Bridesmaid Dress Remix: Siri Melody Dress

Siri Melody Dress

White bolero
$135 - bonprixshop.eu

Michael Kors open-toe pumps
couture.zappos.com

Antik Batik jeweled sandals
calypsostbarth.com

Red bag
$240 - fossil.de

Mint necklace
$24 - chelseadoll.co.uk

Henri bendel jewelry
henribendel.com

Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses
neimanmarcus.com

Clear lip gloss
$11 - boots.com

Essie silver nail polish
$19 - thehut.com

Bridesmaids Dresses by Body Type

When it comes to bridesmaids (and women in general), no two are exactly alike - that's why picking one dress that every girl looks good in can sometimes be a challenge. Many brides have chosen to pick a unifying color (rather than dress) and let their bridesmaids pick a dress that flatters their unique body type. Whether you are a bride considering this option, or a bridesmaid looking for the perfect dress, check out which dresses look the best on each body type. The best part? Miss Ruby Boutique carries all the dresses pictured below!

Body Type: Busty

Just as the name implies, busty girls have a lot going on up top. We all know no girl wants to be worried about having a wardrobe malfunction at the wedding, so we always recommend dresses with thick straps and a neckline that enhances your two best features. But remember, before you get your dress, invest in some quality undergarments - they are a must for busty girls!

Dessy 2887

Wtoo 788

Alfred Sung D576

Body Type: Pear Shaped

If your bottom is the biggest part of your body, then you are a "pear-shaped" girl. For these ladies, the trick is finding a dress that accentuates a small waist but also flatters her figure. We recommend a dress with a cinched waist and a fuller skirt. Luckily this 1950's silhouette is back in style and finding a dress that accentuates your features is a breeze!

After Six 6647

Jim Hjelm 5209

Watters 9612

Body Type: Hourglass

Girls with this classic silhouette have the unique advantage of having the most versatile figure to dress. To accentuate an Hourglass figure, the trick is playing up your curves to your advantage. A dress with a v-neckline and a cinched waist will hit you in all the right places and make you look gorgeous!

Alfred Sung D586

Jim Hjelm 5254

Alfred Sung D597

Body Type: Slender

Slender girls have a straight up-and-down body type without too many curves. For this body type, a few more fashion risks can be taken, so we definitely recommend wearing something trendy and modern. Dresses with a peplum won't add any volume in the hips. Also, classic sheath dresses look the best on this body type.

Alfred Sung D522

Jim Hjelm 5150

Alfred Sung D556

all body-type pictures from www.istockphoto.com

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

Tips for Picking Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses

Odds are, if you have a wedding party with two or more bridesmaids, they are not going to be shaped the same, look the same, or possibly have anything in common other than the bride. So how do you pick a dress that's going to look good on all of them? Here is some expert advice on selecting bridesmaids dresses that will make everyone happy:

Select dresses that are flattering on every figure. Like most of the bridal parties we see, sizes and shapes can be very different for each girl. In cases like these we always recommend going with a cut or style of dress that will make every girl look good and feel great about herself.

Thick straps and ruching
near the midsection are
very figure flattering.
Watters #620

We've found that this dress flatters all figures.
Bari Jay #555

Sleeves are a good option for a bridesmaid
who is self-conscious about her arms.
Watters #2251

Choose a color that is complimentary. Similar to the last tip, you want to pick a color that looks amazing on every girl. Neutrals (navy, black, grey) tend to look good on everyone, and almost every dress we sell comes in these colors. If you are looking for brighter colors, warm corals are in style and very flattering.


Having your girls pick their own LBD
will make sure they all feel confident
on the big day!
Alfred Sung D440

Although it isn't technically a
neutral, practically all of our dresses
come in Navy blue.
Alfred Sung D538

If you are worried neutral is too boring,
incorporate pops of color to match your wedding colors!
Jim Hjelm #5254






Let your girls have a say. You may have no idea about some of your bridesmaids insecurities or hesitations. It can be fun to have a day where everyone can get together and make a decision about the dresses they will be wearing. Letting every girl pick their own style of dress lets them show their personalities while still looking uniform.


Mismatched styles and colors give the bridesmaid's look a unique twist.
Photo courtesy of The Short And The Sweet Of It

We are loving the idea of bridesmaids picking different styles, patterns, and textures
but still sticking to a similar color palette.
Photo courtesy of: Pretty Little Weddings

Finally, don't be afraid to be decisive. Letting all of your girls pick their own styles on their own time can be a nice gesture, but can sometimes get overwhelming. Don't be afraid to encourage them to make a decision, place their order by a certain day, or wear the same dress. Ultimately, these girls will probably do anything and wear anything for your special day, so remember to let your own opinions be heard.

Find The PERFECT Gift For Your Bridal Party!

Bridesmaids Gifts –

Through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. No, were not talking about your husband. We’re referring to those equally important people in your life, who will be there to laugh with you, cry with you, and even wear a bright pink dress for you. We’re talking about your bridesmaids.

For all they have done for you in the months preceding the wedding day, an unforgettable bridesmaid’s gift is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Whether you have one or ten bridesmaids, we scoured etsy.com for some affordable and memorable gifts for your girls.

1.     

             A personalized piece of jewelry is a way to make your bridesmaids each feel special on your wedding day. MiNiBelle  has personalized initial monogram necklaces with a freshwater pearl accent. It’s a delicate accessory that will look as great walking down an isle as it will with a casual outfit:

2.        

S       Sticking with the theme of personalization, a unique way to celebrate your friendship is with lilmisskaties Latitude and Longitude leather bracelet. You can personalize the coordinates on each bracelet, allowing you to commemorate the location of your wedding, your hometowns, or the place where you and your friend first met.

3.       If your girls are the kind who prefers a night out on the town over a quiet night in, personalized bar wear doesn’t have to be just for the groomsmen. Engraved wine glasses like the ones from glassgirljen are as useful as they are thoughtful. Pair this with a bottle of your favorite wine and a custom label from casandria for a perfect gift set.

Do you have an idea for a unique bridesmaid gift? Let us know what you’re buying or what went over well at your wedding!