Ah, that burning question that everyone wants to ask (or Google search), but no one really wants to discuss: What to wear under your wedding dress? You know you’re wondering. Is it required that I wear the corset and bustier, plus all of that shapewear? Or can I get away with just a comfortable bra and pair of panties like any other day? Let’s just say the answers are as unique as your dress!

Erin Johnson Photography

What to wear under your wedding dress depends on the dress!

While we’d all love to take a pair of sewing shears to that girdle-in-disguise they call shapewear, let’s be practical for a moment. Some dresses, and some occasions, call for basic foundations that you shouldn’t avoid. If your ceremony is in a church, you should probably find bridal undergarments with full coverage (you wouldn’t want to shock the nuns). If you chose a form-fitting gown, you may want to invest in tummy-slimming undergarments, so you can indulge in your cake at the reception without popping the buttons off the dress. Wedding Spanx, anyone?

Pairing Your Gown with the Proper Undergarments

Strapless: A supportive, non-slip strapless bra will keep you from yanking up your dress every ten minutes on the dance floor. An even better option would be a strapless corset bra. Backless: A very adhesive sticky bra is the way to go. Don’t go for the cheapest option on this one; you want to make sure it will stick, even if you sweat. Form-Fitting: Find shapewear (Spanx, for example) that tucks in that pesky lower tummy. If your dress is snug around your hips and thighs, find shapewear that starts at your natural waist and extends just above the knees. Make sure you try it on with your dress before the big day to check for any visible seams. Deep-V: Search for a bra that has a cutout in the front, designed specifically for low necklines. Make sure that you are still supported on the sides to make up for the lack of center support. Fit-and-Flare: There are bridal undergarments that give your butt a boost. Something to consider, right? Ball Gown: If you have a skirt that needs support, shop for a hoop or slip. Add a pop of color with one of our pink or blue crinoline slips. Finally, if you want to make it easier on yourself, ask your seamstress to sew cups into your dress! You may still need lower-body shapewear, but you won’t have to worry about a bra.

Fit comes before fashion.

Do yourself a favor and get professionally fitted at a well-respected lingerie boutique: it’s worth it. Once you know your size, you can find affordable bridal undergarments at the Wedding Shoppe. Consider where and when you’re getting married too. Don’t choose that lace-up corset that keeps you from breathing if you’re getting married in a field in July. It’s just not practical, and you don’t want to spend your big day swooning from the heat. Alternately, you should feel like your dress and undergarments are secure and fit well. A bustier that’s too big will sag and you’ll constantly be adjusting yourself. Or undergarments that are too small will dig into your flesh. Ouch! A perfect fit will make you even more confident on the big day.

Bring your bridal undergarments to every alteration.

If you choose to wear wedding Spanx, a bustier, or any other undergarment, wear those items to your alteration appointments. It’s vitally important that your seamstress sees the shape of your bust in the new bustier, or how skinny your waist is in that (forsaken) girdle.

Do you have tips on what to wear under your wedding dress? Share them in a comment below!