Brilliant bridal underwear for every style of dress

When finding your dream dress is a top priority, what to wear under a wedding dress can often be overlooked or left to the last minute. And, as much as we all adore lovely dainty lingerie, you’ll want your bridal underwear to be discreet and super supportive. It’s important to get your wedding dress underwear right from the start, as wearing the proper underpinnings when you're in the fitting room will give you a more accurate picture of how you’ll look walking down the aisle. For example, if you try on a strapless gown with bra straps on show, it just won’t look right and it won't help you to visualise how you’ll look and feel on the big day. So consider the types of dresses you want to try on before you shop, whether that’s strapless or backless, fitted or flared. This will also help our bridal advisors to give you the very best advice. They’ll be in the changing room too, helping you in and out of dresses and offering suggestions. They really won’t mind what you wear but it will certainly make their job easier if you’ve planned your pants! So here’s how to get your bridal underwear under control, with our top tips for perfecting what lies beneath…

Underwear for… a strapless dress

If your dream dress is a stunning strapless gown, such as our curve-flattering Serena dress below, it’s important to get the support that suits your body type. Remember, even if a strapless gown has boning and bust cups in the bodice it’s not a corset or a substitute for a properly supportive bra. Without the right support, you’ll be constantly pulling up your dress – not the most elegant way to spend your wedding day!

A strapless bra is an obvious choice, although another option is a bustier or a long-line bra, which will nip in your waist and support your bust. These will also have padding in the cups and extra boning. For bigger busts that need more support, clear bra straps may be the best option. In which case, consider adding some lace straps  to your dress to hide them – they're both pretty and practical

Underwear for… a plunging neckline

If ‘the one’ for you has a super sexy plunge neckline, there are plenty of great underwear options on the high street. Most of these will give good support and subtle cleavage while remaining invisible. For example, an ultimate plunge bra with lightly padded cups gives great support and has a push-up effect. It’s the perfect companion for a low-cut neckline. Alternatively, a low-cut bodysuit might work instead and will also help to smooth out your silhouette.

Underwear for… a backless dress

Give your walk down the aisle some real wow factor with a dress with a statement back. It’s a fabulous way to reveal a little skin without overdoing it. A stick-on or backless bra will do the trick here but is best suited to brides with smaller busts. Alternatively, a multiway bra with a low back converter will be invisible and give more support if it’s needed.

Underwear for… a sheath dress

To keep things smooth, especially if you’re in love with a slinky sheath style, choose shapewear with seamless cotton or flat lace. Nude underwear is a good choice, as it looks almost invisible. Make sure your undergarments end near where your dress flares out, so there’s no chance of lines. And remember, shapewear can make trips to the bathroom tricky. So have a plan with your besties for when you need to pay a visit!

Underwear for… mermaid / fishtail dress

Mermaid and fishtail wedding dresses fit closely to the body before flaring out. Both of these types of gowns create a gorgeous silhouette by adding and minimising curves in all the right places. However, because they’re fitted, it’s important to find the right bridal underwear to avoid visible lines and keep everything looking smooth. Shapewear, such as Spanx or bodysuits, will smooth everything out and there’s a large variety available with varying levels of coverage. As before, look for undergarments that end near where your dress starts to flare out or ones with a thong cut to avoid lines. Comfort is key though, so if you aren’t used to wearing thong underwear your wedding day is not the day to start.

Underwear for… an A-line or ball gown dress

A-line and ballgown styles are super popular because they’re flattering on everyone. As they flare out from the waist they’re also good for hiding most kinds of bridal underwear. Depending on the style of your dress you might even be able to wear sexy lingerie, such as corsets, garters and stockings. Although, if it won’t be comfortable all day long it’s probably best saved for the honeymoon!

Underwear for… dancing in!

Finally, remember that on your wedding day there will be lots of moving around. You’ll be getting in and out of cars, sitting down for dinner and dancing that all-important first dance. So, when trying on your bridal underwear and your dress, remember to get moving. Try jumping and dancing around to see how much support you have and whether you think more is needed. Ultimately, the bridal underwear you choose is entirely up to you, but something that makes you feel comfortable and supported is key. And don’t forget, while your daytime underwear probably needs to be pretty but practical, you can always splash out on a dainty second set for the wedding night - one that’s all about fun and frolics! Click here to find your dream dress. Try on your favourites and get expert advice on the right bridal underwear at your nearest WED2B store. For more inspiration head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter