How to Actually Enjoy Being Engaged

CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

You just got engaged! Maybe you have been dreaming of this moment for your entire life, or maybe you never thought this was going to happen, but that right person just showed up in your life and changed everything. Either way, YAY!! If your initial reaction is to get out that Kate Spade ‘bride’ notebook (that you bought two years ago, same girl) and start planning, then keep reading. If your initial reaction is oh s%&# what do I do now?!?, then keep reading.

Being engaged is crazy and exciting and stressful and scary and wonderful, and you deserve to ENJOY it! This is not a basic list of unrealistic bull#*%$ that is actually just going to stress you out more. I’m Sara, Miss Ruby Boutique’s Store Manager, and have been engaged for over 6 months now and these are just five simple things that I have done to actually enjoy my engagement. I hope you find them useful and I hope you have the most MAGICAL year (or 1.5 years, or 3 months, or 5 years) of your life.

1.  Let yourself ENJOY being engaged

Plain and simple. Don’t get so caught up in the ring, the proposal, posting the perfect instagram pic, what your family thinks, how you are going to pay for the wedding, what your fiance’s ex thinks, and if you should ask your friend from college to be a bridesmaid that you forget to just soak in the moment and enjoy this time with your fiance. Depending on your timeline this might mean relishing in pre-planning bliss for 3 months or 3 days, but either way stop and just take it all in.

2.  Get real about what kind of wedding you can and want to have

Once you’ve given yourself some time to take it all in, sit down with your fiance and and decide what’s important to you. How do you want to celebrate your love? What would feel most special and the best reflection of you? This is going to be very different for every couple and that is ok! It’s actually more than ok, it’s AMAZING! Some couples are going to run off to the courthouse and celebrate with just each other. Some are going to bring their closest friends and family to a tropical island for a week long party. Some are going to have a lavish event with 400 guests. There is no wrong way to celebrate as long as it’s what feels right to you and your fiance.

3.  Take Engagement Pictures

This seems like an obvious tip, but seriously do this! Whether you are an instagram queen or not, you will be so happy to have photos to document this exciting time. You will have so many uses for these photos from Save the Date cards to social media posts and your wedding website. I love my engagement pictures and I actually felt like they were the kick off to my wedding planning. Pro tip: Since we are having a winter wedding and all of our pictures will be in the snow, we took our engagement photos in the Spring on a trip to Georgia so they would look totally different from our wedding photos. 

4.  Spend some time getting inspo and then pick a style and go for it!

Pinterest and Instagram are going to be your new best friend. Check out some different styles and see what you gravitate towards. There is so much inspiration out there that it can be hard to narrow down what you want. Your venue or time of year and location may help to guide you into a certain style. Once you find a “theme” or “vibe” or “color scheme” that you love, pick that and run with it. With how many options are available to us brides right now, having a clear style can really help you make other decisions. Since I picked a winter wedding in a snowy lodge setting, that really helped narrow my options when it came to dress shopping, flowers, and honestly just about everything. If you are worried about FOMO for other styles, refer back to tip #3.

5.  Do something that makes you feel engaged!

Once the initial excitement slows down and your ring picture fades into your instagram feed full of pictures of your dog, I think it’s important to do little things that remind you that you are engaged!!! For me that meant buying a “FEYONCE” t-shirt and drinking my morning coffee out of a “wifey” mug. Such silly little things keep me excited on a daily basis and remind me to celebrate this time in my life. Also, picking my wedding dress was the ultimate way to celebrate being engaged and was the first moment I truly felt like a bride. It’s seriously the most magical experience.

What is a Trunk Show Anyway?

What is a trunk show?

A trunk show is an event at the boutique where a wedding dress designer showcases their entire collection for a limited time. We host trunk shows throughout the year and it's a great opportunity to try on even a larger selection of dresses than are normally in store.  They are really fun, the energy is always buzzing, and the gowns are fabulous! It's the perfect time to say YES to your dream dress!

Why attend a trunk show?

There are so many reasons to attend one of our trunk shows and here are some of our favorites:

Shop brand new collections not yet in store.

Shop the entire collection. Even though we offer dresses from that specific designer in store, we don't have the entire collection in store. So it's a great opportunity to shop a larger selection of gowns!

Designers sometimes make an appearance at trunk shows, so it's your chance to get some one-on-one time with them. I mean who wouldn't want to say yes to the dress with the actual designer?

At many trunk shows you get the opportunity to customize your gown. Want to extend the train? Lower the back? No problem! Many designers allow customizations during trunk shows only.

When are trunk shows held?

Trunk shows are held throughout the year on select weekends.  Visit our website here to see our current schedule of shows. 

Tips to make the most of a trunk show:

Come with an open mind. 

We always recommend trying on a gown or silhouette you never thought you would. Don't limit yourself, you just never know what you may fall in love with!

Make an appointment. 

Scheduling an appointment will ensure that you have a Stylist available to work one-on-one with you & that a fitting room will be reserved for you. Also, trunk shows fill up fast so be sure to schedule your appointment in advance. You can schedule an appointment here. 

Be prepared to make a decision. 

Remember, these exclusive gowns are in store for the trunk show only, and can only be ordered during the show. So come ready to say YES to the dress!

Do your hair & makeup. 

You don't have to show up with your full bridal look, however, it really helps to envision yourself on your wedding day if you come with hair & makeup done.

Most important, have fun!  

Saying YES to the dress should be fun. Go with your gut, enjoy the moment, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.  If the dress checks all your boxes, and you can see yourself in it on your wedding day, you'll know it's the one!

Accessory Mistakes Every Bride Makes!

When it comes to brides putting their wedding day looks together, its safe to say that we've seen it ALL! Often, brides put all of their focus into their wedding dress, without even realizing that her accessories are truly what take a look from "seen it before" to "worth a second look!"

Bridal gowns are so beautiful, but accessories are what that truly set their look apart. Here are common mistakes brides make when it comes to finding the perfect accessories to compliment her gown. 

1. Leaving Accessories Until the Last Minute

We completely understand that the last few months before the wedding are full of things that need to be completed. Sometimes, something as little a a pair of earrings can seem insignificant compared to scheduling, family issues, and other last minute surprises. These brides are then left scrambling for accessories just days before the wedding. 

You accessories are meant to compliment your bridal gown, so don't leave them until the last minute! With all the planning that goes into your bridal gown, why pair it with jewelry or accessories that cheapen the look? Setting aside specific time to find your accessories will ensure you aren't left empty handed.

OUR TIP: 

Make it a goal to find all of your accessories 3-4 months before the wedding. 

2. Buying Accessories Blindly 

The internet has a ton of great places to buy accessories. There are also a ton of websites that sell jewelry, sashes, and other accessories for an incredibly low cost, which makes them ultra appealing to brides on a budget. 

However, we know that it is often hard to know how well accessories pair with your gown without actually trying them on with your gown! Ensure that you only spend money on quality items that compliment (not clash with) your bridal gown by trying all of your accessories on together.

OUR TIP: 

Find accessories at your bridal pickup appointment or at a Bridal Styling Night so you can try the whole look on for size. 

3. Depending on Family Heirlooms

Every family has a veil or strand of pearls that is up for grabs on your wedding day. We totally understand the appeal of this! It's a great way to tie the past and present together and show your closest family members how much they mean to you. 

With that said, we always recommend adding your own unique accessory so that you have your own heirloom to pass down as well! Just like wearing your mom's veil and your grandma's pearls means the world to you, be sure you have a special piece so that you can extend the same favor to the next generation. 

OUR TIP: 

The key to an instant heirloom is ensuring it is a high quality item. Swarovski crystals, precious metals, and exquisite laces will stay beautiful for years and never go out of style. 

4. Skimping on the Sparkles

When brides create a bridal gown budget, they often only plan on paying for the dress. Lots of times, brides spend all of their money on a gown and then are left with pennies to pay for the finishing touches. 

Not accurately budgeting for your bridal accessories is a surefire way to end up with a lackluster bridal look. One reason is because the discounted items you see on the internet are often of inferior quality. Paring low quality accessories with your bridal gown is the easiest way to cheapen the look of your amazing designer dress. 

OUR TIP: 

Create a realistic bridal gown budget ahead of time that includes the cost of your gown, alterations, shoes, and all of your accessories. 

5. Being Afraid to Make a Statement

It is easy to go overboard on accessories. With that said, your wedding is the one day you truly get to shine and can take a few risks with your look. While you don't want accessories that overwhelm you, scaling back on sparkle doesn't allow it to complete your look. 

Veils are also a place where brides often hesitate. While they may not be for everyone, sometimes brides say "no" to veils not because they don't like them, but because they are unfamiliar. 

OUR TIP: 

A Bridal Stylist will make sure your accessories enhance your bridal look. They'll also be honest with you and never let you go overboard. 

How Do I Put It All Together?

Visit us during our 

Bridal Styling Nights! 

These special, hour-long appointments are the perfect time for brides to put on their dress and create a head to toe look worthy of your wedding day. 

Click Here to Learn More

Photo Credits: Style Me Pretty / Wedding Party App / Wedding Include / friedatheres.com / Tulle & Chantilly / Style Me Pretty / Style Me Pretty / Jaxie Bridal / Intimate Weddings / Girl Yard 

6 Must See Gowns from our April Flash Sale...

Our April Flash Sale is coming up on Friday, April 27th! The reason that we have Flash Sales every month? With so many brides interested in getting gowns at a discount, we just have to keep having more!

Take a look at our 6 favorite new markdowns - all ready for you at our April Flash Sale!

1. "Parma" by Pronovias

Size 16

Originally: $1995

Sample Sale Price: $1495

2. "Pandora" by Pronovias

Size 14

Originally: $1925

Sample Sale Price: $1375

3. Mikaella 2189

Size 16

Originally: $2,075

Sample Sale Price: $1,395

4. Robert Bullock Jimmy

Size 10

Originally: $2,750

Sample Sale Price: $1300

5. Mikaella 2050

Size 10

Originally: $2100

Sample Sale Price: $1200

6. Mikaella 2079

Size 14

Originally: $2,050

Sample Sale Price: $895

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment 

for our 

Milwaukee Bridal Gown Flash Sale 

April 27th, by appointment

5 Benefits of Attending a Bridal Styling Night

Still need bridal accessories?  Let's finish your bridal look at our upcoming Bridal Styling Night!

1. Your Wedding is Coming Up

If you've got your gown & your wedding is coming up, Bridal Styling Night is perfectly scheduled so you can find your accessories in ample amounts of time. Accessories take anywhere from 2 - 4 months to arrive if you place a custom order. However, many pieces can also be sold off our sales floor if you want to take it with you that day. 

You have spent MONTHS planning your bridal look! Accessories are what bring your whole look together, so don't leave them until the last minute. 

2. You Want Lots of Options

We always have a great selection of bridal accessories in our store, but we always stock up during our Styling Nights so you'll have even more options!

You'll find veils, all sorts of jewelry, bridal belts, & more!

3. You Want Something Special

When you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bridal gown, you want quality jewelry and accessories that won't cheapen the look! 

If you don't have any heirloom pieces that you are set on wearing, we have a larger collection of pieces from Lovebird Jewelry that will be in store just for Bridal Styling Night. We will also have store exclusive pieces from Sorelli Jewelry to provide the perfect finishing touch. 

4. You Want to be Wearing Your Gown

Picking jewelry and accessories for your bridal gown can be difficult if you are not in your bridal gown! Luckily, if you come to one of our Bridal Styling Nights, you'll have a fitting room set aside specifically for you to put on your gown so you can put a perfect look together. 

Not a Miss Ruby Bride? Not a problem! Bring your gown along and we can help you find accessories! 

5. You Want an Expert Opinion

When you purchase jewelry online, anything could show up at your doorstep. Plus, it's not fun to shop for bridal accessories on your couch!

Our Bridal Styling Nights are a great way to include your friends and family in your styling process. They'll give you their honest opinions and make sure you don't go wrong. Plus, you'll be working one-on-one with a Bridal Stylist who will also help perfectly complete your look. 

Ready To Shop?

Setting up an appointment for Bridal Styling Nights is easy! 

Just call (414) 755-2900  or email us at info@missrubyboutique.com to reserve your hour-long appointment at our boutique. 

Be sure to plan ahead! Appointments are filling up FAST!

Photo Credits: Twin Lens Photography / Natural Intuition Photography / Lovebird Jewelry Website / Studio 29 Photography / Natural Intuition Photography

Shop Our Flash Sale - March 30th

Weddings are expensive. Even brides with the strictest budgets are swayed to spend more when paging or pinning through a list of "must-haves." 

The secret to saving literally THOUSANDS on your bridal look? 

The Answer: 

Buy Your Bridal Gown Off-The-Rack

This tactic has been given a bad reputation. But it's actually a great way to save money!
 Your gown will be just as special & beautiful as placing an order for a gown! 

- Allow us to address some common misconceptions - 

Myth: 

If a boutique wants to sell a dress off-the-rack, there must be something wrong with it. 

Reality: 

Small boutiques (like Miss Ruby Boutique) are required to order a certain number of styles each season. When our number of gowns grow, we need to make room for them. It's that simple. Sometimes even a brand new gown with a full, ballgown skirt will be marked down just because it takes up lots of space, as crazy as that sounds. 

Myth: 

Ordering a Bridal Gown means it must be on-trend. Off-the-rack styles are all out of date. 

Reality: 

Brides every day order gowns that are several seasons old. During our Flash Sale, we have so many of off-the-rack styles that have only been in the boutique for a few months. What "season" the dress is from should have nothing to do with whether or not your love the style. 

Myth: 

Buying a gown off-the-rack means that it is "used"

Reality: 

Any piece of clothing you have ever purchased from a store has been tried on before. All buying an off-the-rack style means is that a bride has put it on in a fitting room and taken it off, just like nearly all the clothes hanging in your closet. 

The best time to capitalize on this kind of bargain?

Visit a boutique during a Flash Sale!

What is a Miss Ruby Flash Sale?

During our special Sale dates, every dress in the boutique is marked down and priced to sell off-the-rack. Smart shoppers take advantage of this opportunity, as it allows them to buy a gown they wouldn't normally have been able to afford for a price that often comes in under budget. 

Do These Gowns Need Any Special Alterations or Care?

Yes & No. Our off-the-rack gowns range in size from size 8 - size 12, with a small number of gowns ranging from size 18 - size 24. If a gown is too large on you, a seamstress can always take it in up to 4 dress sizes quite easily, and it won't cost much more than normal alterations.

What Do I Need to Know Before Shopping A Flash Sale?

Come ready to buy. Seriously. We don't say this to sound pushy, we say this because this is an event that is full of other brides who are ready to buy. Almost every time a bride says "I need to think about it," her dream gown is gone when she comes back later that day to say "YES!" 

Ready to Find the Dress of your Dreams For a Fraction of the Cost?

Click here to Schedule Your Appointment for our Flash Sale

- Friday, March 30th -

Just Announced: January Flash Sale!

Weddings are expensive. Even brides with the strictest budgets are swayed to spend more when paging or pinning through a list of "must-haves." 

The secret to saving literally THOUSANDS on your bridal look? 

The Answer: 

Buy Your Bridal Gown Off-The-Rack

This tactic has been given a bad reputation. But it's actually a great way to save money!
 Your gown will be just as special & beautiful as placing an order for a gown! 

- Allow us to address some common misconceptions - 

Myth: 

If a boutique wants to sell a dress off-the-rack, there must be something wrong with it. 

Reality: 

Small boutiques (like Miss Ruby Boutique) are required to order a certain number of styles each season. When our number of gowns grow, we need to make room for them. It's that simple. Sometimes even a brand new gown with a full, ballgown skirt will be marked down just because it takes up lots of space, as crazy as that sounds. 

Myth: 

Ordering a Bridal Gown means it must be on-trend. Off-the-rack styles are all out of date. 

Reality: 

Brides every day order gowns that are several seasons old. During our Flash Sale, we have so many of off-the-rack styles that have only been in the boutique for a few months. What "season" the dress is from should have nothing to do with whether or not your love the style. 

Myth: 

Buying a gown off-the-rack means that it is "used"

Reality: 

Any piece of clothing you have ever purchased from a store has been tried on before. All buying an off-the-rack style means is that a bride has put it on in a fitting room and taken it off, just like nearly all the clothes hanging in your closet. 

The best time to capitalize on this kind of bargain?

Visit a boutique during a Sale!

What is a Miss Ruby Flash Sale?

During our special Sale dates, every dress in the boutique is marked down and priced to sell off-the-rack. Smart shoppers take advantage of this opportunity, as it allows them to buy a gown they wouldn't normally have been able to afford for a price that often comes in under budget. 

Do These Gowns Need Any Special Alterations or Care?

Yes & No. Our off-the-rack gowns range in size from size 8 - size 12, with a small number of gowns ranging from size 18 - size 24. If a gown is too large on you, a seamstress can always take it in up to 4 dress sizes quite easily, and it won't cost much more than normal alterations.

What Do I Need to Know Before Shopping A Flash Sale?

Come ready to buy. Seriously. We don't say this to sound pushy, we say this because this is an event that is full of other brides who are ready to buy. Almost every time a bride says "I need to think about it," her dream gown is gone when she comes back later that day to say "YES!" 

Ready to Find the Dress of your Dreams For a Fraction of the Cost?

Click here to Schedule Your Appointment for our Flash Sale

- Friday, January 12 -

Shopping Advice from a Fellow Bride-to-Be

While we were browsing planning forums, we ran into Reddit user's da91392 self proclaimed "epiphany"about finding the bridal gown of her dreams. Her advice jumped out to us, because it contains knowledge that we bridal stylists try to share with our brides every single day. 

⎼

"I recently posted here about whether I should buy I dress I loved and looked great in. My reservations were because the dress wasn't "exciting" enough -- it just looked like a wedding dress, in a very popular style and shape...I went shopping again today with the same group of people. I came out of the room in a dress I thought was too crazy and over the top and I FINALLY got the reaction I'd been looking for; they couldn't shut up about how great the dress was. And that's when I realized, they were reacting to the drama of the dress. And that's all.

They wanted to see something WOW or with an "X-factor" and I get that, I've watched a billion "Say Yes To The Dress" episodes. I went into dress shopping thinking "I have to get something SPECTACULAR that will take everyone's breath away when they see me," but you know what? 

No, I don't. 

I don't need to be in something no one has ever seen or something to entertain people. 

I can just wear a wedding dress that I love. 

I completely and wholeheartedly understand why brides want to look dramatic and special on their wedding day, and I'm not saying there's a thing wrong with that. You should want to look special. And you should want to look damn good. But I've never been a dramatic or overstated-fashion person, and I don't have to be now. I can wear a good-looking and well-fitting white dress and be overjoyed about doing so. My wedding isn't about entertaining and surprising people, it's about getting married.

I realize all of the pressure to do something ~different~ was self-inflicted. I wanted to make sure I was worthy of being the center of attention on this day. I wanted to try my hardest to insulate myself from any criticism, by picking a breathtaking dress. But I fell absolutely in love with a normal, non-exciting wedding dress, and that's ok! Everyone is going to think I'm beautiful etc. and be happy for me on the day. Because I'm getting married to the love of my life!! How can that not be breathtaking in and of itself?"

How To Get the Perfect Fit

Buying a bridesmaids dress is different that buying literally any other article of clothing that you have in your closet. There are measurements, size charts, and a whole host of other things that can make the process somewhat intimidating for bridesmaids. 

Want to know how sizing works? What should you know before placing your order?

We're here with answers!

Photo by Elizabeth Haase Photography

Why Can't I Order my Normal Dress Size?

Bridesmaids dresses are not the sized the same as dresses you get at the mall. Because they are sized so differently, a stylist will use your bust, waist and hip measurements to determine the perfect size by that particular designer. Most designers run small, so don't worry if you have to order a larger size than normal. 

Tip: 

Don't use sizing from another wedding as an indication of what size you should order. Unless the dresses are from the same designer and same season, your size will most likely be different. 

What If I'm Measuring Between Sizes?

Don't worry! This happens all the time. Most people don't fit perfectly into pattern measurements sent from a designer. 

Use the largest size you are measuring into to determine which size to order. 

Why Should I Go With the Largest Size?

Bridesmaids dresses often are made from delicate fabrics and have very little seam allowance, which means they are difficult to let out. If a dress comes in and it is too large, it is easy for a seamstress to take in a gown. If a dress is too small, you have less options and run the risk of having to order an entirely new dress for the wedding. 

What If I Plan on Loosing Weight?

We know that brides and bridesmaids alike want to be in the best shape they can be for the wedding. However, bridesmaids dresses need to be ordered at least 6-months before the wedding. We always recommend ordering the size you are currently and then having it tailored according to your weight loss in the few months it takes to arrive. After all, losing pounds doesn't always equal losing inches.

I'm Scared of My Dress Being WAY Too Big!

You should know ahead of time approximately how large a dress will be in certain areas when it arrives. Seamstresses can take a dress in up to 4 sizes, which is a lot. Sometimes a dress that is a couple inches large feels really, really big, but is not any more work (or money) to alter. 

Why Should I Listen To My Stylist?

You stylist will help you find the size that will work best for you. After all, we want you to be happy with the dress that you get! We do error on the side of caution when it comes to the sizes we recommend, but that's because we've seen the horror stories of dresses being too small, and we don't want that to be you! Any recommendations are because we are looking out for you and want you to have the best fit possible. 

Any Other Questions?

Check out our Bridesmaids Ordering FAQ's  

5 Bridesmaids Myths

No matter how many times you've been a bridesmaid in other people's weddings, planning your own wedding is never easy - especially when it comes to your bridesmaids. After all, trends, expectations, and traditions change from year to year. Mix that with your family members and sometimes it can get messy. 

There are certain things our stylists hear all the time from brides about their bridal parties, and we'd like to put some of the most popular myths to rest.

Myth #1: 

You need to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

It's easy to see why this is repeated over and over. There is a certain symmetry when the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is equal. If you end up having the same number in each party on each side, that's great! 

The truth is, it's not at all necessary to add unwanted people (or nix your favorite friends) just because of a numbers game. If your groom has only two best friends and you want to include all of your sorority sisters, there's no need to force a compromise. Your photos may not be symmetrical, but they'll include all of the people that you love. At the end of the day, which is more important?

Myth #2: 

You can only have ONE Maid of Honor

Being a Maid of Honor is a coveted position. However, if you have two ladies who are equally important to you, there is nothing wrong with honoring them both. This is especially important if you have lots of family obligations when it comes to your bridal party. Having two Maids' of Honor allows you to include a family member and a close friend who has been like family to you. It's a Win-Win!

Myth #3

You "have" to include certain people in your bridal party

Everyone's family dynamics are different. With that said, your wedding day (and the events leading up to it) should be filled with people who bring you joy. If those people do not include close family members, there's nothing wrong with that! As long as they get an invite, they should still feel included in the day. 

Similarly, your wedding photos are going to be around longer than some of your friendships are. If you are a bride who only wants family members standing up with you, don't be afraid to put your foot down! It doesn't matter if you stood up in your friends wedding 5 years ago (and she expects you to return the favor) - having only family members is your right as a bride. 

Myth #4

Your bridesmaids should pick out their own dresses & their opinion should come first

We have amazing brides who want their bridesmaids to feel 100% comfortable at their wedding. This often means putting all of the bridesmaids dress decisions in the hands of their bridesmaids. While this is a great gesture, if your bridesmaids only want you to be happy and you only want them to be happy, everyone gets stuck in a circle of indecision. And often, in the end, no one is happy. 

If you have a specific idea in mind for your wedding, don't be afraid to let your bridesmaids know what it is! It's easy to choose dresses that look great on lots of different body types, allowing everyone to be comfortable while wearing a look you, the bride, love. 

Myth #5

Your bridesmaids have to wear their dress again

We have tons of adorable styles in store that are right on-trend in the fashion world. However, as a bride, you shouldn't be shopping for an imaginary event where your friend might need a gown. Shop for the event that is happening right now: your wedding! If you end on a fashion-forward look (our stylists can help you find one!) that's great. If it ends up hanging in their closet, we promise you'll still remain friends. 

Click Here to Shop Miss Ruby Bridesmaids

The Best Kept Secret In Bridal...

Weddings are expensive. Even brides with the strictest budgets are swayed to spend more when paging or pinning through a list of "must-haves." 

The secret to saving literally THOUSANDS on your bridal look? 

The Answer: 

Buy Your Bridal Gown Off-The-Rack

This tactic has been given a bad reputation. But it's actually a great way to save money!  Your gown will be just as special & beautiful as placing an order for a gown! 

- Allow us to address some common misconceptions - 

Myth: 

If a boutique wants to sell a dress off-the-rack, there must be something wrong with it. 

Reality: 

Small boutiques (like Miss Ruby Boutique) are required to order a certain number of styles each season. When our number of gowns grow, we need to make room for them. It's that simple. Sometimes even a brand new gown with a full, ballgown skirt will be marked down just because it takes up lots of space, as crazy as that sounds. 

Myth: 

Ordering a Bridal Gown means it must be on-trend. Off-the-rack styles are all out of date. 

Reality: 

Brides every day order gowns that are several seasons old. During our Flash Sale, we have so many of off-the-rack styles that have only been in the boutique for a few months. What "season" the dress is from should have nothing to do with whether or not your love the style. 

Myth: 

Buying a gown off-the-rack means that it is "used"

Reality: 

Any piece of clothing you have ever purchased from a store has been tried on before. All buying an off-the-rack style means is that a bride has put it on in a fitting room and taken it off, just like nearly all the clothes hanging in your closet. 

The best time to capitalize on this kind of bargain?

Visit a boutique during a Sale!

What is a Miss Ruby Flash Sale?

During our special Sale dates, every dress in the boutique is marked down and priced to sell off-the-rack. Smart shoppers take advantage of this opportunity, as it allows them to buy a gown they wouldn't normally have been able to afford for a price that often comes in under budget. 

Do These Gowns Need Any Special Alterations or Care?

Yes & No. Our off-the-rack gowns range in size from size 8 - size 12, with a small number of gowns ranging from size 18 - size 24. If a gown is too large on you, a seamstress can always take it in up to 4 dress sizes quite easily, and it won't cost much more than normal alterations.

What Do I Need to Know Before Shopping A Flash Sale?

Come ready to buy. Seriously. We don't say this to sound pushy, we say this because this is an event that is full of other brides who are ready to buy. Almost every time a bride says "I need to think about it," her dream gown is gone when she comes back later that day to say "YES!" 

Ready to Find the Dress of your Dreams For a Fraction of the Cost?

Click here to Schedule Your Appointment for our Flash Sale

- Friday, December 8 - 

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!