The Definitive Guide To Picking Out Bridal Lingerie
Once you’ve found your dream outfit, it’s time to tackle another very important task: choosing what you’ll wear underneath it. Indeed, having the right bridal lingerie can complete your look on the big day, so it definitely demands some special consideration.
It’s not just about finding underpinnings that won’t show underneath your outfit — but also about finding ones that will flatter your figure, and make your dress hang on your body as flawlessly as possible. Not to mention, after the guests have gone home and the reception has come to a close, you may be looking for jaw-dropping pieces that will give our new spouse a thrill and kick off your wedding night on a sultry note.
Of course, choosing the right lingerie depends on your unique needs — both in terms of your outfit and your breast size/shape.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about picking out the perfect bridal lingerie for you.
Think seamless
Assuming you don’t want your lingerie to show on your wedding day, you’ll want to look for seamless lingerie in a hue that will disappear under your outfit. This is especially important if the material of your dress or pantsuit is sheer or semi-sheer.
While white lingerie may evoke the most obvious and desirable bridal look, nude and beige are often the most practical hues for bridal lingerie because they’re least likely to show through under a white or ivory outfit.
Obviously, if you’re a non-traditional bride who opted for a dress, pantsuit, or jumpsuit in a different color, you may have more freedom in terms of the color of your lingerie. You might even wear a cobalt, navy, or cerulean set to incorporate “something blue” or a favorite color that complements your features best!
It’s also important to consider the fabric. Clingy materials like silk will show every single bow, seam, embroidery, and buckle, so be sure to look for super simple lingerie with minimal detailing. The texture of lace, for example, will likely show through certain sheer or thin materials.
Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Ivory
Consider the straps.
Without a doubt, one of the most important factors to take into account are the straps (or lack thereof). If your gown has sleeves and a simple neckline, you’ll have a lot more options to choose from. On the other hand, if your dress has no straps, you’ll obviously need a strapless bra that has the right neckline for the dress and can still provide adequate support.
The last thing you want to be worried about is pulling up your bra on your big day — so be sure to find one that’s snug enough in the band. Adhesive tape is one feature to look for, as it can help the strapless bra to stay put.
Backless and low-back dresses and jumpsuits also pose some style challenges. You can either seek out a backless or low-back bra or bustier, or if you’re comfortable going bra-less, consider some nipple covers, pasties, or adhesive cups.
Another option with tricky necklines and strap situations is to have a seamstress sew some cups directly into the bust of your top. This will eliminate the risk of your bra showing while still giving you a bit of coverage and support.
Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Ivory
Let your outfit guide your panty choice.
Your bra isn’t the only thing to think about, of course. You’ll also need to figure out which panties will work best with your outfit. Note that dresses with fuller skirts allow you to be more flexible and adventurous with your panty choice.
On the other hand, if your dress or pants are fitted through the hips and thighs, you’ll need to be a bit more careful with your selection to avoid the dreaded visible panty line. A seamless thong is always the safest bet because it hugs your body and is made to be virtually undetectable under clothing.
Related: Do You Wear A Bra With A Wedding Dress?
Don’t shy away from shapewear.
If it’s really important to you to have a smooth, sculpted silhouette on your wedding day, you may want to look into shapewear. From high-waisted panties to bodysuits and slips, there are so many different kinds of pieces to choose from.
Looking for a sleek look, but don’t want to wear full-on shapewear? A longline bra can smooth out your torso (while also providing extra support for larger busts).
Selecting the perfect shapewear will obviously depend on the cut and fit of your outfit. Most importantly, you’ll want to ensure that it’s comfortable. After all, you’ll be wearing it for hours at a time, and you should be able to breathe and move comfortably throughout the ceremony and reception so that you can fully enjoy the experience.
Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Ivory
Amp up the excitement with a transitional set.
The reality is that the lingerie that works under your wedding outfit may not be the sexiest or most exciting styles you can find. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear something seductive on your wedding night. In fact, many brides opt to have a separate set of lingerie to wear at the reception or to change into after the festivities are over.
So, your best bet may be to opt for practical pieces for your bridal outfit — whether that means shapewear and a seamless nude set or a sticky bra and basic nude brief — and then slip into something more enticing for your wedding night.
Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Ivory
Bring your lingerie to all of your wedding dress fittings.
You may want to wait until after all tailoring has been completed on your wedding dress to invest in your bridal lingerie. That way, you can ensure that the lingerie you buy fits perfectly and doesn’t show. However, if you decide to buy your lingerie earlier in the process, be sure to bring it to all of your dress fittings. At each fitting, take notice of whether the lingerie you selected will still work with your dress as alterations are made. This is also why it’s super important to check on the return/exchange policies for all the lingerie you buy, keep the tags on, and save all receipts. That way, you can easily swap out your lingerie if need be after your dress is tailored.
There’s a lot to factor in while picking out your bridal lingerie, but once you find the perfect solution, you’ll be grateful to have put in the effort. The right lingerie can make or break your look on your big day, after all. Besides, after you’ve picked out your bridal lingerie comes the fun part: shopping for your honeymoon lingerie.
Related: Where To Buy Wedding Lingerie
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
