Wedding Undergarments

Wedding Undergarments

by: Carina Koerfer

A woman’s wedding dress is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of clothing she will ever buy; hours and hours go into searching for the perfect dress and accessories to ensure the bride looks perfect on her wedding day. One of the most essential pieces of the puzzle are the undergarments the bride wears under her dress. While they aren’t seen, they do a very important job in making sure the bride looks just as she wants to!



What you wear under your dress is largely dictated by the type of dress you’re wearing:

Strapless/Ball gown – If your goal is to enhance your natural waistline, try wearing a bustier or corset for extra slimming and smoothing. A strapless, seamless bustier will also support and lift your breasts so you don’t have to readjust during your (long) wedding day, and you’ll keep looking sexy!

Mermaid – Choosing a fit and flare means you’re aware of your body shape and want to show it off! You’ll want to flatten your stomach and smooth out your hips, so it’s a good idea to try a high-waisted slimming undergarment. If you wanted, you could even try an undergarment that gives your bottom a boost – nobody has to know, but you’ll look even more fantastic and curvy.

Halter – Halters often have plunging necklines, so you’ll need to find the best halter bra to wear for the best support and comfort.

Sheath – These dresses are often flowy and sometimes a bit sheer. Consider wearing a slip, and avoid bulges by going seamless, which you can do with a full or half slip. Go for a clean silhouette with a slip that works as a body liner.

A-line- This style is flattering on nearly everyone! The natural wide skirt can hid almost everything on your hips, so wear what is comfortable for a long day of walking down the aisle, standing and dancing the night away. Choose the bra that best matches your neckline.

A few other things to remember –

- You don’t have to wear white! Who says you do, anyway?!  Most dresses will have enough fabric to cover a color, so choose a pink, blue, or whatever color you want.

- Consider your undergarments if you are doing a garter toss. You don’t want anyone seeing anything they shouldn’t when you lift up your dress.

- Bring your lingerie to your fittings to ensure it works well with the dress on your wedding day. This also gives you a chance to have any alterations done to complete the look.

- Go all out! Bridal lingerie is functional AND beautiful. It’s your special day – make sure you feel gorgeous in whatever you’re wearing!

Proper Attire

This week I decided to do a post not only relevant to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the required dress code.

We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.

White Tie

Probably the least likely to appear, however nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls, Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and Academy Awards Ceremonies.

Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn

-       Shoes should match the gown

-       Jewelry should be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)

-       Clutch bag

-       Gloves are optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera length

Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid

-       White Vest and Shirt with piqué wing-collared with stiff front

-       White bowtie

-       Gloves should be white or gray

-       Studs and Cufflinks should both be white

-       Finally black dress socks and patent shoes

Black Tie

Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm. Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or galas.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers

-       Formal white pique or pleated front shirt

-       Black bow tie

-       Black cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat

-       Suspenders are optional

-       Black patent leather shoes and black dress socks

-       White pocket handkerchief

Black Tie Optional

When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is usually a clue as to the formality of the event.

Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - A tuxedo

OR

-       Dark Suit with a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie

Creative Black Tie

Although not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy interpretations for the classic formal wear.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

-       Don’t be afraid to get Creative!

Men: - Tuxedo combined with color

-       Black shirt, colorful bowtie and cummerbund

-       Any other creative yet formal combination you can think of

Semiformal

As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples. It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.

Women: - Cocktail dresses

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment your outfit

-       Purse should again be minimal

Men: - Dark business suit

-       Optional matching vest

-       White shirt

-       Conservative tie

Dressy Casual/ Business Casual

One of the most casual types of events one can attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.

Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer

-       Slacks or khakis

-       Open-collared shirt

Beach Casual

As you can most likely infer from the title, it usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that same feeling.

Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors

-       Sandals

-       Minimal Jewelry

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)

-       Knit or Polo shirt

-       Optional Sports Jacket or sweater

I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these different styles?

xox Lauren