It is not uncommon for my brides to ask me what lingerie they should wear under the wedding dress before buying a wedding dress, but at the latest afterwards.
A perhaps somewhat unusual question for a wedding planner, but what many of you may not know: before I became self-employed, I was a fashion designer specializing in women’s underwear and swimwear. And until I founded my company in 2020, I worked for well-known German companies in the premium segment. Therefore, the question is not quite so far-fetched after all.
Since many brides have the romantic idea of wearing an elaborate corsage or a romantic lingerie set under the wedding dress, the disappointment is often great when I have to burst this dream.
Why this usually doesn’t work, what you can wear under your wedding dress instead and how you still don’t have to do without beautiful lingerie, I’ll tell you in today’s blog post “Wedding dress: what to wear underneath”.
Photographer: Heiko Bauer
Styling: Nicol Gehrmann
Dressing gown: HeyDay Hochzeitshaus
Bride: Julia
Wunschvorstellung und Realität
The idea of many brides is still very romantic and many want an elaborate corsage or a lace bra with matching briefs in white. However, many people are not aware that this wish is simply not combinable with most wedding dresses. But why is that?
The first and quite simple reason is that many wedding dresses have a back neckline that is too low for a normal braThe first and quite simple reason is that many wedding dresses have a back cutout that is too low for a normal bra clasp, so you would always see it. The same goes for corsages. There are a few corsages whose backs are also cut lower. However, this only works up to a certain point, then you reach your limits with the editing.
The fact of not being able to wear a bra makes many women nervous, especially those who have large breasts. However, I can reassure you here: most wedding dresses have reinforcements / boning sewn into the bodice as well as cups that give your chest the necessary support. The cups can then be exchanged and adjusted to your size at the seamstress of your trust, who will make the adjustments to your dress.
My pro tip: if you have a very large breast, there is also the possibility to have your favorite bra sewn into your wedding dress. Of course, this doesn’t work for every dress and you should address it before buying. It is also important that the change is made by a seamstress who is familiar with both wedding dresses and bras. She knows immediately whether she can sew in the bra completely, or whether it is sufficient to use only the cups of the bra.
Another reason is that most fabrics are so delicate that bras, corsages and lace briefs can easily stand out underneath.
And last but not least: it is usually simply uncomfortable to wear lace underwear under a wedding dress.
Photographer: Jonathan S. Borba
Alternative under the wedding dress
On your big day, you should feel comfortable and not have to worry about your lingerie showing under the delicate fabric or the bra pressing under the wedding dress.
Most wedding dresses are made of more layers of fabric than you’re used to. Therefore, a wedding dress is often heavier. That’s why I would forgo lace lingerie on my big day – even though I’m an absolute lingerie lover – and fall back on seamless briefs. If your dress is not transparent, you can use white or a color of your choice. If your dress is transparent, I strongly recommend skin-colored briefs.
“But Lena, such skin-colored panties are horrible. What does it look like when I take off my clothes at night?”
I often hear this sentence. But again, I can reassure you.
Admittedly, the idea of looking irresistible to your partner on your wedding night is of course great. But here you are marrying the person who loves you more than anything and has most likely already seen you quite differently. Therefore, relax and detach yourself from the idea of the perfect wedding night. In most cases, the celebration goes on until the early hours of the morning and you two are just happy to fall into your bed after the long day.
How you don’t have to do without lingerie
If you still don’t want to miss out on beautiful lingerie, you can always buy a great lingerie set and change in the bathroom after you’ve peeled yourself out of your wedding dress.
If you have a separate civil wedding, then this day is also a great opportunity for beautiful lingerie, for example. Most brides opt for a simpler outfit on this day, which may be better combined with a lingerie set.
Alternatively, you can also buy special lingerie for your honeymoon. Here I can recommend you e.g. the sets from Hunkemöller, which are simply top in terms of price performance and look beautiful not only in white. And if you are going to the sea for your honeymoon, Hunkemöller also has the right swimsuit for you.
Result
There are many opportunities in your life for beautiful lingerie – especially after your wedding. However, consider whether one of these occasions really has to be your wedding day and whether the chosen lingerie matches your wedding dress.
The important thing is: You should feel completely comfortable on this special day!
And ladies, let’s be honest: no matter what you’re wearing – you’re beautiful!
Yours Lena
A little trip into the past: this picture was taken in 2014 during the shooting of my Bachelor collection. At that time, the photos were taken by the lovely Daniela Knipper, the model was the beautiful Dinorah Rodriguez. The design, the pattern development including the newly developed technique and material selection are my own.
Do you have any questions about the perfect lingerie under the wedding dress?
Then let me know in the comments or just write me about the contact form.
*This blog post was created in paid cooperation with Hunkemöller.