What Undergarments to Wear With Your Wedding Dress

Many brides overlook the fact that the right undergarments make a world of difference in how they look and feel in their wedding dress. Whether you want to wear some sexy bridal lingerie, a sculpting piece of shape wear, or an extra supportive bra, we will walk you through finding the best undergarments for different wedding dress styles and necklines. 

When To Purchase 

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect undergarments that will enhance the look of your dress. Don’t wait until the last minute to search for what you need. We suggest you start looking for your undergarments soon after your first wedding dress shopping appointment. This way, you will get a better idea of what kind of dresses you like or don’t like and which undergarments go well with each dress style. 

Once you purchase your gown, it’s then time to purchase the undergarments. Purchasing them ahead of time will allow you to bring them to your dress fittings and get a better sense of what needs to be done to the dress if any alterations are needed. 

Undergarments for Sweetheart Necklines and Strapless Dresses

Whether it’s a soft sweetheart, deep sweetheart, or a straight neckline, strapless gowns are one of the most popular styles among brides. With this neckline, you have options when it comes to types of undergarments. 

Depending on how low the back of your neckline is, you can always go for the traditional strapless bra. Make sure the band has a rubber grip along the bottom or top of the bra to ensure it is slip-proof. Additionally, make sure there are multiple rows of hook and eye closures so you can adjust the fit for your body. You want a strapless bra to be slightly tighter on you than a normal strapped version. To make sure it’s not going to slip and slide on your body, be sure to move around in the fitting room to see if it goes anywhere. If you feel like it’s not staying in place, try tightening it. The last thing you want to worry about on your big day is pulling your bra up! If it is on the tightest setting, try sizing down.

If you are a bride with a fuller bust and want extra support, then check out a bustier or corset. The boning will keep everything up and in all the right places. An added bonus, the bustier or corset will smooth out any problem areas you think the dress would show along your mid-section. So no need for additional body shapers! 

Bras For Deep-V or Plunging Necklines

For those gorgeous dresses with the deep-v and plunging necklines, the perfect bra is essential. A nude low-cut bra or bodysuit is great for a deep-v neck. If you are a busty bride who has fallen in love with a dress that has a plunging neckline, don’t rule out this option just because you fear you won’t get adequate support. This plunge bra will give you the support you need without interfering with the style and design of the dress. The low back is perfect because it won’t interfere with a lower back wedding gown. 

If the fabric of your gown is too thin for any of these options, or if your bra will show through cutouts, you may want to try silicone nipple covers or stick-on silicone cups. This will eliminate possible embarrassing moments throughout the night all while keeping the elegance of your dress. 

Another option, if you are feeling adventurous, is to go braless! Just make sure to secure your dress with fabric tape or double sided tape so nothing is moving around. Have plenty of extra tape on hand just in case something happens while you’re busting a move on the dance floor.

Undergarments for Low Back and Backless Wedding Dresses 

If your wedding gown is backless or has an illusion back, these styles don’t often offer support or lift. One of the many benefits of buying your bridal gown from an authorized retailer is that most have an in-house alterations department. You can ask the seamstress about having bra cups sewn into your gown. You will have the additional support and coverage you desire while showcasing that amazing beautiful back of your wedding dress. 

Searching for another option? Adhesive bras are usually nude and lay flat on the skin, so virtually no lines will be visible through the front of the dress. The stylist at the bridal salon you purchased your gown from may have suggestions on where you can get one of these. If they have an in-house seamstress, you may want to ask them about your options as they will have the most knowledge on how to customize your undergarment to fit your beautifully crafted backless, low back, or illusion back dress.

Convertible Bras For Halter Necklines

A strapless or convertible bra is the perfect fit for a halter neckline dress. Creating a halter neckline with the bra strap will help it stay in place all day, without you having to adjust or pull it up. We love the convertible bra by Le Mystere because there are so many options for fit and color. One of the best features is that it comes with detachable straps that can be worn any which way after the wedding. For your wedding day, make sure the strap that you are using is clear so no color will show through the fabric of the dress. 

Some brides also opt for skin tone adhesive cups or simple silicone nipple covers for a worry-free look. We recommend you tape the dress to your skin using double sided or fabric tape. This will give the illusion that the dress is lying flat on your skin, giving you a more flawless look.

Undergarments for Sheath and Column Silhouettes

Sheath wedding dresses are absolutely gorgeous and elegant to wear, but due to their tight fit, they are also the least forgiving. Because they are usually made of thinner fabrics and form-fitting, almost anything you wear underneath will show. Wedding lingerie that you wear may be visible to your guests.

To eliminate discomfort, you want something that will smooth and minimize the areas you are self-conscious about. For dress styles like these, most brides decide to go with bridal shapewear that goes past their knees. This will eliminate lines for a flawless fit.

Final Tips

Before you head out the door to your appointments, we have a few final tips for you. 

• When it comes to bottoms, make sure you choose a fabric and style that won’t show lines through your gown.

• Check your bridal undergarments in natural lighting and with flash photography. While in the store it may seem as though your undergarments are hidden under your dress, different lighting may bring out different shades and colors. Your undergarments may be visible through your dress in different types of light! It is better to have all your bases covered than regret it after your wedding pictures come in. 

• Make sure there is plenty of double sided or fabric tape in the emergency kit your maid-of-honor is in charge of. You never know what may need to be taped down.

Hopefully, this guide will help you find what undergarments to wear under your bridal gown. If you fell in love with a wedding dress from our Val Stefani collection, visit your local authorized Val Stefani retailer to schedule an appointment today.