There is so much focus on choosing the perfect wedding dress for your big day, that many brides forget about what they are going to wear under the dress. Bridal lingerie is a crucial part of your outfit and can make a real difference to the way you look and feel throughout the day, so you should shop for your lingerie well in advance to be sure you have got it just right.
Should I aim for comfort or sex appeal?
When you think about bridal lingerie you might be more concerned with the groom’s reaction on the wedding night than with how comfortable it is going to be. Don’t forget that you will have to wear it all day, however, so there are a few practicalities to consider. You can always buy a sexy nightdress to slip into when you and your new husband get to the honeymoon suite.
Bridal lingerie materials
When you are deciding on the type of material for your bridal lingerie you will need to consider how warm it is going to be. If you are having a mid summer wedding you will want to choose cotton or possibly silk, but synthetic fabrics such as nylon should be avoided. Corsets or bustiers are currently very fashionable wedding undergarments as they can give more definition to your waist and bust, and they are particularly popular in tapestry or satin fabrics.
What colour underwear should I wear?
The colour of your bridal lingerie will depend very much on the colour and material of your wedding dress. You should remember, however, that white underwear is not always the best option, even under a classic white dress, and can often show through. Choosing off-white, ivory or flesh coloured lingerie can prevent your perfect dress being spoiled by glaring underwear.
Where and when to buy your bridal lingerie
It is worth visiting a specialist retailer and having a professional fitting for your wedding underwear. A huge proportion of women regularly wear the wrong size bra and having a professional fitting to get the right size can improve your whole posture and body shape as well as the fit of your dress.
You will need to consider the style of your dress when choosing your underwear and an expert should be able to advise you on this. If you are wearing a strapless or backless dress you will need to find a supportive bra that fits under the dress, particularly if you are well endowed. Even a dress with sleeves may need a particular shape of bra to be sure that the straps do not show and spoil the look of the dress.
If possible you should buy your wedding lingerie in time to take to your dress fitting so you can make sure it doesn’t show. Because you will be wearing your underwear to the fitting you might want to steer clear of anything too raunchy to avoid embarrassing the dress maker.
Choose lingerie that feels right for you
The key to choosing the right wedding underwear is to pick something that makes you feel good. There is no greater boost to your self esteem as you walk down the aisle than knowing you are wearing fantastic lingerie that nobody else is aware of. Choose underwear that suits your personality and body type, and don’t squeeze into something that will make you uncomfortable just because you have a fixed idea of what bridal lingerie should be.
