a bride can do is try a dress on that costs three times more than her budget! Of course, you fall in love! Like anything in life, the more money you spend, the more bells and whistles you will get. Unfortunately after this moment, nothing you try on in your actual budget will live up to this hype, even though you may have amazing options.

So to spare yourself the unnecessary disappointment, be realistic with your budget and do not try on anything over your budget UNLESS you have a little wiggle room. By sticking to what works within your budget, you are guaranteed to be happy with your dress and your bridal shopping experience.

Even the right dress isn't quite perfect until it is altered to fit your body

Every woman's figure is unique. And every wedding gown has it's own unique shape. 99% of the time these don't match up exactly which is why alterations are so important. Alterations are going to make the dress lay perfectly on every curve of your body so you are going to be able walk down the aisle without tripping on the hem, eat and breathe without feeling uncomfortable and avoid pulling up your strapless dress!

Here are a few alteration tips for you so you'll know what to expect:

1. Wedding dresses do not typically stretch! So it is very important to order the size closest to you. Order your dress too small and you may not get into it at all. If the dress is too small taking out the seams requires alot of work. Many gowns may have up to four or even more layers of fabric that would have to be let out. And if the gown has lace, beading or anything intricate it is all that more difficult to let the seams out.
   
2. Most wedding gowns will be too long so a hem will be required.  If there are details at the hem like scalloped lace or beading those will be removed and reattached.  Many designers also offer a hollow-to-hem measurement for an additional charge. This means your gown will be made in a custom length just for you so you will mostly likely not need the hem altered. It is an additional charge but then the gown will be made to fit you more proportionally.
   
3. Gowns with a train will typically require a bustle. A bustle is a simple way to gather up the train in the back of your dress so you can move around and dance without tripping over the train. The bustle is usually secured with ribbons, buttons or snaps and is usually used after the ceremony.
   
4. The fit in the bust of the dress really has nothing to do with your strapless gown staying up and feeling secure. Strapless gowns are typically held up from the waist. So your strapless gown should be really fitted at the waist and may contain boning.
   
5. Most gowns are made with a B-cup. Girls with a smaller bust may need the bust tailored in and cups added. Those with a larger bust will need to order a larger cup size as well as raise the bust-line. This can get costly, and not all designers offer this, but is a great option for many when available.
   
6. Wear the undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day to your alterations appointment. That way the dress can be fitted to exactly what you plan to wear underneath. This will also help make sure that no lines or anything will show on wedding day.
   
7. Make sure to bring your shoes along to your fitting. In order to hem your dress to the perfect length the exact height of your shoes will need to be accounted for.

Keep these tips in mind when it is time for your alterations appointment and you'll be on your way to a perfectly fitting gown!

Is your wedding right around the corner & you still need a dress?

It is that time of the year where we have many brides visiting the boutique frantically searching for a bridal gown with there wedding a mere month or two away. If you are one of these brides you may be worried there aren't any options for you. Well we can still help!  Here is how:

1.  We have a great selection of sample gowns at greatly reduced prices that you can buy right off the rack. If these dresses are in your size and style you'll get a great deal. And we have an in-house tailor to make things fit just perfectly.

2.  All of our bridal gown samples that are not already marked down can be purchased at a 15% discount. If they don't fit just perfect we'll have it tailored to fit you perfectly!

3. Our designers offer several rush options. So for many dresses there is still time to order them and get them in the shop in just 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks! It depends on the designer and the dress style but there are still options available to get you your dress quickly.

Now we don't recommend procrastinating because your options are still limited compared to the options you'd have if you had more time. But if you are in the position where you don't have time make sure to let us know and we'll make sure to find you something that you love and that you'll have on time for your wedding!

How many is too many to bring dress shopping?

www.bestweddinggifts.org

For most brides shopping for their bridal gown is one of the most fun and exciting parts of the entire wedding planning process. What girl doesn't love to play dress-up with gorgeous gowns in luxurious fabrics? Right? And most girls want to involve all of their favorite people in this special day.

But as much as you love your mom, your sisters, your friends and your in-laws we highly recommend not bringing them all along on your dress shopping excursions. Selecting your gown should be about finding exactly what YOU want and feel beautiful in. Not what everyone else wants you to wear or pictures you in.

I could tell you hundreds of stories from our experiences with brides. We have seen so many brides that have found that one dress that makes them smile bigger than any other bridal gown and that has made them feel like the most beautiful bride ever. They've determined it is the dress of their dreams. But then their hearts are crushed when they exit the fitting room and someone in their entourage immediately exclaims "no, this is not the one" or "you look too this or too that!"  It is so sad to see this happen to the bride.  This ruins the experience for the bride and also may make the bride miss out on her perfect gown.

In the end the only opinion that truly counts is YOURS! But if you bring a large group along someone is bound to say something you don't want to hear creating a recipe for disaster. We suggest bringing along one or two people that you love and that truly care about your feelings and what you want. This will create a much more enjoyable experience for you and will ensure that you find the dress of your dreams!

Do all brides get that "feeling"?

If you are a bride you know what I am referring to. I am talking about the rush of emotion, the tears, the feeling in your that gut tells you "YES THIS IS THE DRESS!!  We have all seen this reaction on so many brides in magazines, movies and on tv.  And because of all of this brides feel that they haven't found the perfect bridal gown until they get these "feelings". 

Through my past experience shopping for my gown and then assisting with hundreds of brides in finding theirs at Miss Ruby I can tell you that not all brides get the "feeling".  Some brides are more emotional than others. So you'll see tears. But there are so many brides that don't shed a tear either. I have seen so many brides put so much pressure on themselves and second guess themselves because they aren't balling their eyes out.

There are of course going to be the brides that break out in tears because they are overwhelmed with emotion in how beautiful they feel in the gown.. And there are going to be brides that break out in tears because decision making is so difficult and that once they choose their gown they'll break out in tears because they are so happy to have finally been able to make a decision!  I was one of those brides! And then there is the brides with no tears at all. Which is totally fine too! 

Brides just need to ask themselves am I happy in this gown? Do I not want to take it off? Can I picture myself in this gown on my wedding day? Do I feel comfortable? If the answers are yes but there aren't any tears...no worries!  Believe me you are going to look gorgeous, tears or not!  And one last thing - the dress is all about you and what you want!  Many brides look for reassurance from a mother, family member or a close friend and aren't always going to get it. It is YOUR choice. Don't lose confidence in what you choose!

Wedding Gown Styles: Finding that Perfect Fit for your Figure

While we have now perfected bridal necklines from a blog post a few weeks ago, it is time to figure out what to do with the rest of your figure! Here are a few of the best and brightest skirting styles bridal has to offer!

The Column: Also referred to as a sheath, this sleek and straightforward look will gently skim along your body hugging all your curves. Created in light chiffon, the column will look effortless for a casual outdoor or destination wedding or add a touch of modern sophistication with a silk taffeta to create a bit more structure.  Perfect for:  lean and petite ladies who want to elongate their body lines, or tall and athletic ladies who want to show off their days at the gym.

The Ballgown: Typically features a close-fitted bodice top which flows into a full floor length gown and is absolutely essential for that fairy tale wedding. Perfect for: all body types! But works magic for short-waisted, or pear shaped brides as it will help to create waist definition all the while concealing your bottom half.  Shorter brides should pay attention to the fullness of the skirt as it may overpower your figure.

The Empire-Waist:  The empire waist gown is defined by its high-hitting waistline which falls right below the bust line and then flows right into the bottom hem. Perfect for: While most body types can pull this look off, it is ideal for a smaller-chest as the raised waistline helps to create definition as well as helping to draw the eye upward towards the neckline. Due to its lack of waist definition, it is also ideal for thicker-waisted brides or pregnant brides. So now you can eat all the wedding cake you want and look fabulous to boot!

The Mermaid: This stunning showstopper snuggly contours the body from the chest to the knees and then dramatically flares out from the knees to the floor. Perfect for: A confident bride! If you are tall, curvy or long-waisted, this dress will elegantly show off all your best assets.

The A-Line:  A complete classic, the A-line features a fitted bodice which then carries into a fluid line which gently flares from the underarm to the hem, which creates the letter “A.” This has been a favorite of brides both past and present and it is easy to see why. Perfect for: Absolutely every bride! You just can’t go wrong!

Let us figure out your figure! With so many fabulous choices, where does one begin??? We invite you to make an appointment and let us help you find that perfect style for your body.