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.
NB: We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
The Best Bridal Underwear
1. Emerson Ivory Bra & Thong – Bra £36, Thong £18, Bluebella
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.
2. Fleur du Mal Velvet Lily Embroidered Mesh & Silk Bra & Briefs – Bra £150, Briefs £50, Selfridges
This half-cup bra will sit perfectly underneath low necklines and provide a subtle boost without adding too much volume.
We love the gold tone and touches of silk and velvet that give both the bra and the briefs luxury feel that’s perfect for your wedding day.
READ MORE: How to Choose a Wedding Dress
3. Tom Padded Bra – £80, Rigby & Peller
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
4. ID Sarrieri Embroidered Underwired Stretch Mesh Bra & Thong – Bra £240, Thong £120, Selfridges
Ok, so this set is a little on the spendy side but if it’s luxury you’re looking for, we reckon it doesn’t get more decadent than this golden hued set.
Intricate floral embroidery gives instant bridal vibes, and the adjustable straps mean the bra can be worn underneath a range of dress styles. Of course, at this price, we’d definitely be making sure there’s plenty of time to show it off to our other halves in the bridal suite without the dress too…
5. Dahlia Balcony Bra – £80.50, Rigby & Peller
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.
6. Nova Stretch Lace Suspender Belt – £24, Bluebella
Looking to spice things up on the wedding night? A suspender belt worn with some stockings is a guaranteed way to set hearts racing.
We love this floral take on the suspender belt from Bluebella. It perfectly balances girliness with sexiness, especially when worn with the floral bra and thong.
7. Simon Perele Saga Lace Half-Cup Bra – Bra £79, Briefs £55, Selfridfges
Inspired by the Parisian label’s archive silhouettes, this half-cup bra from Simone Perele along with the matching shorty briefs are perfect 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: 32 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Wedding Dress
8. Spanx Suit Your Fancy Stretch Jersey Thong Body – £132, Selfridges
If you’ve opted for a slinky wedding dress, a body suit will help to give you a smooth silhouette that enhances your figure.
This jersey thong body from Spanx is made from soft champagne beige that won’t show through white fabric and features a plunge bra and VPL-free design allowing it to sit under just about any gown.
9. Simone Perele Wish Stretch Tulle & Lace Underwired Bra & Tanga Briefs – Bra £82, Briefs £46, Selfridges
How pretty is this lacy white bra and brief set from Simone Perele? Guipure lace and floral motifs give this set a classic bridal feel.
The Parisian label is all about comfort and so you’ll feel as good as you look in ultra-soft stretch tulle. Plus, you can buy a matching suspender belt if you feel like going all out.
10. Boux Lace High Waisted Control Briefs – £25, Boux Avenue
Close-fitting wedding gowns look amazing, but they can show up every detail – even the ones you’d kind of prefer to hide! If you’re feeling a clingy dress but want the smoothest silhouette possible, opt for some control briefs.
These pink hued briefs from Boux Avenue are made from contouring fabric and feature a lace panel that ensures they look as good uncovered as they do covered up!
11. Rosie DD+ Blush Balconette Bra & Lace Briefs – Brae £34, Briefs £15, Boux Avenue
Bigger busted ladies need plenty of support, but that doesn’t mean their lingerie can’t be beautiful. Just check out this gorgeous blush pink set from Boux Avenue.
With matching briefs, this sweet pastel pink set would work wonderfully for wedding days or honeymoons.
12. Silk & Lace Underwired Plunge Bra & High Leg Knickers – Bra £28, Knickers £14, Marks & Spencer
This silk set with metallic lace details gives us major bridal vibes and is sure to get you feeling like a bride before you’ve even slipped into your dress.
We love the high leg knickers but if you’re more of a thong person, you can add a matching thong to your basket instead.
13. Gossard Superboost Lace Deep V Bralette – £25.90, Figleaves
Looking for something to work with a plunging neckline? Look no further than this stunning lace bralette from Gossard.
Designed to lift and enhance, this little beauty will ensure your girls are looking their best while providing a touch of vintage style to your lingerie look.
14. Millie Lace Bralette & Boyshort – Bralette £15, Boyshort £8, Figleaves
If you’re not a fan of underwiring and fancy something a little more comfortable, we’d recommend this pretty white lace bralette from Figleaves.
Soft, stretch lace gives just the right amount of support, without digging in or constraining you. Plus, the boyshorts are super cute and comfy too.
15. Andres Sarda Mini Full Cup Bra & Full Briefs – Bra £114, Briefs £104, Rigby & Peller
We love the mauve shade of this lace set from Rigby & Peller – it’s a great alternative to blush pink or white.
A transparent tulle lining gives extra support to the bust along with a double strap on the bra, while the sheer briefs are elastic-free, ensuring they don’t show through even the slinkiest of gowns.
16. Primadonna Every Woman Bra – £78, Rigby & Peller
These gorgeous seamless padded bras come in a range of shades to suit all skin tones. The smooth cups will sit perfectly underneath delicate fabrics and the adjustable straps ensure that whatever your dress style, you won’t get pesky bra straps peeping through.
Team this bra with a brief from the Primadonna range, also available in a range of shades, for a matching set. You can choose from a thong, hotpants or full briefs allowing you to customise the set for your comfort.
17. Marie Jo Pearl Padded Strapless Bra – £98, Rigby & Peller
Strapless doesn’t need to mean plain and boring, just check out this gorgeous lace bra from Rigby & Peller. We adore the subtle and delicate scalloped edging and we’re huge fans of the pearl detailing on the adjustable staps.
The straps can be worn in the normal way, halter style or removed completely, giving you plenty of options.
READ MORE: 45 of Our Favourite Off the Shoulder Wedding Dresses
18. Curvy Kate Eye Spy Sheer Mesh & Lace Lingerie Set – Bra £28, Pants £14, ASOS
Fuller busted ladies will love the Curvy Kate range, specially designed to fit and flatter curves.
This sheer blush set is one of our absolute favourites. We love the contemporary panelled design and the subtle lace sections and reckon it would work beautifully underneath a range of dress styles.
19. Aerie Romantic Rib Bralette – £39.95, ASOS
This wire-free bralette from ASOS will feel amazing as well as look gorgeous, all while giving you a subtle boost thanks to the removable padding.
The nude colour won’t show through light fabrics and the straps are adjustable, so you can get the fit just right.
20. Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Lace Bra – £43, ASOS
If you’re rocking a plunge gown and want to show off your assets at their very best, a Wonderbra is the way to go.
This strapless bra features moulded cups and underwired support that acts as a pair of built-in hands to lift you up plus silicone dots to make sure there’s absolutely no slipping.
21. I Saw It First Floral Lace Corset Detail Lingerie Set – £20, ASOS
How cute is this lacy set from ASOS? It’s also a total bargain at just £20 for the corset style bra and matching thong.
Tie straps make this easy to adjust and the pull-on style is perfect for laidback brides looking for casual yet pretty underwear for their big day.
The Best Bridal Nightwear
22. Silk Slip with Lace Details – £69, Intimissi
This silk slip has got ‘wedding night’ written all over it thanks to the classic pink shade and pretty lace edging. This warm hue will lift and compliment all skin tones.
Sitting just below the bum and with a low back, it’s as sexy as it is classy.
23. Lana Pure Silk & Lace Chemise – £80, Figleaves
If you’re feeling a more sultry vibe, might we suggest this slate grey chemise? Made from 100% pure silk and trimmed with black lace, this beauty has a seriously luxe feel.
The stunning light-weight silk will drape beautifully over your body and remain cool enough to wear on even the hottest of honeymoons.
24. Gigi Galloon Lace Chemise – £45, Figleaves
How stunning is this lace chemise from Figleaves? The delicate lace and scalloped edging make it the perfect thing to slip into on your wedding night.
The delicate straps and V crossover back are seriously sexy, so you might want to pack this for your honeymoon too!
25. Wacoal Lace Perfection Stretch Mesh Chemise – £60, Selfridges
Pretty in pink, we’re a little bit in love with this candy-coloured lace dream of a chemise. Delicate lace and floral details make it perfect for the wedding night and beyond.
Plus, the adjustable straps and stretch material make it as comfortable as it is beautiful and the light-weight sheer fabric makes it a great choice for balmy honeymoon nights.
26. Eberjey Colette Jersey & Stretch-Lace Chemise – £90, Selfridges
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.
27. Eyelash Lace Trim Cami & Short Set – £9.60, Boohoo
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!
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?
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?
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?
Some brides, if wearing something practical and comfortable during the day, decide to change into something different for their 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?
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!
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.
