Reprinted with permission from Brideworld magazine.

An underlying secret that will make or break the fit and drape of your wedding gown is worn hidden away, tending to your spectacular look. After spending hours in bridal salon fitting rooms, not to mention spending a few dollars on your dream gown, you now have to consider what undergarments you will or will not wear.

This decision is often an afterthought or not even taken into consideration, after all with our casual way of life we don't often dress in garments that require special undergarments. You may have tried on gowns with a bustier that was supplied for you by the salon or with your regular, strapless bra or none at all while these will give a close indication of how the gown will and should fit you do need to rethink the issue.

Proper selection of foundations will enhance the look and fit of your bridal gown, giving you that perfectly finished look and the comfort to enjoy your magical wedding day.

ON THE HUNT

• Prior to the arrival of your gown take the time to try on various styles of bustier and strapless bras. You will need your undergarments for your fittings.
• Be sure to bring along a photograph of your gown (you will be able to photograph at your leisure now that you have made the purchase) or a sketch if you are having a custom gown designed.
• Make notation of the bodice construction (will a bustier with thick boning stays, lace or front closures blight the lines of the gown?)

With all the styles and sizes available your bustier selection may not quite fit you properly or be the right cut for your gown. Not to fret, at a professional lingerie boutique alterations can be made. On some designs, adjustments such taking in or lowering can be made to sides, cups and backs.

The cut of the bustier should mimic the cut of your gown bodice; for example if your gown has a dropped waist your bustier should not stop at your waist. A strapless bra will not work for a very low back design, will the cups show at the neckline, are the straps set wide enough? If you are going to try tape or self-adhering gel cups, do so prior to your gown's arrival. Wear them for a full six to eight hours, you will be in your gown at least that long. I suggest wearing your foundation selection once or twice before your special day… you don't want to find out then it is unbearable.

All of this sounds totally out of the question? Have a discussion with your alteration specialist about the possibility of having cups sewn into your gown. The design and construction of you and your gown will determine usage. You do have choices here as well; cups are available in molded and soft versions with and without push-up padding.

Some selections for you...

Claudine can help ensure your bridal undergarments support you and your dream gown in all the right ways. With access to designer lingerie, she can provide exquisite options from Lise Charmel, Cotton Club, Marie Jo and others. Discreetly, with your privacy and comfort in mind.

A few of the many options are shown at right. Note the reference number of any that interests you; Claudine can provide additional selections for your consideration.

Claudine Kenney, the couturiere of Bridal Perfections, has been designing and creating couture bridal gowns and special occasion fashions for brides and clients across the United States as well as internationally for over thirty years.

Copyright © 2001 – 2012 by Bridal Perfections. All rights reserved.
Privacy policy. Custom web site designers External Design