What Should I Wear Under My Wedding Dress 2023

backless wedding dress lingerie

Finding the perfect wedding dress is often the top priority for brides, but what you wear underneath this beautiful gown is oftentimes forgotten until the last minute. You may think that you want to wear something sexy and delicate, like lacy lingerie, but the truth is that you want to be as comfortable as possible on the big day.

It’s important to remember that there will most likely be several people watching you and helping you get dressed, including relative strangers (such as your wedding photographer) snapping photos of you. You’ll be wearing this exact outfit potentially up to 12 hours or more and you’ll need to be able to use the restroom at some point. So, with all of that in mind, what should you wear under your wedding dress? Here are the best options for each type of wedding dress style.



Strapless Gowns

Strapless bridal gowns are one of the most popular styles of wedding dresses. Whether you choose to go with a sweetheart neckline or a dress that is cut straight across, you’ll need to wear an appropriate bra for support. For smaller chested ladies, you can opt to have your seamstress sew in cups or padded cups for extra support without having to wear a bra.

Many strapless dresses will have boning in the bodice that holds up quite well on its own, so as long as your dress is fitted well, you won’t need to worry about accidentally flashing anyone. Otherwise, you will need to wear a strapless bra that fits well and comfortably underneath the neckline and back of your dress.

sweetheart cut strapless wedding dress

Photo Credit: Kleinfeld Bridal

Another option for strapless gowns is to wear a corset or bustier underneath. These will help cinch your waist while also supporting your bust. One important thing to consider is that many corsets and bustiers have boning to create extra support, which may be uncomfortable to wear underneath a dress that also has boning.

When trying on different undergarments underneath your strapless wedding dress, the most important thing to consider is whether your bust is sufficiently supported. If it isn’t, you’ll be spending the entire day pulling your dress up, which isn’t the most elegant way to spend your wedding day.

When trying them on, try jumping and dancing around to see how much they move around. Buy a bra or bustier that fits well underneath your dress and is comfortable enough to be in for a full day.



strapless bustier under wedding dress

Photo Credit: Kohls

nude strapless bra under wedding dress

Photo Credit: Affinitas

Backless Wedding Dresses and Gowns

Backless wedding dresses have become more and more trendy in recent years, with many different styles ranging in various levels of sexiness. Thankfully, to accommodate for the rising trend in backless clothing, sticky boobs and double sided fashion tape were invented and are fairly easy to find at your local department store.

Adhesive bras are designed to adhere to the front of your breasts so that you can have the comfort of knowing you won’t pop out unexpectedly while simultaneously adding a bit more fullness and lift to your bust.

These are great for backless or low back dresses, but are more appropriate for women with smaller chests. If you are fuller chested and are planning to wear a backless bridal gown, you may want to ask your seamstress to sew in cups for you so that you won’t be totally unsupported.

Or, you can have her sew in a deconstructed bra or a customized bustier or bodysuit for the support without the back showing. Fashion tape is the best way to keep the unsecured sections of your dress secured to your body, like around the back of your dress or on the side of your body.

backless wedding dress lingerie

Photo Credit: Ender Legard

adhesive bra under wedding dress

Photo Credit: Amazon

Plunging Necklines

Low cut wedding dresses add just the right amount of allure and sensuality to a traditional wedding gown. However, a plunging neckline will prevent you from being able to wear a regular bra. You can wear a low cut bodysuit or bra that offers plenty of support to keep everything in place. Bodysuits offer the extra perk of smoothing out your silhouette, but may make it difficult to go to the bathroom in.

Low cut bras are great for plunging necklines, but if your neckline plunges particularly low, you may not be able to find a bra that works with it. If this is the case, you’ll need to ask your bridal salon to sew cups into the dress for you and use a liberal amount of fashion tape to hold your dress down on the big day.

plunging neckline wedding dress

Photo Credit: Ali Express

wedding lingerie underneath dress

Photo Credit: Her Room

deep u bra under wedding dress

Photo Credit: Beauty Treasure

Halter or One Shoulder Wedding Dress

The majority of halter wedding dresses also have a low-cut neckline, while one shoulder dresses usually have higher necklines. If you are wearing a halter wedding dress, you will need to find a strapless or convertible bra that fits well underneath your gown. As with all strapless bras, make sure you find one that fits well by jumping and dancing around in it to see how much it slides around. A convertible bra will come with removable straps so you can either go strapless or halter underneath your dress.

halter lace wedding dress

Photo Credit: OneWed

halter bra what to wear under wedding dress

Photo Credit: Cupid Lingerie

One shoulder dresses will most likely be fine with just a regular strapless bra. When trying on your wedding dress with your undergarments, see how comfortable it feels in terms of tightness and stiffness as well as how well it fits when you move around.

You want your strapless bra to be a bit tighter than a regular bra to accommodate for the lack of straps, but you don’t want it to be so tight that you feel restricted and it creates the unappealing look of back fat.

one shoulder lace wedding dress

Photo Credit: Fox Gown

Mermaid and Trumpet Silhouettes Dress

A mermaid wedding dress is fitted closely to the body from the chest to the knee, then flared out to the hem. A trumpet wedding dress is fitted closely to the body from the chest until the mid thigh, then flared out gradually to the hem. Both of these types of fit and flare bridal gowns are very flattering because they create a gorgeous silhouette by adding and minimizing curves in all the right places.

However, because they are fitted, it is important to find the right undergarments to wear underneath them to avoid panty lines and make everything look smooth.

trumpet mermaid wedding dress

Photo Credit: Alizee Bridal

strapless mermaid wedding dress

Photo Credit: Bella’s Dress

Many brides choose to wear shapewear underneath these types of dresses, such as Spanx or bodysuits. Shapewear smoothes everything out underneath the gown to make everything appear slimmed down and seamless. There is a large variety of shapewear with minimal and maximal coverage, so the type you choose is entirely up to your comfort level and preference.

Keep in mind that if you wear something that ends at the thighs or underneath your butt, there is a chance panty lines will be visible underneath your dress. To avoid this, either find an undergarment that ends near where your dress starts to flare out, or find one with a thong cut to avoid panty lines.

Although shapewear slims and smoothes everything out nicely, a downside is that they make it difficult to use the bathroom. If you are considering wearing some type of shapewear underneath your wedding dress, make sure you have a plan for when you need to use the restroom on your big day.

what to wear under wedding dress spanx

Photo Credit: Spanx

A-Line or Ball Gowns

A-line dresses and ball gown styles are the most popular styles of wedding dresses. They are flattering on everyone and make every bride feel like a princess on her wedding day. Because these types of bridal gowns are flared out from the waist, they are good for hiding nearly any kind of underwear you choose.

You can even sneak your something blue into your undergarments and no one would be able to tell. If your dress is made out of a material that is a little more form-fitting, look for seamless panties so that no one can see what type of underwear you’re wearing underneath. Again, comfort is key here so if you aren’t used to wearing thong underwear, your wedding day is not the day to start.

A-line and ball gown style dresses are accommodating for sexy lingerie, such as corsets, garters and stockings if you feel comfortable wearing that all day. However, we recommend saving that for after the wedding and during the honeymoon!

A line wedding dress

Photo Credit: Victoria’s Wedding

wedding lingerie underneath dress

Photo Credit: Aspirational Bride

Sheath or Column Dresses

Sheath and column wedding dresses are the slinkiest of all wedding dress styles, and they are also typically the least forgiving. It is essential for you to wear seamless undergarments and possibly shapewear if you want to keep things tucked in and smooth underneath your gown.

Bras are generally fairly visible underneath these types of wedding dresses, so your best bet is either to have cups or a bra sewn into your dress or to try an adhesive bra for a more invisible look. Seamless cotton or flat lace underwear will work well underneath sheath dresses, but make sure you try them on together to ensure they truly are seamless.

You may also consider wearing boyshorts or an undergarment that goes down to your knees to make everything look a bit smoother.

sheath column wedding dress

Photo Credit: Alizee Bridal

seamless nude underwear underneath wedding dress

Photo Credit: Zebras Box

Wearing Spanx under wedding Dress

Whether or not to wear Spanx or any form of shapewear under a wedding dress is a personal choice. It depends on individual preferences and the desired look and feel for the day. Some individuals may choose to wear shapewear to enhance their silhouette, provide support, or create a smoother appearance. Shapewear can help with contouring and provide a streamlined look under the dress.

However, it is not a requirement, and many people feel comfortable and confident without wearing Spanx or similar undergarments. It ultimately depends on how the dress fits and how the individual feels in it. It’s important to prioritize your comfort and make choices that align with your personal style and preferences on your wedding day.

Considerations for Plus Size Women

When choosing undergarments for a plus-size woman to wear under their dress, there are specific tips and considerations to keep in mind. Here are five essential tips:

Supportive Undergarments

Opt for undergarments that provide ample support. Look for bras, bustiers, or shapewear with wider straps, reinforced cups, and strong elastic bands. Supportive undergarments help lift and shape the bust, providing a comfortable fit and enhancing your natural curves.

Proper Sizing

It is crucial to wear undergarments that are the correct size. Avoid undergarments that are too tight or too loose, as they can create discomfort, visible lines, or bulges. Get professionally measured and choose undergarments that fit well, ensuring a smooth and flattering silhouette.

High-Quality Shapewear

Consider investing in high-quality shapewear specifically designed for plus-size women. Look for shapewear with targeted compression zones that offer control and smoothing where needed. Choose seamless or low-profile options to minimize any visible lines under your dress.

Breathable Fabrics

Select undergarments made from breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and allow for proper airflow. This helps prevent discomfort and irritation, especially if you’ll be wearing your dress for an extended period. Fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking blends can provide comfort throughout the day.

Comfort and Confidence

Above all, prioritize your comfort and confidence. Choose undergarments that make you feel good about yourself and enhance your self-assurance. Consider your personal preferences and find undergarments that align with your unique style, allowing you to feel beautiful and at ease on your special day.

Remember, every body shape and size is beautiful, and the right undergarments can enhance your natural features and provide the support you need. Embrace your curves and choose undergarments that make you feel fabulous, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience in your dress.

How to choose what to wear under your wedding dress – step by step

Choosing what to wear under your wedding dress can be an important decision to ensure a comfortable and confident bridal experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:

  1. Consider the Dress Style: Examine the style, silhouette, and fabric of your wedding dress. Different dress styles may require specific undergarments to achieve the desired fit and look. For example, a mermaid-style dress may require different undergarments than a ball gown.
  2. Assess Support Needs: Determine if your dress provides enough support on its own or if additional support is required. Consider the neckline, back, and overall structure of the dress. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a supportive bra, bustier, corset, or built-in cups.
  3. Prioritize Comfort: Comfort is crucial on your wedding day. Choose undergarments that you feel at ease in and can wear for an extended period. Look for breathable fabrics, seamless construction, and avoid anything that pinches or restricts your movement.
  4. Seamless and Nude Colors: To ensure your undergarments remain discreet under your dress, opt for seamless styles and nude or skin-tone colors. This helps minimize any visible lines or colors showing through the fabric of your dress.
  5. Try On Options: Visit a bridal boutique or lingerie store and try on different undergarments with your wedding dress. This allows you to assess how they look and feel in combination. Walk, sit, and move around to ensure comfort and that everything stays in place.
  6. Consider Shapewear: If desired, consider shapewear options to create a smoother silhouette or enhance certain areas. Choose shapewear that targets your specific needs, such as tummy control, waist cinching, or thigh shaping. Ensure it fits well without causing discomfort or visible lines.
  7. Bring Accessories and Shoes: When trying on undergarments, bring any accessories, such as your veil or jewelry, and wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps you get a complete picture of how everything works together and ensures the proper fit and length of your dress.
  8. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about the best undergarments for your specific dress, consult with a professional seamstress or bridal consultant. They can offer valuable insights based on their expertise and experience.
  9. Allow for Alterations: Keep in mind that your undergarments may require adjustments or alterations to work seamlessly with your dress. Allow time for any necessary fittings or alterations to ensure a perfect fit and comfort.
  10. Final Dress Fitting: Once you have chosen your undergarments, schedule a final dress fitting with your chosen undergarments to ensure everything works harmoniously together. Make any final adjustments or modifications if needed.

Remember, the most important aspect of choosing undergarments for your wedding dress is that you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful on your special day.

All in all, what you wear under your wedding dress is entirely up to your own personal preference. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, whether it’s something plain or something sexy, is what you should wear. Keep in mind that nude undergarments will be the most invisible underneath your dress, while some white or light colored garments may be slightly visible.

Shapewear may seem like the best option to look your best on your big day, but logistically may not be so convenient when you need to go to the bathroom. And remember, if you want to surprise your partner with something sexy underneath, you can always change into that after the wedding is over.

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