Wedding Underwear Advice To Help You Feel Sleek On Your Big Day

Found The Dress? Now for the lingerie. InStyle's resident bride-to-be Lucy Pavia asked Rigby & Peller lingerie stylist Kelly Dunmore on her tips for picking out just the right set, whether you're plus size or an A-cup.



1) It sounds obvious but... 

"Don't leave it until the last minute! The most common mistake I see with brides is that they think about their lingerie last. Lingerie and your dress need to work hand in hand to achieve that perfect silhouette. You would be surprised how many brides fail to try their lingerie on under their dress until the big day!"

2) Wedding lingerie doesn't have to be white 

"Ivory doesn’t actually compliment all skin tones, and particularly when the ivory tones of the lingerie and the dress simply don’t match, we recommend blush pinks and nudes."


3) Can't find the perfect set? Try made-to-measure

"It is much more affordable then you think! A made-to-measure set is often a great way of getting something which ticks all the boxes and really is something special."



4) Buy two sets instead of one

"Choosing wedding underwear can often be a struggle between functionality and beauty. A quick wardrobe change in the evening can ensure that you have had all of the support of something in the day with the 'wow' piece for the wedding night. Very few brides want the grand reveal on their wedding night to be shapewear!"

5) Match your underwear to the cut of the dress

"VPLs are one of a lingerie stylist's worst nightmares! I often advise that brides choose pieces which work with the cut of their dress, so for example if you have a slinky fishtail I would suggest shorts, or if you have something nipped in at the waist go high waisted. It is all about following the line of the dress and ensuring that pieces can’t be seen under certain lights. Of course for really slinky dresses – it's probably simplest to forgo everything!"

 6) If you want to make your waist look smaller...

"A waist clincher by Spanx (skinny britches) is perfect, it is silk so it's a really pretty-looking shapewear option. It is, however, boned so you need to be mindful as to whether this works with your wedding dress. Though any type of basque is designed to pull you in at the waist and flatten the tummy."






7) If you're feeling self-conscious about your tummy...

"Again the waist clincher by Spanx and a basque will help on the big day. However, many brides forget flattering looks for honeymoon! Here the resurgence on the runway of the swimming costume has really helped – Brazilian brand Lenny Niemeyer has some stunning pieces, as does Lazul, Maryan Mehlhorn and of course Gottex."




8) If you have a big bust... 

"The Maire Jo Jane strapless (or the same style in a basque) are very popular for B-D cups due to the beautiful lace detail and the matching bottoms (you can have a thing, a brief or a full brief).  For a fuller cup size, Empreinte’s Melody is a big hit. This season we’ve introduced a beautiful new Spanish bridal brand to our boutiques called Ivette which has been flying out – it really marries bridal catwalk trends with Mediterranean elegance and flair.  And we have an Andres Sarda vintage set arriving this month which we think will be very popular."

9) Still not sure what you need? Book a styling session

"It's worth your while booking in for a lingerie styling session as ultimately, all dresses and brides are different. We do a fun, pampering experience where we can host brides and her bridal parties in our VIP fitting rooms with a few glasses of bubbles."