The Best Bridal Underwear for 2019
Struggling to choose the most important lingerie of your life? Here, we give you our top tips for choosing bridal underwear and whittle down the prettiest sets for this year
There’s much more to bridal lingerie than something blue and a frilly bridal garter. If you want the wedding dress which you spent weeks choosing to look beautiful, you’ll need to find bridal lingerie that works underneath it.
Whether you’re all for comfort and practical shapewear or you’re dreaming of something more frivolous, you need to know that the set you choose won’t let you down. No-one wants unsightly bra straps peeping out the side of your wedding dress in pictures, but you will want to feel supported and stylish.
To help you choose the best bridal underwear you possibly can, we’ve answered all of your FAQs and curated a beautiful edit of all the best underwear for brides-to-be. From fabulous nightwear to lace bras, suspender belts and thongs that’ll ensure you avoid the dreaded VPL, here’s the best wedding underwear of 2019.
READ MORE: How to Choose a Wedding Dress
The Best Bridal Underwear
1. Bluebella Rowan Ivory Bra & High Waist Thong – £38 & £18
Just how stunning is the Rowan set by our favourite lingerie brand of the moment, Bluebella?
The Rowan bra is a strong, statement piece – perfect for the modern bride. The superfine mesh will be silky, smooth and comfortable against your body while the framed cut-outs and slim strapping are two super-sexy details. We’re also huge fans of the double under band which adds a welcome cage-effect to the piece.
The Rowan high waist thong is equally as stunning. The high-waist cut is universally flattering and the double waist-band creates a cut-out framing effect on the hips while also sculpting the waist. You’ll love this lingerie set on your wedding night and every other to follow.
2. Agent Provocateur Laurelie Balconette Underwired Bra – £145
Okay, this one might be a bit of a splurge, but we couldn’t not include the stunning Laurelie Balconette Bra by lingerie powerhouse Agent Provocateur.
This retro-inspired piece would be perfect for brides who feel like they were been born into the wrong era. It features all-over broderie anglaise embroidery, scalloped ribbon detailing and straps to the under-bust. Oh, and did we mention that gorgeous little flash of lime green? What a lovely addition.
READ MORE: The Dos & Don’ts of Wedding Dress Shopping with David Emanuel
3. Boux Avenue Paige Longline Bra – £36
How pretty is this longline bra by Boux Avenue? It’s bestselling for good reason. Thanks to its scalloped edging and absence of boning for ultimate comfort, this is the perfect wedding day bra.
Pick up the Paige mesh thong which will look fabulous with it.
4. Bluebella Emerson Ivory Bra & Thong – £36 & £18
If you’re on the hunt for wedding night lingerie which is seductive yet playful, the Emerson Ivory Bra by Bluebella could not be a better choice. The lace bra is open-cup, where soft elasticated strapping creates a directional caged effect. The lace nipple coverings add a touch of femininity.
The Emerson bra looks fabulous paired with the Emerson Ivory Thong which features lace panels on the front and back. This set is so luxurious.
5. Boux Avenue Esther Satin High-Waisted Briefs – £18
High-waisted briefs are endlessly flattering and comfortable, so if you fancy wearing some on your wedding day, this pretty pair by Boux Avenue could be just for you.
They have a satin front, silky mesh back and sexy lace panels to the hips. They’ve also been finished off with a delicate ribbon bow and would look beautiful paired with whichever bra you choose.
6. Bluebella Julienne Pale Pink Bra & Brief – £38 & £16
Who said your bridal lingerie needs to be ivory? The Julienne Bra by Bluebella comes in a refreshing pale pink shade which would work perfectly as a pop of colour underneath your wedding dress.
It’s a very pretty bra with a contemporary edge, and combines soft mesh and elegant applique detailing with strapping and cut-outs.
This bra looks perfect paired with the brief from the same range, which not only features strapping and lace details but a cut-out on the reverse. This set would be a stylish addition to your lingerie wardrobe.
7. Boux Avenue Samantha Full Support Plunge Bra – £34
Ladies with larger busts should consider the flattering and supportive Samantha bra by Boux Avenue. It has been designed in ivory, perfect for underneath your wedding dress, and has padded cups to give you the ultimate cleavage. The Samantha thong is this bra’s perfect companion.
This bra also comes in black, navy, blush and dusky pink, should you want to treat yourself to one in every colour for your first few months as a newlywed…
READ MORE: 25 Unique Date Ideas for Newlyweds
8. Bluebella London White Bra & Thong – £36 & £14
Brides getting married in the capital can pay homage to their wedding location by choosing the modern and effortless London Bra by Bluebella. It just screams city cool girl.
Diagonal strapping runs over fine mesh cups, while an open side and back contributes to the directional cage-effect look. This piece is finished off with gorgeous rose gold hardware which we totally love.
Treat yourself to the matching London Thong in white, where geometric shapes lead to two provocative cut-outs and a sexy double waist-band. What’s not to love?
READ MORE: The Ultimate Rose Gold Wedding Guide
9. Boux Avenue Tori Lace Body – £40
If you’d feel more comfortable in a body on your wedding day, this lovely design by Boux Avenue might be the one. It would look sleek and streamlined under a whole host of wedding dress styles.
We love the two-tone nude lace detail which is totally seductive, as well as the striking V-front lace panel and peek-a-boo back. There are so many sexy details to this body which make it endlessly alluring. You and your partner will adore it.
10. Topshop Lace Triangle Bra – £12
Brides on the hunt for something nude and simple will love this understated triangle bra by Topshop.
Not only is it an absolute bargain at £12, but it looks super comfortable and will appear invisible under most wedding dresses with wide straps.
11. H&M Strapless Super Push-Up Bra – £19.99
Lots of wedding dresses require a seamless nude bra to ensure your underwear doesn’t show.
If that sounds like yours, this microfibre push-up bra with moulded, thickly padded cups by H&M will be the answer to your prayers. It is comfortable, has detachable straps and has a silicone trim to hold the bra in place. No straps and no slipping. Result.
12. Bravissimo Gossard Superboost Lace Bralette – £37
Brides with bigger busts will be eternally thankful for Bravissimo’s Superboost Lace Bralette. It is front fastening and gives a natural shape with light support.
We love that this bra has a deep plunge to the front, perfect if you’re wearing a V-neck dress. The racer-back and pretty lace detailing are such lovely additions.
13. Rigby & Peller Tom Padded Bra – £80
Rigby & Peller are among the best lingerie stylists in London, and their Tom Padded Bra reminds us why we fell in love with the brand in the first place.
With multi-way straps, this is the perfect t-shirt bra to be worn under a whole range of dress styles – even a halterneck wedding dress! We love the scalloped detailing to the straps.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Dress Boutiques in London
14. Rigby & Peller Dahlia Balcony Bra – £115
This Rigby & Peller bra is a total eye-catcher – perfect for your wedding day, honeymoon and every romantic occasion afterwards.
Created in a balconette shape, it is reminiscent of the classic corset and features catwalk-inspired floral embroidery. With a touch of retro and a whole lot of sensuality and glamour, this bra creates the perfect shape and a sexy cleavage.
15. Rigby & Peller Turqueta Underwired Bra – £115
Look pretty in pink on your wedding in the Turqueta bra by Rigby & Peller. It is crafted from a beautiful elasticated lace with a sumptuous floral pattern, and in the absence of padding, transparent tulle offers a touch of extra support. We love these lacy hot pants to match.
If a pink bra would show up underneath your wedding dress, you could always change into this set later on in the day!
16. Rosie by Autograph Spot Mesh & Lace Padded Plunge Bra – £25
The Rosie for Autograph lingerie line, available at Marks & Spencer, is an absolute fail-safe choice for your bridal underwear.
If ivory isn’t really your thing, this stunning lace plunge bra is mint green would be the perfect, subtle pop of colour. Ornate lace detailing covers the cups and breast while sheer fabric sweeps under the cups for a truly special finishing touch.
Get your hands on the matching thong while you’re at it and you’ve got yourself a really special wedding day lingerie set. The set is also available in white.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Countdown
17. Agent Provocateur Lace and Mesh Suspender Belt – £98
Your powers of seduction just got a whole lot stronger thanks to this stunning suspender belt by Agent Provocateur.
Made as a finishing touch to the gorgeous bra and thong in the same range, this transparent mesh piece sits flatteringly high on the waist and sculpts your figure. The perfect wedding night accessory.
18. Palindrome Sugar Satin & Lace Soft Cut Triangle Bra – £55
For your “something blue” choose this stunning sugar satin triangle bra by Palindrome. Inspired by vintage styling, the triangle cups are adorned in swirling floral lace and supported by a sleek satin under-band. We’re pretty obsessed, and thanks to its pale hue, it would be invisible under most wedding dresses.
The matching thong is equally as gorgeous.
READ MORE: 23 Unique Ways to Include the “Something Blue” Tradition in Your Big Day
19. DKNY Classic Unlined Lace Underwired Bra – £45
DKNY have delivered with this sensual yet understated lace bra. It is perfect for the elegant bride and features sheer lace with underwiring for support.
Paired with the matching briefs, this piece is comfortable, easy on the eye and won’t break the bank.
20. Simon Pérèle Saga Lace Half-Cup Bra – £79
Inspired by the Parisian label’s archive silhouettes, this half-cup bra from Simone Pérèle is the perfect piece for your wedding night and honeymoon.
Suspended by adjustable shoulder straps, the haute couture silhouette provides modest coverage with a natural lift. The star of the show here has got to be the cut-out detail at the front which is a sensual finishing touch.
READ MORE: The Hottest Pinterest Wedding Trends of 2019
21. Myla Mayflower Road Mesh Soft Bra – £115
Brides with smaller busts will love Myla’s dreamy triangle bra.
Every piece in the Mayflower Road collection is embroidered with yellow dandelion seeds that seem to be floating in the wind. It is the perfect nod towards your wedding season if you’re getting married in the spring.
This bra is best paired with these lovely matching briefs.
22. Passionata Holala Lace Plunge Bra – £25
The thing we love most about Passionata underwear is that it looks endlessly more expensive than it actually is.
The Holala collection is as exotic as it sounds, and we’re huge fans of the geometric lace which adorns the cups of the Holala plunge bra. Designed with a V-neck for maximum support (and flexibility when it comes to wearing under your wedding dress), it features soft cups and is finished with adjustable straps.
23. Boohoo Plus Lace Stripe Set – £18
If you’re on the hunt for bridal lingerie on a budget, check out Boohoo’s beautiful lace stripe set. Also available in black, both the bra and thong are adorned with eyelash lace for a sexy yet feminine finish.
At just £18 for both pieces, who could say no?
READ MORE: How to Plan a Wedding for £3000
24. Boohoo Strapping Peek-a-Boo Set – £14
Brides looking for something which is provocative and sexy in equal measures will adore the peek-a-boo style bra and thong set by Boohoo.
Not only is it only £14 (we can’t believe it either), but it’s minimal enough to be totally hidden under your wedding dress.
25. Lepel Fiore Padded Plunge Body – £31
Brides dreaming of donning a body underneath their wedding dress will love the sleek and sexy pale pink padded plunge body by Lepel.
Not only will it enhance your figure and have you feeling slender and secure, but the lace detailing around the cups and hips is so pretty. We love!
26. Jenny Packham Ivory Lace Underwired Balcony Bra – £30
This balcony bra by Jenny Packham just screams wedding night. It is strapless, making it perfect for brides wearing a strapless or bardot wedding dress.
Treat yourself to the suspender belt and ivory thong at the same time to complete the look.
The Best Bridal Nightwear
27. Bluebella Sofia Chemise & Brief Set in Ivory – £32
We’re head over heels in love with the light and elegant Sofia chemise by Bluebella, which has been crafted in a sheer fabric with intricate lace detailing. The chemise flows in an A-line shape and has an open front which is secured by a gold clasp.
Thanks to the addition of the bikini-cut briefs, this set is not only super pretty but will have you feeling a million dollars on your wedding night and honeymoon too.
28. Bluebella Sarina Cami & Short Set in Ivory – £36
If you’re a lover of all things monochrome, treat yourself to the modern Sarina cami and short set by Bluebella.
Contrasting lace appliques elevate this otherwise simple satin cami. Slender straps are doubled at the front of the top and the matching shorts are a simple and chic design. This is a perfect, modern loungewear set which will have you feeling fab on your wedding night.
29. Boux Avenue Meghan Satin Cami Set – £35
On the hunt for your “something blue”? This beautiful satin cami nightwear set is the perfect way of incorporating the tradition into your wedding wardrobe.
It is dreamy and romantic and features a pretty lace trim, flattering V-neck and adjustable straps. Snap it up before every other bride does!
30. Bluebella Lysette Teddy in Ivory – £36
Say hello to the Lysette teddy by Bluebella, a light and flowing one-piece. Soft mesh forms the main body of the design and satin fabric covers it, attached only to the top hem. This means that when you’re moving around, the mesh will be revealed – a detail that we love.
The delicate eyelash lace which runs along the neckline adds a welcome textural contrast. We think we might be in love.
31. Eberjey Colette Jersey & Stretch-Lace Chemise – £90
The Colette Chemise by Eberjay has honeycomb and floral-patterned lace blended with a hint of stretch to shape the bust and empire line.
Fluid jersey pleats at the waist and fall just above the knee, creating a relaxed silhouette with a distinct boudoir feel. This piece is wedding night perfection.
32. Boohoo Eyelash Lace Trim Cami & Short Set – £15
Boohoo rule the bargain bridal accessory roost, and this eyelash lace trim cami and short set affirms our love for them.
In pretty pale pink, it would be perfect on your honeymoon and wedding night – and it’s only £15!
33. The Collection White Spot Mesh Teddy – £26
This teddy from The Collection is an elegant choice for your wedding night.
Crafted in soft spotted mesh, it’s trimmed with feminine frills and fitted with an elasticated waistband for a flattering yet comfortable fit.
How Important is Bridal Underwear?
Bridal lingerie is crucial, because it won’t just make you feel amazing but it’ll also affect the way your dress looks.
You shouldn’t have any visible panty lines or bra straps, and you should choose something which makes you feel more confident than ever.
READ MORE: How to Plan a Wedding When You Suffer from Anxiety
Does Bridal Underwear Have to be White?
Not at all! There’s no reason why your bridal lingerie has to be white. Most brides aim to match the colour of their dress, whether that’s white, ivory or a pastel shade. If that doesn’t suit, you might wish to choose lingerie in a secondary colour, like the colour of your flowers or bridesmaid dresses.
Just remember, you’ve got to consider the material of your wedding dress. If anything darker than white or nude would be visible through the fabric, steer clear of such shades. Bright white can also be visible through some fabrics, so opt for ivory if you’d rather avoid practical but less glamorous nude.
What Kind of Bra Do You Wear with a Wedding Dress?
Image: Damian Burcher
The choices are endless, and the type of bra you wear underneath your wedding dress will depend on your shape, wedding dress style and preference.
If your dress has a low or keyhole neckline, a plunge bra will stay out of sight and out of mind. If your dress is backless, you’ll need an adhesive bra (the most invisible of them all!) or a convertible bra (which can also cater for sleeveless, one-shoulder, crisscross or halterneck dresses). Strapless bras are great for strapless dresses while bustiers are perfect if you’re wanting to cinch your waist and boost your bust at the same time. Oh, and don’t forget – if you feel comfortable not wearing a bra at all then that is fine, too!
READ MORE: How to Choose a Wedding Dress
Do You Wear Shapewear Under Your Wedding Dress?
Image: Josie Hooper
Before you go ahead with purchasing shapewear, you should consider how comfortable and practical it will be on the big day. Shapewear can be slightly restrictive and might make sitting down or going to the toilet a bit of a nightmare.
That said, if you’ve got your heart set on a slinky satin gown then shapewear could be the perfect solution to create a smooth, sexy silhouette. It can make you feel secure under your dress… just remember to change into something sexier later on! This leads us onto our next point…
Do I Just Need One Set of Underwear for my Wedding Day?
Image: Josie Hooper
If you’re wearing something practical and comfortable during the day, it might be a nice idea to change into something different for your wedding night. Doing so will allow you to choose a special set without worrying about ruffles being seen or lace straps popping out of your dress.
READ MORE: 23 Stylish Venues with Accommodation
Do I Buy My Wedding Dress or Bridal Underwear First?
Image: Martin Slater
You should definitely buy your wedding dress before your bridal lingerie as you cannot guarantee the style you’ll need before the dress has been chosen. When you go wedding dress shopping, you should wear a nude bra and nude thong, as they’ll work with most styles.
Once you’ve purchased your wedding dress, buy your lingerie ready to take to your fittings. That’ll enable you to see exactly how everything looks when worn together. Oh, and don’t worry if your dress has a particularly tricky neckline… most dress makers will be able to look at sewing your lingerie into your dress!
READ MORE: Stacking Rings are the New Bridal Jewellery Trend You Need to Know About
Now you’ve chosen your bridal lingerie, you and your girls will need dressing gowns or pyjamas to get ready in! They make your first pics so much for Instagrammable. Click here for our round-up of the best bride squad robes for every budget.
